2003 Annual Report - Big City Mountaineers

Big City Mountaineer s
Winter 2003
P r ov i d i n g U r b a n Yo u t h E x p e d i t i o n s
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Sometimes the only way to
change a kid’s perspective
is by providing an entirely
new one.
Inside this issue:
2003 Financial Recap
2
2003
Accomplishments
2
2004 Goals
3
Hooked Article Coming
3
Buy Gear to Support
BCM
3
BCM Branded Apparel
3
2003 Supporters
4-5
Trail Tales– Pictures
from our 2003 Season
610
2003 Season Statistics
10
Meet the BCM Board
11
BCM Awarded an
AmeriCorps Promise
Fellow Position
12
Visit BCM on the Road
12
From our President - Riley Etheridge
2003 was a year of growth and significant accomplishment for BCM, and I hope you enjoy
reading some of the details in this first annual
report to our donors, volunteers, and friends.
New employees were hired, new board members added, new partnerships were formed,
and our program expanded into new geographies. Most importantly of all, 115 teens experienced an eight-day BCM wilderness mentoring adventure that they will remember for
the rest of their lives. I have been privileged
to participate in seven of these trips in the
High Sierra and Colorado Rockies and each
adventure has reminded me of the potential
positive impact, and the importance of offering
this amazing experience to as many youth as
possible. In 2004, our
goal is to grow from 21
trips to 35, which will
represent a 67 percent
increase in the number
of youth on the trail. I
invite you to join us as
we strive for this goal,
as it will require more
volunteers and financial support. One of our
youth from Florida reflecting on her BCM trip
last summer said: " Their is no limit to what we
can achieve when you understand teamwork
and believe in yourself." Thank you for your
belief in BCM, and for being part of the team
that will change kids lives in 2004.
From our Executive Director - Mark Godley
mark@bigcitymountaineers.org
Thank you just doesn’t quite capture the
appreciation and
gratitude I feel towards all of you for
making 2003 BCM’s
most accomplished year in our 14-year history. As you will read in this newsletter, 2003
was a year of successful transition for BCM.
As we maintain the richness of our unique
and powerful program, BCM is scouting an ambitious path into our future. 2004 will be marked
by both bringing the BCM experience to the
largest number of teens ever while also deepening the scope of the BCM experience for all participants. I hope after you have read through
this first-ever ‘annual report’ issue that your
commitment to BCM will be confirmed and your
motivation for volunteer and financial support
bolstered. See you on the trail….
From our Program Director - Erin McVoy
erin@bigcitymountaineers.org
Congratulations to all for making 2003 a very successful
season! Though many of you know me from this summer, I
am still relatively new to BCM. I started in March of last
year and have been astounded by the tremendous levels
of enthusiasm and support people have for our mission.
This type of passion for helping under-resourced teens is
what enabled us to run 21 trips in 2003, exceeding our
plan of 15. We worked with seventeen different youth programs from fifteen cities across the country. For the first
time, in addition to trips run in Colorado, Wyoming, California, Washington, and Minnesota, we expanded the pro-
gram to include West Virginia and
New Hampshire. I participated in
two BCM trips and was completely overwhelmed by the depth
of the experience and bonding that takes place between the
participants. I have spent many of the past few months relating
my experiences and introducing BCM to new youth organizations and volunteers throughout the country. My focus will now
shift to trip preparations and all the details involved with making 2004 our biggest and best season yet! We can't do it without your help, though, so please keep spreading the word and
clearing space on your calendar for a trip next summer.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Page 2
2003 Financial Recap
- Below is a brief summary of BCM’s 2003 contributions and spending patterns. Our
organization hopes that sharing this information with you will help your understanding of the fiscal considerations that drive our
program and solidify your commitment to us.
How Is BCM Funded?
Short answer: any
which way we can! Traditionally, BCM has been supported financially
Other Income
from our wonder$11,500
ful volunteer
Program Fees
Corporations
$37,000
base, program
$71,000
fees, and corporate supporters.
BCM has started
to strategically
diversify its fund$9,500
ing this fiscal
Foundations/Grants
$80,000
Individuals
year by reaching
out to foundations interested in mentoring organizations. Additionally,
BCM is expanding its funding through fee-based events,
cause marketing campaigns with retailers, and a volunteer
pledging process to expand our individual donor base.
