get involved
VOLUNTEER WITH BIG CITY MOUNTAINEERS
At Big City Mountaineers, we believe in the power of the outdoors to change lives, and we’re committed to making sure every young person has the chance to experience it. Through our free, professionally guided outdoor programs for youth from disinvested communities nationwide, we work to break down barriers to outdoor access and create opportunities for confidence, connection, and belonging in nature.
When you volunteer with Big City Mountaineers, you join a values-driven community that helps make these experiences possible. Whether you’re assisting behind the scenes, supporting field logistics, or contributing your time and creativity in other ways, your involvement helps ensure that the transformative benefits of nature reach the youth who need them most.
We’re so glad that you’re here. Let’s make it happen, together!
Steps to get involved
Your time is valuable, and we want your experience as a BCM volunteer to be meaningful and fulfilling. Here’s how to get started:
Start at the Volunteer Launch Point
Fill out our Volunteer Launch Point form to join the BCM volunteer community and connect with our team right away.Explore Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities
Once you’ve joined, you’ll receive information about ways to support our free outdoor programs for youth — from helping with outreach and logistics to assisting events and office projects.Learn and Connect
Meet other volunteers, learn more about BCM’s mission, and find the best fit for your skills and interests.On-Trail Support Opportunities
Stay tuned for details about limited on-trail volunteer roles that assist our professional field guides in ensuring successful expeditions for youth participants.
Helping young people feel comfortable in the outdoors and inspiring them to be responsible stewards of our planet feels like one of the most meaningful gifts we can give.
We start by building trust, showing them that they’re capable, and then gradually inviting them to push beyond what they thought possible. Watching that transformation is the most powerful part – seeing a quiet, hesitant participant light up with pride after pitching their own tent, or a nervous hiker beam at the summit, realizing they just climbed a mountain. By the end of the trip, they carry themselves differently. They’re more confident, more curious, and more connected – not just to the outdoors, but to themselves and their own strength. That’s the magic of BCM.
– Liz, BCM volunteer
Volunteering on a BCM trip in Point Reyes gave me one of the most moving outdoor experiences I’ve ever had. I joined a group of teens on their very first backpacking trip, and over the course of a few days, I watched them grow more confident, curious, and connected to the place and to each other.
We stood in silence beneath the Milky Way, listened for elk calls in the fog, and shared stories each night at camp. The wonder and growth I witnessed in those moments stayed with me long after the trip ended. It reminded me that time in nature, especially when shared with others, can be a catalyst for real transformation.
– Alex, BCM volunteer
VOLUNTEER faq
What types of volunteer opportunities are there at BCM?
So many! You’ll learn more about the variety of volunteer roles at BCM once you complete your Launch Point form, but here’s a brief list for now:
- Event Tabling
- Community Ambassador
- Gear Management
- Trip Supply Runner
- On-Trail Support
- Photographer/Videographer
- Story Collector
- Data & Admin Support
- Development Support
- Financial & Legal Advice
- Volunteer Community Leader
Are there any requirements to be a volunteer with BCM?
The only formal requirement for off-trail volunteers is to be at least 18 years old. We hope to work with folks that share our passion for:
- Service to youth
- Outdoor experiences
- Equitable access
See the following question for details about on-trail volunteer requirements.
How do I get to volunteer on-trail with youth programs?
It is important to know that we have limited spaces available for on-trail volunteers. We wish we could include everyone with interest each program season, but we must prioritize space for youth and partner participants.
We have a few requirements for any on-trail volunteers:
- Live in or near the metropolitan area you hope to volunteer for (Birmingham, AL; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; SF Bay, CA; Seattle, WA)
- Be at least 21 years old
- Pass a background check
- Personal experience in outdoor settings is preferred
You must submit an application to be considered for on-trail opportunities (separate from the standard Volunteer Launch Point form). Make sure you have completed your Launch Point form, then stay tuned for details about the timing and process for the on-trail application.
Is there a cost associated with volunteering?
We request that on-trail volunteer applicants make a donation to BCM that, at a minimum, covers the cost of their background check, which is $25. Donating more helps to offset other costs, such as on-trail meals and training expenses.
There is no cost associated with any off-trail volunteer opportunities.
Do volunteers receive any training or support for their role?
Most off-trail volunteer roles do not require any specific training, as our team can offer any guidance needed. Tabling opportunities or other roles where you are representing BCM to the public require some basic orientation.
On-trail volunteer roles require a full application, background check, and participating in virtual and/or in-person training.
Are there volunteer opportunities for groups or work teams?
Absolutely! We love working with groups and have many great opportunities that are fun and offer meaningful support to our logistically intensive youth programs.
There is consistent need for help with gear management and preparation during program season in each of our program regions. Additionally, larger administrative tasks like data input, photo organization, and fundraising activities often require support from volunteer teams.
What BCM staff will I work with as a volunteer?
You will work most closely with our Volunteer & Community Impact Manager, who oversees all communication with volunteers nationally. If you are based on one of our program regions and get involved with any in-person events, you will likely work directly with the local Regional Program Manager (RPM).