Starting Backcountry Squatters at 23 was a leap taken with more heart than experience — and never alone. This reflection looks back on the joy, mistakes, growth, and community that shaped the organization, and what it means to step aside while believing deeply in the work and the leaders carrying it forward.

Ren was a recipient of the BCS Scholarship for Outdoor Education, but her journey with Backcountry Squatters started long before that. After a challenging freshman year marked by isolation, she found friendship, mentorship, and purpose through a women-led outdoor community. Her story highlights how Squatters helped her grow—and how the scholarship supported her next steps.

This spring, the University of Utah chapter of Backcountry Squatters embarked on an unforgettable climbing trip to the City of Rocks, made possible by the first-ever chapter grant awarded by the national organization. With $900 in funding, they overcame gear challenges, fostered confidence in outdoor climbing, and built lasting friendships, all while embracing the core Squatters' values of accessibility, community, and adventure.

This year, we launched new chapters, expanded adventures, and empowered our members to grow as leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. From Hyalite Lake to the Bigelow Mountains, Backcountry Squatters continues to build inclusive outdoor communities across the country.

During the summer of 2022, Tory had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) with support from the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship. This transformative experience combined hands-on glaciology research, technical mountaineering training, and personal growth, shaping her career aspirations and deepening her connection to the natural world.

The CU Boulder chapter of Backcountry Squatters created a chapter-specific scholarship to award three individuals who are defying circumstances, fighting stereotypes, advocating for environmental justice, and/or actively working towards social change in their communities with a $200 REI gift card to provide members a platform to share their stories and inspire each other. Ella Stern is a Junior at CU, an active member of her Squatters community, and one of the 2024 CU Backcountry Squatter-ship recipients.

With the support of Backcountry Squatters, Jamilah completed a swift water rescue course, gaining essential skills and confidence as a river guide. This experience emphasized the importance of preparation, teamwork, and leadership on the water.

With the help of a Backcountry Squatters scholarship, Khushi spent my summer as a river guide, gained her Wilderness First Responder certification, and grew in ways she never imagined. The community and support she found through BCS has opened doors she never knew existed in the outdoors.

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!

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. 💛

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.

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.

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.

Understanding your reproductive health is essential, especially when it comes to fertility. In this blog post, one of our board members reflects on their experiences working in Reproductive Endocrinology and shares key insights on fertility factors, treatment options, and what everyone should know about family planning.

Adi Sadeh was a recipient of the 2022 Fall scholarship for outdoor education and received her Wilderness First Responder certification through NOLS.

Alana Norie was a recipient of the 2023 Spring scholarship for outdoor education and received their Assistant Overnight Guide in Clayoquot Sound, BC, Canada.