How BCM Spends it!
BCM is very proud of our
fiscal efficiency in ensuring that the majority of our funding
goes directly to
program costs.
Fundraising
BCM will remain
19%
committed to maximizing the number
of youth who parAdministration
ticipate as we seek
9%
to grow our program without increasing staffing or
Youth Program
related overhead
72%
costs. Thanks to
tremendous inkind support from the outdoor recreation industry, BCM is
able to deliver a second-to-none program at 75% less than
industry average costs for similar for-profit program experiences.
2003 Highlights - 2003 was an exciting year of investing in staff and laying the groundwork to reach more
teens with more comprehensive programming in the future. Some highlights from 2003 include:
•
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Mark Godley joined as Executive Director in January,
2003. Mark brings 8+ years of BCM involvement and
passion to the ED role. Erin McVoy was added as Program Director in March, 2003.
Added new Board Members: Jonathan Dorn, Executive
Editor of Backpacker Magazine; Susan Magsamen,
CEO and Founder, Curiosity Kits; Bob Richardson;
Founder, Richardson Kleiber Partners; and Michelle
Barnes, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Outward
Bound.
Started the creation of a comprehensive orientation
and training program for our adult volunteers to help
improve mentoring and youth involvement on the trail.
Received funding in Northern California to pilot transitioning our regional program from a one-time experience to year-round programming in 2004.
Received seed funding from Subaru of America Foundation to redesign our Colorado program into a regional design matching local youth to our existing base
of seasoned Colorado volunteers.
Ran East Coast-based trips for the first time, with trips
in New Hampshire and West Virginia.
Partnered with Outward Bound to provide fully paid
scholarships to ‘BCM alumni’ youth through a nomination process. Five BCM youth from our Summer 2002
program attended Outward Bound trips during Summer
2003, and it is expected that 15 teens from our 2003
•
•
•
•
•
•
program will be given this opportunity during 2004.
Moved the entire California BCM program to Yosemite
National Park to take advantage of educational resources and an interest across Park staff to conduct
outreach to ethnically diverse populations.
Launched BCM’s first extensive advertising campaign
in 5 years during July 2003. Successfully placed advertisements in Backpacker, Hooked on the Outdoors,
and Geartrends Magazine.
Received media coverage by both the Oakland Tribune and San Francisco Chronicle highlighting BCM’s
Northern California program.
Received a grant from AmeriCorps to create a Promise
Fellow position in Colorado which will allow us to hire
an additional program staff person for 2004 to spearhead our local program redesign efforts.
Reduced trip costs by over 20% while simultaneously
improved the quality of the experience.
Initiated discussions with strong regional programs in
Colorado, Washington, and Boston to create comprehensive joint-programming during 2004 that will allow
BCM to ‘go year-round’ more efficiently in these areas.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
Winter 2003
Page 3
2004 Goals
- BCM has ambitious goals of growing the size of our program to reach
more teens while also increasing the comprehensiveness of the interaction between our adult
mentors and teen participants. Specifically, during 2004, BCM will be putting efforts into the
following strategic goals:
Continue Funding Diversification - BCM expects to complement our significant individual
and outdoor industry funding with new funds from broader audiences, to include foundations,
retailer, and event-based funding opportunities.
Quantify our Impact - BCM hopes to truly measure the power of our experience for all trip
participants through a more comprehensive survey process. Changes in attitude on such
measures as self-esteem, leadership, multi-racial understanding, cross-generational appreciation, and environmental awareness will be measured. Necessary funding: $15,000.
Year-Round in California - BCM needs to effectively execute our year-round trial with San
Francisco youth groups. Having planned a series of 8 activities that will transform BCM from a
single 8-day experience to over 15 days of interaction between the same youth and same
adults. Our California program is critical to our expected transformation in other geographies,
potentially targeted as Colorado, Florida, Boston, and Seattle. Necessary funding: $59,000.
Local in Colorado - Match our extensive volunteer-base in Colorado with local youth, setting
the stage for continued interaction outside the BCM program, and the hopes of year-round programming in late 2004/early 2005. Necessary funding: $18,000.
Create ’Alumni’ Opportunities Nationally - Offer additional powerful experiential education
and outdoor recreational opportunities to BCM teens nationally, through relationships with
other non-profits. Necessary funding: $10,000.
