Backcountry Squatters
A network of college clubs dedicated to growing women’s participation, leadership, and representation in the outdoor industry and community
scholarship for outdoor education
the application for our 2021 scholarship for outdoor education is now open
Applications Due December 31,2021
Woman and gender-queer people who seek non-male dominated spaces in the outdoor community can apply to this scholarship and be awarded up to $600 in order to enhance their participation, leadership, or representation in the outdoor industry and community.
about us
Run by ‘Squatters alumni, this 501c3 nonprofit uplifts women at a pivotal moment in their lives by connecting them in the sisterhood, growth, and empowerment of shared outdoor pursuits.
our chapters
We are opening the door to outdoor opportunities that women have historically been excluded from. With chapters established accross the nation, Backcountry Squatters is rapidly expanding. Look here to find a chapter near you.
join us
By equipping college women with vital lessons from adventure and camaraderie, we bolster future female leaders through a make-or-break time— ensuring more women rise.
on the blog
Backcountry Squatters’ Response to the Killing of George Floyd
Part of Backcountry Squatters’ mission is to increase women’s participation in spaces that have historically lacked a female presence. We are aware that women’s groups that look like Backcountry Squatters (predominantly white) have not been present in racial justice movements like the one occurring today. Backcountry Squatters aims to increase women’s participation in racial justice, too.
It’s About WE not ME
We want to talk about a raging debate in the outdoor community right now: What sort of activities should we be participating in to maintain our personal health, as well as the health of our community? Here’s our two cents: The outdoor community at large should check their privilege at the door and think about WE not ME.
It’s Okay To Unfollow People on Instagram
it's okay to unfollow people on instagram At some point along our social media journey, unfollowing became some sort of savage thing to do…. Bad break up: Unfollow. Friend fight: Unfollow. And my personal favorite, the friend of a friend is having a fight with someone...
DIY Camper Remodel
If you don’t make the same mistakes as me, you may save yourself TIME and a LOT of cursing.
Planned Parenthood: Debunking the Myths
Our very own ambassador Nina is currently working at Planned Parenthood! Here she teaches us about the badass organization that Planned Parenthood is as it empowers women and men to be in charge of their own bodies.
Thoughts on Being Your Biggest Fan and Putting Yourself First
thoughts on being your biggest fan and putting yourself first One of the greatest realizations I’ve had is that I am my biggest fan and my loudest cheerleader. Hello and welcome to this blog post. I bet you think you’re setting into a casual read on...
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.
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.
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.
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.