Empowering Tomorrow’s Outdoor Leaders: Backcountry Squatters

Backcountry Squatters is a nationwide coalition of college clubs committed to fostering participation, leadership, and inclusivity among women and gender-queer folks within the outdoor industry and community.

about us

Run by ‘Squatters alumni, this 501c3 nonprofit uplifts women and gender-queer folks at a pivotal moment in their lives by connecting them in the kinship, growth, and empowerment of shared outdoor pursuits.

our chapters

We are opening the door to outdoor opportunities that women and non-binary folks have historically been excluded from. With chapters established accross the nation, Backcountry Squatters is rapidly expanding. 

join us

Your support helps shape the next generation of resilient, empowered leaders. Together, we can make a difference, creating a more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious future.

JOIN OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD SECRETARY

Backcountry Squatters Nonprofit is seeking a hard-working and dedicated professional to serve in a multi-year term as the Board Secretary on the Board of Directors. The Secretary is responsible for official communications with board members, scheduling meetings across multiple time zones, and keeping accurate records for the nonprofit.

The position is a great fit for someone who is driven, detail-oriented, can track and prioritize tasks, has strong communication skills, and enjoys working with team members to contribute to the sustainability of Backcountry Squatters. This position is not exclusive to Backcountry Squatters alumni. We encourage women and non-binary folks who wish they had this community during their college experience to apply!

We are looking to fill this position immediately. For more information and the details on applying, please download the job description below. We will begin reviewing applications March 1, 2024. 

on the blog

Alumni Series: Molly Taylor

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...

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Swiftwater Rescue w/ Andie

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.

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Wilderness First Responder w/ Claire

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.

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Alumni Series: Kit Kocha

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.

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2023 In’s and Out’s

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.

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What our community says:

From the beginning this movement has never been about how fast we can ski, how hard we can climb, or how far we can run–it has always been about pushing the boundaries of what women perceive as possible for themselves in outdoor culture, and in-turn, society. Through my own experience with Backcountry Squatters, I’ve found a meaningful sense-of-place in my community and have gotten to do so alongside women with an array of interesting backgrounds and stories–an experience I believe every woman should get the opportunity to have.

-Colleen

Montana State University

The Backcountry Squatters were a pleasure to partner with for avalanche education. The turnout for the classes was always high and the women were excited to learn. It’s great to work with a club that is eager to offer educational opportunities, as well as fun experiences.

-Nina

Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Education Coordinator

I am always inspired by the women I have met through Backcountry Squatters. This community has introduced me to strong, confident, and amazing women who all share a collective enthusiasm for the outdoors. By maintaining a supportive atmosphere to pursue unique goals and have fun doing it, ‘Squatters has helped me build confidence in the mountains, on the river and even in school. 

-Anna

Montana State Univerity

I got involved with the Backcountry Squatters  at DU when it first got up and running because I wanted to not only inspire girls to join the outdoor community but also help other like-minded girls to find more gal pals to go get after it with. That’s why it has been so important to me: because we need more girl support in the outdoor community and an inclusive environment where we can grow and learn from each other.

-Avi

University of Denver

WHO WE ARE

Backcountry Squatters is a vibrant community that empowers college women and non-binary folks at a pivotal moment in their lives. We are dedicated to fostering growth, leadership, and kinship through shared outdoor pursuits.

Our vision propels a new generation of leaders to thrive through college and beyond, making a lasting impact on the world. With a nationwide network of clubs, we prioritize community, leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, education, and outdoor recreation, ensuring everyone can access the transformative power of the outdoors.

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