The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, and the American Red Cross are partnering for their seventh annual Youth Backcountry Camp summer program season. We invite teens, ages 12-17. to attend one of our three- or five-day programs and partake in an inspiring wilderness experience.

Year after year, these programs prove to be a great opportunity for local teens to make new friends while learning about Wilderness First Aid, leadership skills, navigation (map/compass), Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, local ecology and geology, wilderness tracking, and backcountry cooking and nutrition. Participants will backpack approximately 3-7 miles per day while participating in activities that will teach the above skills.

Previous participants attest to our backcountry experience by stating: “YBCC got me away from a lot of things and it taught me my own strength,” “I can do whatever I want if I push myself harder,” and “My favorite part of this trip was hiking and getting to know people. I also love that we problem solved while hiking. My brain feels bigger.”

2014 Youth Backcountry Camp dates:

YBCC Backcountry Leadership (5-day) ages 15-17 – June 15-19 $375 – FULL

YBCC Tahoe Trackers! (3-day) ages 12-14 – June 29- July 1 PRIVATE TRIP

YBCC Wilderness First Aid (5-day) ages 15-17 – July 6-10 $375

YBCC Tahoe Trackers! (3-day) ages 12-14 – July 20-22 $240

Gear, food and transportation will be provided for all participants. All programs are instructed by experienced and well-trained staff from the sponsoring organizations.

Scholarships are available. To determine eligibility or for additional information about the youth backpacking program, contact Mikenna by phone at 775-298-4493 or email at programs@tahoerimtrail.org.

Online registration can be completed on the TRTA website at http://www.tahoerimtrail.org.