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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I wanted to feel more comfortable and empowered as an individual in the water as well as contribute to growing the Whitewater Kayaking Club at Columbia so I decided to take a Swiftwater Rescue Course this summer. This opportunity was only possible through the scholarship I received from Backcountry Squatters.

Claire reflects on her experience taking a Wilderness First Responder course through NOLS with the funds she received from the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education.

Maggie is a recipient of the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education and received her AIARE 1 through the University of Colorado.

Mackenzie reflects on her experience taking a AIARE level 1 course through the Acadia Mountain Guides with the funds she received from the Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education.

Hannah reflects on her AIARE 1 experience through the Colorado Mountain School as a 2020 Backcountry Squatters Scholarship for Outdoor Education recipient.