Big City Mountaineers

Big City Mountaineers helps underserved urban youth develop critical life skills through weeklong wilderness expeditions led by adult mentors. More than 1,000 youth per year have participated in the backpacking or canoeing expeditions since founder Jim Kern organized the first hiking trip in Montana more than two decades ago. On the trip, teenagers can develop a trusting, one-on-one relationship with their mentors and learn how to act with integrity, self-confidence, and responsibility. Big City Mountaineers also partners with volunteer climbers from Summit for Someone, who scale challenging North American peaks to raise money for youth in the program.