San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- Hiking
- Camping
- Backpacking
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- Hiking
- Camping
- Backpacking
Exploring California’s Natural Spaces
BCM has offered a unique set of outdoor experiences for youth in the SF Bay Area for over 15 years. A hike, campout, or backpacking trip in California’s natural spaces are awe-inspiring experiences from which the memories last a lifetime. Point Reyes National Seashore and Stanislaus National Forest are a couple of the amazing places that BCM has visited.
Itineraries
Our programs gradually immerse youth participants into nature in a series of progressive, scaffolded experiences. First, we familiarize them with the basics of hiking by visiting trails near the communities the participants live. We then build on that foundation on an accessible overnight trip by introducing camping skills which include navigation on trails, pitching a tent, and how to layer clothing. Then, we embark on our flagship weeklong backpacking expeditions in the backcountry. This comprehensive approach fosters self-confidence that remains well after the participants depart.
Day Hike Itinerary
Hike Prep
- Land acknowledgement introduction
- Positive learning agreement introduction
- Expedition flag introduction
- Youth roles introduction
- Phone free expectations
Activities and Lessons
- Games
- Backcountry skills: map reading basics
- Backcountry skills: traveling as a group
- Backcountry skills: essential gear & equipment
End of the Hike
- Personal reflection & journaling
- Roundtable reflection
- Gauge level of interest & ability to participate on the overnight
Frontcountry Overnight Itinerary
Overnight Prep
- Review youth roles and phone free expectations
- Outfit participants with necessary clothing and equipment
Activities and Lessons
- Goal setting
- Reflection roundtable
- Backcountry skills
- Minimizing our impact
- Tent site selection and setup
- Sleeping comfortably
- Cooking
- Backcountry bathrooms & hygiene
- Route selection & considerations
- Animal encounters
- Lost & alone
End of Overnight
- Final reflection
- Discuss expedition dates, location, and requirements
- Complete end of program feedback form
Weeklong Backcountry Expedition Itinerary
Expedition Prep
- Review youth roles, phone free expectations, and positive learning agreement
- Duffle shuffle: What to bring and what to leave behind
- Self-care in the backcountry: how folks are feeling and what they need from the group
- Backcountry skills:
- How to pack a pack
- Review lost & alone and backcountry hygiene lessons
Activities and Lessons
- Backcountry skills:
- Recognizing hotspots & treating blisters
- Treating water and staying hydrated
- Campsite boundaries
- Challenge day
- Create an expedition flag
- Daily reflection roundtables
- Celebration dinner
End of Expedition
- Assist with end of program gear clean up and organizing
- Learn about participant alumni opportunities
- Complete end of program feedback and survey
Meet Our Partners
We collaborate with schools, after school programs, youth serving agencies and recreation centers in the local community to identify youth who would benefit most from our program. By doing so, we ensure that our program reaches those who may not have had the opportunity to otherwise have access to experiences such as the ones BCM provides.
These partnerships are central to our program model. The Youth Agency Partners we work with help us develop our curriculum, are present for all aspects of the youth trail experience, and ensure that the valuable lessons learned during our time outdoors continue to positively impact the participants’ homes, schools, and communities.
Discover how we work with youth agencies.
Earth Team
Earth Team is a collaborative conservation network connecting Bay Area youth, teachers and young leaders with numerous environmental, educational, and government organizations; here was a niche that needed filling.
Earth Team is committed to delivering quality service-learning projects by partnering with the strongest educational, environmental and government organizations.
Multicultural Center of Marin
“I am here. I have a voice. I have something important to say.” This is the essence of what Presente stands for. At the Multicultural Center of Marin, we believe that our young people need to be acknowledged and their voices and perspectives should be lifted up. By engaging the youth of our community, we are laying the groundwork for their engagement with society as they grow and develop.
Yes Nature to Neighborhoods
YES’s Youth Leadership Pathway programs engage youth over ten years, from childhood through young adulthood, from a week of Summer Camp to year-round participation in YES’s outdoor and youth development programs.
Looking to Support?
Looking to Partner?
David Lee
California Program Manager