Reviewed by: Grace Howard
Big City Mountaineers invites nature lovers to celebrate its first season at Railroad Park on Nov. 17
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Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a national provider of experiences for youth in the outdoors, is inviting the public to a “Community Cookout” to celebrate their first program season in Birmingham.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 1:00PM to 3:00PM at Railroad Park.
This casual event is an opportunity for nature lovers and educators to meet and learn more about Big City Mountaineers. If you would like to attend, RSVP here.
Birmingham is Big City Mountaineers’ first Southern program
Established nearly 35 years ago, BCM’s mission is to provide transformative experiences through connections to nature that strengthen life skills and build community for youth from disinvested communities.
BCM does this by offering free, fully outfitted and professionally led backpacking trips and paddling expeditions for young people ages 12 to 18 across the country.
Birmingham is the first BCM program in the South.
“This summer was a success! We served over 60 youth from the Birmingham area and visited Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Oak Mountain State Park, Cheaha Wilderness, Tannehill State Park and the Bankhead National Forest.
Students recorded how much they appreciated time to connect with their peers outside of school and without technology, overcoming challenges they didn’t know they were capable of. They also stated their new-found appreciation for the simple luxuries of life like showers and beds, as well as an improved ability to see the multiple ways to solve a problem or use an item for multiple purposes.”
Margaret Cartner, Big City Mountaineers
2024 Big City Mountaineers by the numbers
In total, the first year of the Birmingham program accomplished the following:
- Served 65 youth
- Partnered with 4 local youth agencies including Breakthrough Birmingham, Youth Serve, Girls Inc. + Huffman Outdoor Adventure Club
- Youth spent 4,480 hours outdoors
- Adults volunteered over 390 hours
- 72% of youth participants reported having never been on a hike, camping trip, or multi-day outdoor adventure before their experience with BCM
Join the team at Big City Mountaineers
In addition to the cookout, BCM is looking for volunteers and people interested in working for the organization.
“We are in a pinch for instructors but actively recruiting in the community for individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and youth development. We are hiring!”
Margaret Cartner, Big City Mountaineers
One way you can get involved in the new year is by registering for the Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course BCM is hosting in Montevallo at the beginning of January 2025. Here are all the details.
Learn more about that program and the many ways you can serve at BCM’s Community Cookout this coming Sunday, November 17, 1:00PM to 3:00PM at Railroad Park.
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