Online Retailers Selling
Gear to Fund BCM
BCM Branded Apparel
Coming Soon
BCM is excited to announce that we will be
offering branded apparel during Spring 2004.
Our line is expected to include a t-shirt,
baseball cap, fleece hat, performance baselayer, and wind-resistant vest - all designed
and manufactured by industry leading partners sporting the highly recognizable BCM
www.intergreenoutfitters.com—14% of your logo. So get ready to retire some well worn
garments in your closet and replace them
total purchase will be donated to BCM when
you select our organization as the benefactor of with great technical gear you’ll be proud to
wear! Details coming in our Spring newsletyour choice.
ter!
www.travelcountry.com—
Kelty packs, Marmot shells,
and Arc Teryx pack can all be
BCM Article in
bought with a portion of your
sale going to BCM.
April issue of
Didn’t get the goodies you had hoped for over
the holidays? Well, get geared up for 2004
through one of the three online retailers listed
below.
www.killerdeals.com—A
great selection of Optic
Nerve sunglasses can be
found in the ‘killer deals’ section of Northern Mountain
Supply’s website with proceeds benefiting our California program.
Watch the BCM site for the “Shop” option to be
added soon for more opportunities to pick up
great gear for a great cause!
The April issue of Hooked on the Outdoors is
expected to include a feature article on Big
City Mountaineers. Written by Marcus Wolfe,
a BCM volunteer and professional outdoor
writer, the article will chronicle a BCM trip this
past summer with teens from Identity, a
Washington, D.C. youth, group to the Monnongahela Wilderness. Go to
www.ruhooked/subscribe.htm to subscribe to
get your issue!
A contemplative moment during a sunset,
on a trip in the Medicine
Bow Wilderness with
Chicago Youth Program
Certainly the BCM
trips are for the kids,
and their
transformations can
be astounding and
satisfying. But adult
leaders on BCM trips
are likely learn just as
much about
themselves as the
kids do.
-Therese Iknoian
BCM Adult Volunteer
Girls Inc of Alameda teens
learning that snow and
alpine flowers aren't the
only plentiful components
of an early July Sierra
Nevada BCM trip.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Page 4
Individual Supporters - BCM is fortunate to have a large base of individual supporters who
identify with our mission of providing meaningful mentoring experiences for under-resourced teens. Thanks to all
of you for supporting our program, our volunteers, and our teens.
Amy Rose
Andrew Smulian
Anonymous
Apolinario S. Medalla
Barb Clapp
Barb Hallenburg
Barbara A. Delorey
Bernard Rupe
Bert Allen
Beth Gordon
Bob Warren
C.D. & Margaret Sheehan
C.M. Coppinger
Carmen & Mariano DeJesus
Charles Hwang
Charlotte A Ciochetti
Christine Hurley
Christopher Havlykke
Clare Pinto
Corrine Niebes
David M. Turner
David Moeller
Dawn Goers
Dean & Betty Sims
Deb Akin
Deborah Forman
Deena Solwren
Dick & Janice Scar
Don A. Urban
Donita Sue Soucek
Donna L. Bailey
Dorothea T. Pinch
Dorothy Dudley Burns
Douglas Arnell
Douglas Hallenburg
Douglas M. Campbell
Drew Kern
Edward & Dana Deely
Edward T. Monaco
Edward W. Emerson
Elaine Eff & John Fairhall
Elizabeth Holubek
Eva & David Taylor
Fran Marshall
Frank & Kathleen Healey
Frank & Patricia Cannella
G. Houston Haynie
Gabriella F. Muscolo
Gary Rosenbaum
Gene Treacy
Gerald & Miriam Berlin
Glen & Audrey Pogliano
Glenn & Laura Goodstein
Greg Larson
Gwen Marable
Harold & Linda Smith
Helen Magsamen
J Warren Gordon
J.F. Rand
James & Elise Kern
James & MaryAnn Van Houton
James A. Kern
Jane Patrick
Janey Gohl
Janice C. Ross
Janice L. Lamantia
Janice Lowe
Jason & Alison Boyle
Jean A. Happel
Jeff & Jan Kline
Jeffrey & Dana Jennings
Jeffrey C. Manchester
Jennifer Lansink
Jeremy & Angela Foster
John Bleeden
John Butler
John Greenman & Laura Caval
John Paul
Jonathan Kislak
Jorge A. Davila, PA
Jose Acevedo
Joseph & Sally Jo Goldman
Judith & Moshe Margolin
Judith E. Felsen
Judith Huerta
Judy Haas
Justine Kilborn
Karen & Thomas Ladyga
Karen Tuccitto
Kate Deveeny
Katerina Radova
Kathryn S. Hayne
Kelli D. Javan
Kenneth S. Jamgochian
Kat Radova and Erin McVoy
striking a classic BCM summit flag pose.
