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.
on the blog
Who Let Me Graduate?
who let me graduate? If you work to play, that is okay. If you love your work and play less, that is also okay.After graduation, I went through what I like to call my quarter life crisis. How does one transition from the fun, borderline alcoholic college lifestyle to...
Looking Like You’re not Trying
looking like you're not trying Attention all Bozemanites: this one's for you. I was walking down Main Street earlier today on my way to Wild Joe’s for a cold brew(cut with an alternative milk--duh) that I convinced myself would spark my motivation to complete all the...
Permission to Fail
permission to fail It’d be ignorant to ignore the stereotypes that shadow female athletes, following themes of weakness and overly emotional.Hannah Mavis joined the competitive mountain biking team when she was twelve years old. When she joined, Oregon had to create a...
Thank u, next: Leaving a mountain town for the big city
thank u, next: leaving a mountain town for the big city A classic cheesy line that holds true: Don’t be afraid to try something new. This spring I left my comfortable and loving mountain town of Bozeman, MT for Boston, MA. I’m not here to be sappy, but as I drove away...
WaiT, yOu Didn’T GO sKiiNg?
It’s October and it’s snowing for the first time of the year, you’re feeling “meh” about it and that’s okay.
The Long Haul
the long haul A story of personal growth.Backstory: Growing up in Spokane, Washington I hardly considered myself ‘outdoorsy’. I went on the occasional hike much like most people in Spokane, but I was very much into playing premier soccer and running high school track....
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.