Seattle, WA
- Hiking
- Camping
- Backpacking
Seattle, WA
- Hiking
- Camping
- Backpacking
Exploring the Pacific Northwest’s Natural Spaces
Since 2009, BCM has offered a unique set of outdoor experiences for youth in the Pacific Northwest. A backpacking trip or campout in Washington’s many public lands is an awe-inspiring experience from which the memories last a lifetime. The Glacier Peak Wilderness and Mt. Saint Helens National Monument are a few of the amazing places in the central mountains of Washington BCM has visited.
Itineraries
Our programs gradually immerse youth participants into nature in a series of smooth transitions. First, we familiarize them with the front country through day hikes and overnight camping trips. Then, we embark on our flagship weeklong backpacking or canoeing expeditions in the backcountry. This comprehensive approach fosters self-confidence that remains well after the participants depart.
Day Hike Itinerary
Hike Prep
- Land acknowledgement introduction
- Positive learning agreement introduction
- Expedition flag introduction
- Youth roles introduction
- Phone free expectations
Activities and Lessons
- Games
- Backcountry skills: map reading basics
- Backcountry skills: traveling as a group
- Backcountry skills: essential gear & equipment
End of the Hike
- Personal reflection & journaling
- Roundtable reflection
- Gauge level of interest & ability to participate on the overnight
Frontcountry Overnight Itinerary
Overnight Prep
- Review youth roles and phone free expectations
- Outfit participants with necessary clothing and equipment
Activities and Lessons
- Goal setting
- Reflection roundtable
- Backcountry skills
- Minimizing our impact
- Tent site selection and setup
- Sleeping comfortably
- Cooking
- Backcountry bathrooms & hygiene
- Route selection & considerations
- Animal encounters
- Lost & alone
End of Overnight
- Final reflection
- Discuss expedition dates, location, and requirements
- Complete end of program feedback form
Weeklong Backcountry Expedition Itinerary
Expedition Prep
- Review youth roles, phone free expectations, and positive learning agreement
- Duffle shuffle: What to bring and what to leave behind
- Self-care in the backcountry: how folks are feeling and what they need from the group
- Backcountry skills:
- How to pack a pack
- Review lost & alone and backcountry hygiene lessons
Activities and Lessons
- Backcountry skills:
- Recognizing hotspots & treating blisters
- Treating water and staying hydrated
- Campsite boundaries
- Challenge day
- Create an expedition flag
- Daily reflection roundtables
- Celebration dinner
End of Expedition
- Assist with end of program gear clean up and organizing
- Learn about participant alumni opportunities
- Complete end of program feedback and survey
Meet Our Partners
We collaborate with schools, after school programs, youth serving agencies and recreation centers in the local community to identify youth who would benefit most from our program. By doing so, we ensure that our program reaches those who may not have had the opportunity to otherwise have access to experiences such as the ones BCM provides.
These partnerships are central to our program model. Our Youth Agency Partners help us develop our curriculum, are present for all aspects of the youth trail experience, and ensure that the valuable lessons learned during our time outdoors continue to positively impact the participants’ homes, schools, and communities.
Discover how we work with youth agencies.
Seattle Nativity School
Seattle Nativity School is an independent middle school in the Archdiocese of Seattle, serving students in grades 6-8 who qualify for the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced lunches based on income status. Seattle Nativity School’s commitment is to helping under-served students close the widening achievement gap in Central and South Seattle. Students receive class and individualized instruction based on performance levels.
Community for Youth
Community for Youth inspires and supports students to be their best selves through mentoring, learning experiences, and a powerful community.
CFY places an emphasis on one-on-one relationships between mentors and students, and today works with 40-70 mentor pairs annually, connecting South Seattle high school students with compatible adults to help students realize and reach their full potential.
Campfire Explorers Club
Campfire Explorers Club is a Washington State registered Non-Profit organization that we at Campfire Coffee started to help us realize our big adventure of making outdoor recreation and education accessible for more people, especially those who have been shut out from being able to explore and enjoy our natural world because of financial or other obstacles.