Kenneth Spratley
Kevin & Kimberly Baxter
Larry Kramer & Katherine Stevenson
Laura Christman
Lauren Williams
Lee Katsikos
Leslie Cruz
Lillian Bayne-Sampson
Lisa Alverio
Lisa Danevich
Lori Sartori
Lorraine F. Hubrick
Luann Short
M. Sheila Desmond
Mara Connolly Taft
Maria Menser
Marius Robertson
Mark & Cynthia Stange
Mark & Julie Wiggins
Mark Barry & Sandra Magsamen
Mark Godley
Martha Ann Devine
Martin J. Fiorillo
Mary Davidson
Mary Kay & Bill Stoehr
Mary Lennert
Mary M. Sullivan
Mary Margaret Sloan
Mary Rodino
MB Ciochetti
Michael & Marcy Stillman
Michael Arnspiger
Michael Booth & Pamela Rotberg
Michael Cisler & Sarah Traas
Michael McVoy
Michelle Barnes
Mitchell Brandt
Nancy J. Hilmy
Nancy Silesky
Noah & Sharon Siegel
P. Cole & Robin Finegan
Patricia M. Guglietta
Patrick & Paula Stanton
Paul & Lisa Hamm
Paul Andrews & Constance Lawrence
Paul McGill
R.J. Hoekzema
Jamir Dixon of East Oakland Youth
Development celebrating a successful scramble above Chain Lakes.
Richard & Claudia King
Richard & Judith Kern
Richard A. A. Martin
Richard Scales
Riley Etheridge
Robert & Debra Shearer
Robert & Helen Millstein
Roger & Edith Patzer
Ron & Jodi Urgitus
Rosa Dasilva
S. Mesma
Sandra Neren
Sandra Peterson
Sarah J. Richards
Scott A. Hardeman
Scott M. Simpson
Scott Siegel
Sheryl Vanderpol
Skip Yowell
Stacey L. Weatherby
Stella Soucek
Steve Suechting
Stuart & Carma Case
Stuart & Susan Recknagel
Stuart Wyllie
Susan Villiani
Terri Ciochetti
Thomas & Jane Baker
Thomas & Judith Schmitz
Thomas & Sheryl Stefaniak
Thomas & Susan Staab
Thomas Lohr
Thomas Mackechney
Tim Howard
Tim Swan
Timothy & Tonya Conners
Tom Carley
Victor & Michelle Tuaty
Walter Borneman
Wanda Gonzalez
Ward C. Belcher
William G Sipple
Yanez & Yolanda Jamnik
Filtering water along a
stream in the Wild River Valley of New Hampshire during a Boys & Girls Club of
Charlestown trip.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
Winter 2003
2003 Volunteers - The uniqueness of BCM’s program is due to our incredibly
Page 5
talented and dedicated group of volunteers. It’s these people who create the value of our
program for our teens. A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
Trail Guides
Amiel Garcia
Bart Keeton
Bill Stoehr
Courtney Clark
Dan Smith
Dave Rosen
Drew Kern
Katerina Radova
Kristian Jankofsky
Marci Knoles
Mark Godley
Mary Kay Stoehr
Michael Hodgson
Mike Roberts
Mike Tomlin
Pat Callahan
Riley Etheridge
Sus Bunker-Alvarado
Terri Ciochetti
Wanda Gonzalez
Adult Leaders
Adam Margolin
Adrienne Graf
Anne Treacy
Barb Hallenburg
Barry Danielsen
Barry Zuckerman
Becky Belcher
Bernie Rupe
Bert Allen
Bill Snyder
Carry Porter
Cesar Enciso
Chris Flaschner
Chris Hobbs
Chris Lennert
Clarissa DuBois
Cristen Lunt
Dave Bartholomew
Dave Nebenzahl
Eric Schrei
Erin McVoy
Gene Treacy
James Mills
Jan Kasl
Jason Boyle
Jeff Engel
Jeff Stay
Jeff Weidman
Jen Brennan
Jeremy Hancock
Jerry Parker
Jerry Zuckerman
Jim Pickard
John Carter
Jon Dorn
Jose Encinosa
Josh Berlin
Kenji Haroutunian
Kristian Jankofsky
Maeve Townsend
Marcus Woolf
Maria Lischin
Mattias Derynck
Meg Meyers
Michelle Barnes
Michelle Steele
Olivia Dawson
Patrick McGrew
Paul Jansen
Paul Rosen
Rebecca Shannon
Ron Medalla
Sean Laughlin
Skip Yowell
Stephanie Hoepner
Steve Hawkins
Sue Hankner
Susan Magsamen
Terrence Howard
Therese Iknoian
