Wilderness Mentors Needed! Big City Mountaineers and the Sierra Club
Mission Outdoors is very excited about our partnership with Big City Mountaineers (BCM) in Colorado this summer! We believe firmly that veterans and active duty, Guard, and reserve service women and men are some of the finest leaders and most capable mentors our Nation has. Acting on that belief, we’re hoping to pair you, the veteran or active duty service woman or man, with a teenager in the wild! We are sponsoring 10 BCM mentors in 2012 and if all goes well, hope to expand the program in 2013. Learn more about the program below, and if you are interested, you need to get to one of the info sessions scheduled as soon as possible!
Get involved: your community needs you!
Wilderness Mentors Wanted
Use your talents to help under-served urban youth gain critical life skills in the wilderness. Join the Big City Mountaineers Veteran Leadership Program and become a volunteer mentor on one of our weeklong wilderness expeditions in Colorado this spring and summer. BCM programs introduce youth to the beauty and challenges of the wilderness alongside caring adult role models, helping kids gain critical life skills on the trail that can translate back to daily life.
Big City Mountaineers will deliver a series of pre-expedition trainings for our volunteer veterans to engage in outdoor skills building and youth development trainings. These trainings will include online and in-person informational sessions, an in-person orientation and introductory skills building training, and a three day/two night backpacking expedition (June 4-6) for veterans to build wilderness and mentoring skills. Following this series of pre-expedition trainings, participants will experience the core of BCM programming, a week-long backpacking expedition. Post expedition single-day and overnight programs are opportunities for veterans to continue building their outdoor leadership skills.
Find out more on how you can make a positive difference in the life of a young person in need by attending one of our upcoming Volunteer Info Sessions or by visiting our websitewww.bigcitymountaineers.org
- Tuesday, March 13th 6:30-8:00PM REI Westminster: 14696 Delaware St. Westminster, CO 80023
- Wednesday, March 21st 6:00-7:30PM Mountain Equipment Recyclers:1005 South Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Wednesday, March 28th 6:00-7:30PM REI Flagship Store: 1416 Platte St. Denver, CO 80202
Frequently Asked Questions:
• What dates are for the veteran participants?
BCM tries to balance volunteer’s skill sets to create well rounded teams so veterans will be integrated into the summer volunteer pool. Dates for summer 2012 are June 26th – August 2nd, with expeditions leaving every Tuesday and Friday.
• Can veterans apply without coming to a listening session?
No. Every summer volunteer must attend a BCM New Volunteer Information Session. Our preference is to meet each potential volunteer, but in the event that someone is unable to make a session we have conference calls scheduled. The info session is important as it gives a full overview of our programs and clarifies any questions potential volunteers may have.
• Is there an online application?
Yes. Once a volunteer has attended or listened to an info session they will be sent a link to the online application – the application covers their skill sets and includes a full medical screening. Each potential volunteer will be interviewed by the Program Director.
• What training do volunteers in the veteran leadership program receive?
BCM will deliver a series of pre-expedition trainings, including a three-day training in the backcountry launching outside of Denver. Lead by two professional field instructors, veterans will gain hands-on experience practicing safety in the wilderness, Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, and general backpacking skills. Veterans will be educated on BCM’s youth development curriculum, and be empowered to take advantage of the outdoors again on their own, through day-hikes, weekend camping trips, and backpacking expeditions. Additionally, veterans will gain group leadership skills, and be able to facilitate youth learning in the outdoors.
For more information please contact Elizabeth Williams at elizabeth@bigcitymountaineers.org
Get involved, get outside!
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