Climb one of North America’s iconic peaks, get tons of free gear, and help inner city youth at the same time! Introducing Climbing for Kids:

From BAWT’s About page:

Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) is a project of the Earth Island Institute a 501(c)(3) corporation founded by environmental activist and climber David Brower. Brower’s legacy as a climber with hundreds of first ascents on High Sierra peaks is only overshadowed by his legacy as a tireless champion of the environment. Read more about BAWT, Brower and Earth Island Institute.

Mission Statement
To create opportunities for urban youth to experience wilderness first hand.

Vision Statement
BAWT exists as a vital, comprehensive and ongoing source of support to agencies that lead youth wilderness trips. We believe that urban youth, once exposed to wilderness, have a broadened sense of themselves, each other, and the world around them. BAWT extends it services to the eight counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. We hope other organizations will take this vision to the rest of the country and the larger world.

Primary Strategy
BAWT’s primary strategy for achieving its mission is to provide Bay Area youth agency staff with wilderness leadership training and outdoor equipment so that they, along with the youth they serve, may explore the power and beauty of California’s wilderness.

Registration begins Oct. 10th for Backpacker Magazine’s annual Summit for Someone charity event benefitting at risk youths.  Two dozen mountain expeditions are planned, of varying difficulty, all led by expert guides.  This is a great way to give back and get something great in return.