Thor Parker
Frontcountry Volunteers
Aaron Roth
Ann Treacy
Jeff Engel
Jessica Dyer
Vanessa Hansen
Corporate Contributors - Thanks to our corporate leaders for providing
much-needed cash contributions to BCM during our 2003 fiscal year. Much of these funds
go to cover indirect program costs and, in many cases, helped offset direct program fees
Adams House II Corp
Adventure 16
Allianz Life Insurance
Company
Am erican Land Real
Estate, Inc.
Any Mountain
Biscayne Environm ental
Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
Cascade Designs
Community First National Bank
Clif Bar, Inc.
Comet System s
National Molding
Corners Construction
National Title Insurance
Company
Outdoor University
D.C. Casey Company
Pioneer Sports, Ltd.
Esslinger W ooten Maxwell, Inc Psychological W ellness
Florida Jai-Alai, Inc.
Center
Hannah Rodewald
R.G.V. Inc.
JanSport
REI
Rieder Realty
Kelty
Kraft Foods
Rodale Press
MD International, Inc.
SENCON, Inc.
Motorola
Shelter Companies
Mountain Shades
SNEW S
Sharing some gorp during
a break on a Rocky Mountains trip with teens from
PACE Center for Girls in
Miami.
Youth from Chicago Youth
Program enjoying the hardearned payoff of their hike
to Houston Park in Wyoming.
Songs & Company
Sports Street Marketing
TAP Pharm aceutical
Products, Inc.
The North Face
The Ridings Company
Thomas Produce Co.
Timberland
Trenti Law Firm
Turner & Associates,
CPAs
VF Corporation
W .L. Gore
2003 In-Kind Support - BCM is fortunate to have tremendous relationships within the outdoor
recreation industry who eagerly support our outdoor mentoring program. Thanks to those companies listed below who
provided gear and expertise that allowed BCM to deliver the most cost-effective and comprehensive educational and
recreational mentoring program for underserved teens in the country.
Alpine Aire Foods
American Hiking Society
Appalachian Mountain Club
Backpacker Magazine
Buff USA
Clif Bar
Galyan's
Geartrends
GoLite
Highgear USA
Hood Mountain Adventures
Hooked on the Outdoors
Intergreen Outfitters
JanSport
Leki
Lonely Planet
MountainSmith
MSR
National Geographic Maps
Northern Mountain Supply
Optic Nerve
Rutabaga
Outdoor Retailer
Slumberjack
Outdoor University
SNEWS
Outside Magazine
Superfeet
Outward Bound
The Mountaineers Books
Pacific Outdoors
The North Face
Patagonia
Thorlo
Pentax
Timberland
Princeton Tec
Travel Country Outdoors
Raindance Communications
Foundation
Support -
BCM is very thankful for
some very critical
foundation funding during
2003 that allowed us to
expand our program.
Expect this list to grow
considerably in 2004 as
BCM actively pursue
more opportunities.
Community Foundation
of Sarasota County
Don Allen Foundation
Eastwood Printing
Foundation
Miami Inner City Angels
Oakland Athletics
Community Fund
Subaru of America
Foundation
Y & H Soda Foundation
Please note—The supporters listing on these two pages represent support during our 2003 fiscal year of October 2002 through September 2003.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Page 6
Trail Tales —2003 Season
I must say that in seven years of
experience working in the youth
development field, your BCM trip
was one of the most gratifying…
…and fun youth trips that I have
been involved with. I was very
fortunate to have had the privilege
of participating. THANK YOU.
