At BCM, we work alongside the transformative powers of Mother Nature to leave a lasting impact on the lives of under-resourced youth. Our wilderness expeditions bring kids out of their comfort zones and into the wild, where they develop the confidence needed for more promising futures.

Our programs focus on improving the self-esteem, sense of responsibility, group communication and decision-making skills of nearly 1,000 youth annually. We engage youth in 7 cities across the country including Boston, Denver, Miami, Minneapolis, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle.

In 1998, we set up headquarters in Denver, Colorado,  eventually establishing hubs in San Francisco, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, and Boston. Today, we engage about 700 youth every year, maintaining Jim’s original vision of a 1:1 youth to adult ratio. We have served over 9,000 kids, conducted nearly 800 expeditions, organized over 5,000 volunteers, led over 100 overnight camps, and provided nearly 42,000 nights under the stars for kids that would not have had the opportunity without BCM. 

Our Mission 

Big City Mountaineers instills critical life skills in under-resourced youth through transformative wilderness mentoring experiences.

Our Vision

A nation transformed by youth connected to and empowered by nature.