Climbing Higher: A Year of Big Leaps, New Chapters, and Even Bigger Community

Hi everyone! Lila here, Programs Director at Backcountry Squatters.

As I sit down to reflect on this school year, one word keeps coming to mind: growth.

This year brought some of the biggest changes and milestones in Backcountry Squatters history. We navigated major leadership transitions across the nonprofit, welcomed new faces into key roles, and continued building a stronger foundation for the future. At the same time, our community expanded farther than ever before. We launched new chapters at the University of New Hampshire and UNC Chapel Hill, and for the first time, Backcountry Squatters became an international organization with new chapters at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Canada and the University of Melbourne in Australia. Seeing our mission resonate with students across countries and continents has been nothing short of incredible.

While we expanded into new places, our established chapters continued to thrive. Across North America (and now beyond!), Squatters showed up for one another, stepped into leadership, explored new landscapes, and built communities rooted in belonging, adventure, and joy. Here's a look at some of the moments that made this year so special.

It all starts with Montana State University, the very first Backcountry Squatters chapter. The Bozeman crew continued a tradition of adventure and leadership that has shaped our organization from the beginning. This year featured their infamous Backcountry Prom, along with regular climb nights, Nordic skiing outings, and countless opportunities for members to connect outside. At CU Boulder, our largest chapter somehow found a way to make another huge year even bigger. They took on our beloved annual calendar project for the second year, showcasing the creativity and community spirit that has become a Boulder hallmark. They also hosted an engaging conversation with activist and professional ski mountaineer Caroline Gleich, giving members the opportunity to connect outdoor recreation with advocacy and leadership. 

The University of Utah chapter made the most of the incredible playground that surrounds Salt Lake City. Members explored climbing, rafting, skiing, and more while building meaningful connections along the way. Highlights included a collaboration with the Utah Rivers Council, connecting outdoor recreation with environmental stewardship, as well as a climbing trip to City of Rocks that brought together new and experienced climbers alike. Up in Logan, Utah State University had another fantastic year full of adventure and community. Thanks to support from our Chapter Grant Program, members embarked on a bikepacking trip that gave participants the chance to build new skills and confidence outdoors. They balanced big adventures with community favorites like yoga sessions, cold plunges, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow Squatters throughout the year. At Westminster University, the chapter continued proving that small but mighty is a very real thing. Members headed out on a memorable desert weekend trip, hosted a gear swap to make outdoor recreation more accessible, and continued building the supportive community that has become a hallmark of the chapter.

Over on the East Coast, the University of Maine chapter carried on one of my favorite Squatters traditions: breathtaking backpacking trips on Maine’s Cutler Coast. Whether exploring rugged coastlines or venturing deeper into Maine's wild landscapes, these members consistently find ways to create meaningful outdoor experiences while welcoming new people into the community. At St. Lawrence University, student leaders continued the important work of building community on their small campus and keeping the Squatters spirit alive. Through outdoor activities and community gatherings, they created a welcoming space where students could find friendship, adventure, and belonging. Meanwhile, our Ohio University chapter continued its impressive growth. What began as a new chapter has quickly developed into a thriving community, and this year members took an exciting next step by leading their first overnight trips. Watching newer chapters grow into confident, self-sustaining communities is one of the most rewarding parts of this work, and Ohio is a wonderful example of that journey.

And of course, we can't talk about growth without celebrating our newest chapters. Students at UNC Chapel Hill, University of New Hampshire, University of British Columbia Okanagan, and the University of Melbourne worked hard to establish new Squatters communities on their campuses. Building a chapter from the ground up takes courage, persistence, and vision, and we're so excited to watch these groups grow in the years ahead.

Beyond the chapters, this was also a meaningful year for Backcountry Squatters as an organization. We proudly renamed our scholarship program the Darby Knoll Outdoor Leader Scholarship, honoring Darby's legacy and commitment to helping others find belonging outdoors. We continued investing in our student leaders through comprehensive DEI training, ensuring they have the tools to create welcoming and inclusive communities on their campuses. And as always, we celebrated an incredible group of graduating leaders whose passion, hard work, and dedication helped shape the organization for future generations of Squatters.

When I look back on this year, I'm struck not just by how much we grew, but by how intentionally we grew. New chapters, new countries, new leaders, and new opportunities all emerged because students continue to believe in the power of the Squatters community.

To our chapter leaders, members, alumni, parents, donors, and supporters: thank you. Your encouragement, generosity, and belief in our mission make all of this possible.

This year was an amazing one for Backcountry Squatters, and somehow it feels like we're just getting started. I can't wait to see where the trail leads next.

XOXO,
Lila