Paddling Mentors for Summer 2007 Trips

January 11, 2007 (Golden, Colo.) - Big City Mountaineers, the country’s leading volunteer organization devoted to mentoring urban teens during wilderness trips, is seeking volunteers for its 2007 summer trips. Five adults are paired with five teens from a local youth program for an unforgettable eight-day backpacking or paddling trip.

Men and women volunteers, 21 and older, are currently being sought out for the summer programs all over the country. Various locations allow adults to explore a new location or an old favorite, while introducing teens to the outdoors. Most of the teens have never spent a night in the wilderness – many have never slept in a tent.

Trips are eight days in length–with four nights on the water. Each adult team includes a trip leader and a staff member from the participating youth organization.

During this week in the wilderness, the youth are taught backcountry basics such as setting up camp and Leave No Trace ethics. The youth are also encouraged to face challenges and fears that they will surely come across, as most of the participants have never been on a trip like this before. Adult volunteers get the chance to mentor the youth through activities, nightly discussions, and an award ceremony.

For more information or to apply to volunteer, please visit: www.bigcitymountaineers.org/volunteer Or contact Erin Sovick at Big City Mountaineers: esovick@bigcitymountaineers.org or 303-271-9200 x410