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
We’re searching for:
A Treasurer: Help oversee our finances and contribute to the sustainability of Backcountry Squatters. No past treasurer experience? No problem! We’re looking for someone ready to learn and grow in this vital role.
General Board Members: We’re looking for team players who want to make an impact! Specifically, we need help with:
• Communications: Oversight of e-news, website/blog, social media, and fundraising copy.
• Scholarships: Supporting our efforts to expand opportunities for women and nonbinary students.
• Alumni Network: Building a stronger, more connected Squatters community beyond college.
Whether you’re a Backcountry Squatters alum or someone who wishes this community had existed during your college experience, we’d love to have you apply. We are looking to fill these positions immediately.
Not sure if it’s a good fit? Shoot us an email to info@backcountrysquatters.org and we’d be happy to chat with you!
on the blog
Standing Strong: Backcountry Squatters’ Commitment to DEI
Backcountry Squatters stands firm in our commitment to DEI education and creating an inclusive outdoor community. Despite new federal challenges, we remain dedicated to empowering women, non-binary people, and other marginalized groups to thrive in the outdoors.
Brown butter seed bars and community
BCS alum Jenny Irwin shares her journey from engineering to food and farming, reflecting on how food fosters connection. Plus, don’t miss her incredible seed bar recipe—perfect for all your adventures!
5 Tips for Nurturing your LDF
Long-distance friendships take effort, but they’re so worth it. From silly vlogs to commuter calls, shared challenges, and showing gratitude, these tips will keep the love alive no matter the miles. 💛
The African Environmental Youth Advisory Women in the history of Karura Forest
Backcountry Squatters partnered with Nyasaina Kwamboka (@nyasaina.k.omanga), founder of the African Environmental Youth Advisory (@african.environmental.advisory), to bring you our latest blog. This partnership is a first step towards bridging global communities, inspiring all women and queer folks to connect with nature and each other.
Leading with Love: Lessons from a Weekend Backpacking in the Holy Cross Wilderness
Haley, CU’s Inclusivity Coordinator and our current intern, reflects on leading her first all-women’s backpacking trip in Colorado. Discover her journey of growth, empowerment, and the strength of community in the outdoors.
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.
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.
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.