- Pedro Naranjo, Youth Group
Leader— YMCA Teen Center,
Oakland, California
Teens from the Boys & Girls Club of Robstown after
shedding their packs among alpine wildflowers in the
Medicine Bow Wilderness.
Teens from Rawhide Boys Ranch
displaying a dinner catch during their
Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness
trip.
The impact the BCM experience
had on me was that it taught me to
become a leader while showing me
that a person should not give up
no matter how difficult.
- “Michelle”
Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa Pompano Beach, FL
Stephanie Hoepner with a different kid of
‘backpack’ during a Boys & Girls Club of
Charlestown trip.
Chicago Youth Program teens showing their pride of accomplishment
during their Wyoming BCM trip.
Your BCM trip helped me with
discipline, self-esteem, and
confidence. Besides that, it
gave me a greater respect and…
PACE Center for Girls teens making
the final stream cross before reaching camp in Rocky Mountain National
Park.
…appreciation for the
environment, others, and
myself. It changed my life. I
have never been in a place like
that before.
- “Jesse”
Children Are Our Future Los Angeles, California
Oakland YMCA Teen Center youth enjoying the mist below Yosemite Falls at the
end of a Ranger-led educational tour of
the Yosemite Valley.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
Winter 2003
Page 7
Trail Tales —2003 Season
East Oakland Boxing Association teens taking a break
during a day hike to bag a peak in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park.
BCM volunteer Barry Danielsen showing teens from Florida
Sheriffs Youth Ranch proper alpine lake entry technique.
It is tough to make the time, but well worth the experience. I was surprised to
learn how complicated some of these gals’ lives are and inspired by their
resiliency. I was delighted by their ability to gain confidence so quickly. I
was also surprised by the sense of team that was developed among the adult
leaders.
Any time there is an opportunity to instill a sense of pride and
accomplishment in someone - especially young women who are sent so
many messages that direct them to look outside themselves for validation
and confidence - as strong women, we should do it.
I believe it is an honor and a gift to play some part in helping these gals break
through their perceived limitations of themselves. We are privileged to be in
a position to do this.
-Adrienne Graff
BCM Adult Volunteer
Practicing winter form on a Medicine Bow Wilderness trip with the Boys & Girls Club of Robstown.
What I remember most from my
BCM trip was how wonderful the
people were, they were just
amazing. Every night we would sit
by the fire…
… and talk about random things
that were going on in our lives, and
it was a really special thing to share
with everyone.
- “Inez”
PACE Center for Girls Bradenton, FL
BCM volunteers Therese Iknoian and Clarissa Miller
reaching the splendid backdrop of Breeze Lake with a
teen from Girls Inc. of Alameda County.
Mike Roberts and David Bartholomew taking a
break along Duckabush River during an unusually dry trip to Olympic National Park with teens
from the Rotary Boys & Girls Club.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Page 8
Trail Tales —2003 Season
Pre-trip photo op with Baptist Children’s Services during their
Monongahela Wilderness trip.
Wildlife observation with youth from Real Life
Children's Ranch on their trip from Florida to the
mountains of Wyoming.
Teens from
Oakland
teens
thefrom
Oakland
the Oakland
YMCA with
YMCA
Yosemite
with Yosemite
Ranger
Ranger Shelton
Shelton
Johnson,Johnson,
having just
having
participated
just learned
in a of
Buffalo
“buffalo
Soldier reenactment.
Women from the Boys & Girls Club of Charlestown pausing on the
trail to take in the view of the Wilds in New Hampshire.
BCM helped me see how beautiful
this world can be. I loved going to
Colorado.
It was the best week of my life. I
met great people, all different and
all unique in their own way.
- “Maria”
PACE Center for Girls
Miami, Florida
Guide Mary Kay Stoehr and fellow volunteers taking advantage of summer snow pack in Wyoming and introducing teens from Texas’ Boys & Girls Club of Robstown to
‘summer sledding.’
Trail Guide Mike Roberts ‘sweeps’ the
Rotary Boys & Girls Club during a ‘sunny’
day in Olympic National Park.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
Winter 2003
Page 9
Trail Tales —2003 Season
An unexpected trail companion makes the weight a little
lighter during a Boys & Girls Club of Robstown to Wyoming.
Trail Guide Bill Stoehr handing out the coveted “Big
Heart” award during a post-trail BCM Celebration
Dinner with teens from Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch.
At school, I’m enrolled in a class with other
students that have similar backgrounds as
mine so I don’t get very much interaction
with people different than me. I enjoyed
learning more about others and telling others
about myself.
Because of your trip, I have developed an
appreciation for nature. I would like to
volunteer with an organization such as BCM
to help other youth like me.
- ‘Noah’
Chicago Youth Program
Taking a break from paddling during a Rawhide Boys Ranch trip to
the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness.
Teens from Identity, make s’mores during their trip to the
Monongahela Wilderness in West Virginia.
Fishing for trout in Yosemite during a trip with teens from
Children Are Our Future.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Page 10
Trail Tales —2003 Season
Your trip made me
improve my character
and broadened my
perspectives in a
positive way. I was
able to make my
mother proud of me.
- ‘Maria’
Jacksonville Housing
Authority, Florida
Youth from Identity posing for a photograph in the mountains of West Virginia.
East Oakland Youth Development Center teens
and BCM adult leaders showing their strength before tackling the trails of Yosemite National Park.
2003 Season Stats - A summary of our youth programs, out teens, and where we went.
Demographics
Gender of Teens
# Female Teens
# Male Teens
Participating Youth Programs
%
38%
62%
Total
#
44
71
115
Ethnicity of Teens
African American
Asian Pacific
Hispanic/Latino(a)
Caucasian
Total
#
47
12
38
18
115
%
41%
10%
33%
16%
# Adult Volunteers
108
Total # Trips
21
Total Mentoring Days
19,320
Trail Systems Used
- Olympic National Park - Washington
- Yosemite National Park - California
- Sierra National Forest - California
- Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado
- Medicine Bow Wilderness Wyoming
- Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Minnesota
- White Mountains - New Hampshire
- Monnongahela Wilderness West Virginia
– Boys & Girls Club of Robstown
– Chicago Youth Programs
– East Oakland Youth
Development Center
– East Oakland Boxing
Association - Smartmoves
– YMCA Teen Center - Oakland
– Girls, Inc. of Alameda County
– Children Are Our Future
– Boys & Girls Club of Charleston
–Boys & Girls Club of King's
County
– Baptist Children's Services
– Lutheran Homes Society
– Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch
– Rawhide Boys Ranch
– Identity
– Real Life Children's Ranch
– Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa
– PACE Center for Girls
Locations of Youth Programs
Seattle, WA
Racine, WI
Boston, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Washington, DC
Oakland, CA
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, OH
San Leandro, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Jacksonville, FL
Miami, FL
Corpus Christi, TX
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
Winter 2003
Meet the BCM Board of Directors
Page 11
Most of you know our staff as the public face of BCM. However, behind the scenes are 18 people who share their
time and expertise serving as our Board of Directors. Providing strategic direction, fiscal accountability, and fundraising efforts, BCM is blessed with a dedicated Board, ensuring a tremendous future for our organization.
Riley Etheridge is Vice President of
Merrill Lynch in Oakland, California and
President of BCM. Riley has been largely
responsible for the growth of the BCM
California program.
Skip Yowell is the founder of JanSport and
an outdoor industry innovation leader for
over 30 years. Skip is Vice President of
BCM and has been instrumental in securing
manufacturer and retailer relationships on
behalf of BCM.
Randy Schilt is Controller for VF Outdoor
Coalition, with financial responsibility for both
JanSport and The North Face. Randy
brings significant financial accountability to
BCM’s board.
Drew Kern is a real estate broker with Esslinger, Wooten, Maxwell, Inc. Drew and his family
founded BCM in 1989 and has devoted countless hours to guide BCM’ through multiple
phases of growth.
Michelle Barnes is VP of Sales & Marketing
for Outward Bound USA. Michelle’s marketing skills and strategic vision to BCM have
been useful in helping make important
growth decisions for our program.
Dawn Goers is a foster parent and Secretary of BCM. Dawn’s significant expertise with at-risk youth is a tremendous
resource for helping shape BCM programming.
Michael Hodgson is Executive Editor of
Specialty News and Geartrends, the outdoor industry’s leading electronic format
news source. In addition to his business
and industry experience, Michael brings
significant backcountry guiding experience to BCM’s program.
