your stories are powerful.
Share them.
Finding My Place in the Outdoors: A Journey of Growth Through Backcountry Squatters
Ella was a recipient of the 2022 Spring scholarship for outdoor education and completed an Canyoneering course through the University of Utah which helped her embrace her full outdoor potential.
Understanding Your Fertility: What Everyone Should Know
Understanding your reproductive health is essential, especially when it comes to fertility. In this blog post, one of our board members reflects on their experiences working in Reproductive Endocrinology and shares key insights on fertility factors, treatment options, and what everyone should know about family planning.
Ice Climbing w/ Jaime
Jaime was a recipient of the 2023 Fall scholarship for outdoor education and completed an Ice Climbing course in British ColumbiaWater ebbs and flows, collects memories and emotion as we interact with different facets of water - as fluid, as ice, as snow crystals....
Outside (of Gender Norms)
Envisioning and working towards a future when all women and non-binary people can feel the freedom of sunshine on their faces and wind in their hair is a deeply radical endeavor—much more radical than any river I’ve run or line I’ve skied.On a sunny day in June, the...
Representation in the Outdoor Industry & The Wilderness First Responder Course with Adi
Adi Sadeh was a recipient of the 2022 Fall scholarship for outdoor education and received her Wilderness First Responder certification through NOLS.
Wilderness First Responder Training w/ Clare
Clare was a recipient of the fall 2022 scholarship for outdoor education and completed her WFR through Remote Medical Training. It involved 40 hours of online coursework during the month leading up to the 5 day in-person course. Some of my earliest memories of...
Assistant Overnight Guide Sea Kayak with Alana
Alana Norie was a recipient of the 2023 Spring scholarship for outdoor education and received their Assistant Overnight Guide in Clayoquot Sound, BC, Canada.
Alumni Series: Molly Taylor
In this blog series, you can expect to learn about some of our Alumni, about their time with Backcountry Squatters, and maybe even pick up some sage advice. Molly Taylor spends her post-grad days ice climbing in Missoula, MT. Molly’s first foray into the niche sport...
Swiftwater Rescue w/ Andie
I wanted to feel more comfortable and empowered as an individual in the water as well as contribute to growing the Whitewater Kayaking Club at Columbia so I decided to take a Swiftwater Rescue Course this summer. This opportunity was only possible through the scholarship I received from Backcountry Squatters.
Wilderness First Responder w/ Claire
Claire reflects on her experience taking a Wilderness First Responder course through NOLS with the funds she received from the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education.
Alumni Series: Kit Kocha
Kit Kocha, one of the co-founders of Backcountry Squatters and the visionary behind so much of what Squatters is today, is a self-prescribed dreamer. Fortunately, many of Kit’s dreams have revolved around her deep passion for outdoor stewardship and mentorship, beginning with her outdoor experiences in her youth.
2023 In’s and Out’s
February, the actual start of the year, is when you make good on some new resolutions, tidy things up, and rebrand yourself completely. In honor of the new year (Ibby’s New Year™), I thought I would share some of my “In’s and Out’s” for 2023.