The Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation (SBFC), a partner of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests has launched a new program to introduce young people to the power of wilderness. The Youth Wilderness Expedition program is now accepting applicants for 24 slots for young people between the ages of 13 and 18. Youth Program Director Ian Harris said: “We’ve taken youth from around the country into the wilderness for years, but we’ve never focused on local teens. This year, we’re focused on local youth who live in communities neighboring the wildernesses we help steward.”
The program is explicitly designed to break down barriers of experience and economics that prevent young people from building bonds with the wilderness in their backyard. “The program is totally free, gear, food and transportation included. We will teach the participants how to backpack. The goal of the program is to create the next generation of wilderness advocates and users. We hope that young people will fall in love with the wilderness,” Harris explained.
The program will consist of two expeditions, one for six people, ages 13-15 will go to Moore’s Lake in the Gospel Hump from July 16-19 and a second trip for people ages 15-18 will go to the Cove Lakes in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. While on the trip, young people will learn about traditional tools and will perform more than 30 hours of community service that benefits the wilderness and the forests. Play will be equally important: “If you just want to go out and have fun and swim in a lake, we’d love for you to participate,” Harris stated.
Applications are due by May 17 and more information and applications can be found here:
https://tinyurl.com/2dxf9h73. Harris explained what makes a good candidate “We want someone who is enthusiastic for personal growth, exploring the wilderness, and getting outside of your comfort zone. If you’re eager to enjoy nature and disconnect, that’s what we’re looking for. We hope participants will be
enthusiastic about learning backpacking and some of the basic skills that are necessary to work in the
wilderness.” SBFC Executive Director, Ryan Ghelfi sees this program as a launch pad for future expeditions: “Our long-term vision is to expand this program over time if there is demand from local youth in our first year.”
Caption: Young people backpacking on a previous trip organized by the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation