Research shows…

Did you know that according to recent polls by The Nature Conservancy, less than 10% of US kids spend time outside each day? Additionally, data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health found that over 30% of California and Nevada teens are overweight or obese! We find that absolutely astonishing!

Copious studies have shown the incredible benefits kids gain from simply being outside. Spending time outdoors has been linked to better vision, increased social confidence, longer attention spans, higher creativity, greater responsibility, stress reduction, better immune health, increased balance and coordination, improved social skills, more investment in the health of the environment, and a stronger commitment to your physical well-being. With the plethora of benefits of getting outside, it’s our goal to bring those phenomenal benefits to underserved youth in our region.

Youth Backcountry Camps build character

Youth Backcountry Camps (YBCC) are all about giving kids the experience they need to be able to connect with the outdoors while building self-confidence and grit through meaningful personal challenges. Since 2007, the Youth Backcountry Camp program has provided multiday backpacking adventures for middle and high school students.

Through hands-on learning and direct experience, these trips help youth develop imperative real-world skills including communication and problem-solving, explore natural history, learn to persevere when pushed outside their comfort zone, and understand the importance of wilderness ethics while becoming lifelong stewards. YBCC trips further kids’ feelings of environmental stewardship and ownership while also getting them out of their bubble to practice teamwork, leadership, and independence. As a part of the YBCC mission, teens are given the freedom to follow their passions and explore their natural surroundings under the guidance of trained wilderness instructors.

By challenging these youth through giving them independence and encouraging learning in an environment with structured risk, we work to build resilience in the face of adversity, giving these young adults the tools they need for a well-rounded, successful life.

We have seen the positive results of YBCC on the kids who participate in it; last year an overwhelming majority of participants left the program with more self-confidence, a greater connection to their environment, and feeling more invested in their natural surroundings. Reflecting on her experience with YBCC, Chloe O. said,

“No matter how far or high a place may seem, getting there is always possible. Hard work is always worth the reward and pushing yourself makes reaching your goals that much better.”

Maya H. walked away “with a new appreciation for nature,” and Samantha M. went home “knowing that every time I need something I have people there for me.”

Past and future…

Last year was our most impactful year yet! We hosted seven different trips around the Basin to touch the lives of dozens of teens. 67% of those teens had never backpacked before, and 63% of them live in urban areas. Excitingly, we were able to give 60% of those kids the YBCC experience at little to no cost to themselves or their families, through our partnerships as well as numerous scholarships.

But you know us at the Rim Trail – we reach for the stars! This year, we’re adding even more YBCC trips (nine total!!), bringing on new organizational partners, hiring another highly-experienced wilderness instructor, and inspiring even more teens through this unique program.

We have seen the incredible results of YBCC and have faith in its potential to shape the next generation of healthy, thriving environmental stewards.