With meticulous preparation and instructor training, myself, Julia, and my co-part, Devin, successfully launched the 2019 Youth Backcountry Camp (YBCC) program. This summer we took 99 youth out into the backcountry and returned with 99 self-sufficient leaders ready to become the next generation of environmental stewards. It only took 1,964 miles of meadows, river-crossings, and mountains to transform these technology driven teens into passionate nature-loving guardians. It was worth every step, but it wasn’t an easy expedition.

Keeping it Real

That first gathering in the gear locker with twelve young participants, I see unfamiliar faces showcasing mixed emotions, lackluster, enthusiasm, and a little bit of fear. I hear the sweet quiet sound of respect as I deliberate the realistic expectations of the next four days to the campers. Cellphones are left at home or locked away and youth participants are encouraged to do things often secondary to technology in the front country: human interaction, physical activity, and connecting with nature. According to the National Wildlife Federation, on average children are spending only 30 minutes of outdoor activity and a whopping seven hours of screen time per day. This shocking truth is one the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) strives to change as time spent outside is shown to increase physical and mental health, build self-confidence, heighten performance in school, and enhance social interactions. Over four days of no technology and non-stop outdoor activity, the TRTA provides youth the opportunity to entirely connect with nature.

The Space Walk

It’s day one on the trail with my group of campers and we’ve reached the top of their first set of switchbacks. I can see an opening in the trees and I hear the kids moan, “Are we almost there?” It’s only a half mile in and not the first time I heard that question. I laugh to myself and assure them that it will be their favorite part of the hike. One by one, each sweaty and tired kid walks in silence across Big Meadow observing their surroundings as we go. As we cross the bridge that opens up to the meadow, I look up and see some folks fishing in the stream that flows beneath me. I look down and see a few Cutthroat Trout dart below the bridge, seeking shelter from my presence. I look up again and notice the contrast of snowcapped mountains to the solid blue sky in the distance. The fall line highlighted by snowy chutes brings my sights back down to the lush green meadow covered with lupine-colored blankets and swirling blue butterflies. A Garter Snake slithers across my path and through an artist’s palette of wildflowers. I’ve reached the end of the meadow and see a tunnel of pines ahead. We gather here and pass around the talking stick to discuss our observations. The participants, tiredness seemingly forgotten, note the breathtaking display of natural features.

The Principle of It

Throughout the trip we focus on distinguishing these features and delving into the geology and ecosystems of our temporary home around Round Lake and Dardanelles Lake for the next few days. The higher we hike into the mountains and the further away from the front country, the more difference we begin to see in our natural surroundings, and ourselves. For most, this is all new territory. While 77% of YBCC participants are local to the Tahoe Basin, 64% had never been backpacking before and have not had the opportunity or resources to explore their backyard. Thanks to funding support from community partners, the TRTA’s Youth Backcountry Camp program has been able to provide the opportunity for local youth to learn the technical skills of backpacking, such as water filtration, backcountry cooking, and map and compass navigation. Throughout these four day trips, participants also learn and exercise Leave No Trace principles, fundamental to proper backpacking etiquette and vital for natural resource preservation. While utilizing these new talents, participants cultivate skills much more valuable including perseverance, leadership, and confidence. Campers discover their newly-developed attributes through challenging scenic treks, team-building activities, and introspection.

Sitting in Silence

At the end of each activity-dense and knowledge-packed day, the group winds down with some quiet time for reflection and thought-provoking questions. For our last sunset of the trip, we hike up to an overlook of glacier-carved Dixon Canyon between the Lahar cliffs of Steven’s Peak and a snow-covered ridge of Little Round Top. We disperse, each child perched on their own granite slab, and sit for fifteen silent minutes in observation of our senses. I hear the sound of snowmelt flowing down the canyon and a mountain chickadee singing for a mate. I see a marmot scurry behind a lichen-covered rock and pink cumulus clouds drifting across mountain tops. I feel the glacial striations carved throughout the granite and the wind brush gently against my skin. I smell fresh scents of pine needles with every soft breeze and notes of vanilla in the bark of the Jeffrey Pine beside me. I lift my chin to the sky and howl to call my pack back in. There is a calm presence within the group. We discuss our observations and then wander back to our silent sit spots. This time, we let creativity flow. We think, we feel, we draw, we write. I call my pack in once more. We share our drawings, writings, our thoughts and feelings.

We reflect, we change. That final gathering in the wilderness I see twelve dirt-dusted, smiling faces showcasing emotions of tranquility and accomplishment. There is a trust between each of us and a connectedness with our surroundings. We are appreciative, independent, and growing. This is what nature means to youth.

Thank you to our 2019 sponsors and donors for making this experience possible!

In 2019, the TRTA was able to provide 65% of YBCC trips to participants for little to no cost thanks to generous donations from our sponsors and donors. If you are interested in supporting the TRTA in providing this impactful, educational experience, please consider donating to our Youth Programs.