Bob Richardson is founder of Richardson,
Kleiber & Walter, a real-estate development
firm. Bob has been involved with BCM for
over a decade and brings significant youth
development board expertise to our organization.
Susan Magsamen is founder and CEO of
Curiosity Kits, a developer of fun and educationally relevant children's learning
games. Susan’s expertise in experiential
learning for youth is very relevant to
BCM’s recent efforts to expand the scope
of our experience for trip participants.
Barry Danielsen is President of Analytic
Advantage, a commercial real estate valuation consulting firm. In addition to his tremendous contribution on the trail, Barry is
credited with helping BCM implement our
successful pledging process during 2003.
Camera Shy:
Bill Stoehr is co-founder of Trails Illustrated, now National
Geographic Maps. Bill and his wife, Mary Kay, were the impetus for BCM’s staff move to Colorado over 5 years ago and
remain BCM’s most experienced trail guides and staunch supporters.
David Turner is a CPA and founder of Turner & Associates, a
full service public accounting firm in Miami. David currently
serves as Treasurer for BCM and has helped lead BCM since
its founding.
Mary Margaret Sloan is President of the American Hiking
Society, a national recreation-based conservation
organization. With significant non-profit experience, Mary
Margaret has been critically important in helping BCM
implement non-profit best practices.
Paul Delorey is former CEO of JanSport,
and currently a self-appointed ‘fun hog’.
Paul was influential in the initial JanSport
Brian Bennett is National Strategic Account Manager for
commitments to BCM and remains an avid
Patagonia. In addition to leading trips, Brian is leading BCM’s
spokesperson for BCM to any industry pereffort to grow its Pacific Northwest program over the next 36
son who still take his phone calls.
months.
Jonathan Dorn is Executive Editor of
Backpacker magazine, the leading authority on wilderness travel. Jon provides tremendous business, communication, and
naturally, backpacking skills, to BCM.
Chris Lennert is Vice President of Sales for GoLite. Chris is a
catalyst in our program evaluation, and keeps us treading
lightly on the trail with his devotion to Leave No Trace ethos.
Sean Laughlin is Director of Marketing for JanSport. Sean
brings significant communications expertise to the board as well
a trip guiding background from a former life.
Learn more about Big City Mountaineers at www.bigcitymountaineers.org or email us at info@bigcitymountaineers.org
BCM’s Annual Report Issue
Winter 2003
BCM
Granted
an
AmeriCorps
Promise Fellow
Stop By the BCM Booth
BCM will be attending a number of events and expos in the
next 3 months to grow our volunteer base and secure new
funding and supporters. If you have the opportunity to attend either the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City,
Utah or Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin, please stop by
our booth to say hello!
A teen from Identity taking
in the view in West Virginia BCM was one of ten organizations
in Colorado to be awarded an
during a BCM trip to Otter
AmeriCorps Promise Fellows grant
Creek.
Salt Palace
Salt Lake City, Utah
Jan. 30 through Feb. 2
www.outdoorretailer.com
for 2004. BCM is excited to bring
on a new staff person to this position which will spear-head our efforts in redesigning our Colorado
program as a regional one, matching local youth with our deep
pool of Colorado volunteers. Our hope is that with the help of the
Promise Fellow, BCM will be able to quickly transition from a regional program to a year-round program over the next two seasons. AmeriCorps, often referred to as the ‘domestic Peace
Corp,’ is a network of national service programs that engage more
than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet
critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. To learn more about AmeriCorps and the Promise
Fellows program, please go to www.americorps.org and
www.americaspromise.org, respectively.
Alliante Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin
March 12 through 14
www.canoecopia.com
An unexpected September
snow flurry in Colorado provided the Miami PACE Center for Girls trip a unique
memory.
Done reading the newsletter? Pass it along to someone you think might be interested in learning more about BCM!
U.S. Postage
paid
Permit Number
BIG CITY MOUNTAINEERS
Providing Urban Youth Expeditions
Colorado Address:
710 10th Street
Suite 115
Golden, CO 80401
California Address:
21772 Tanglewood Drive
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Phone: 303-271-9200
Fax: 303-271-9201
Email: info@bigcitymountaineers.org
Sometimes the only way to
change a kid’s perspective is by
providing an entirely new one.
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