June 2012 Newsletter

Brenda Touhy is a teacher at Think College Now, an elementary school in Oakland. She and two of her colleagues (Leanne and Kyle) took the FLT, WLT, and CAPLT courses in 2011. In BAWT world, that’s the triple crown of training! They also took back-to-back groups of 2nd graders to the Presidio this spring and are now taking 3rd graders to the Oakland Zoo for camping.

2nd Grade Girls from Oakland’s Think College Now elementary enjoy their cozy tent at Robb Hill Campground.

Brenda wrote us a thank-you letter that includes reflections on training courses and taking youth outdoors.Below are notable excerpts from that letter that we thought you’d all enjoy.  Thanks Brenda!

“…Leanne felt like the piece from the WLT that she internalized the most through our recent experience was the importance of planning.  Before we arrived for the trip, we had a scheduled planned out in 20-30 minute increments, outlining what students were doing and what each adult was doing at all times.  We had checked and re-checked our packing list.  We made contingency plans for emergencies and unexpected events.  We had the trip so well planned ahead of time that during the trip, we could truly relax and be in the moment with the kids. When the second graders spotted the fuzzy bees that are so different from the bees in Oakland, I could enjoy that moment with them because I wasn’t preoccupied with getting our tents set up.  When the second grade girls took a long time in the bathroom because they looking at their new grown-up teeth in the full-length mirror, I could enjoy the moment, because I knew that we had scheduled to get the kids to bed well before quiet hours at the campsite.  Being able to be relaxed and present while taking 24 seven and eight year-olds camping for the first time was probably best part of all...”

Introducing… Backpacking for Kids! Fun backpacking adventures everyone can do, with a modest $1000 fundraising goal! Whether you’re a day-hiker who’s ready to take the next step to backpacking, a busy professional who needs a weekend away for a great cause, or a parent who’s been meaning to schedule that special outdoor adventure for the family, make Backpacking for Kids your next BAWT fundraising adventure!

Backpacking is smiles.  Come get some!

As a Backpacking for Kids participant in support of BAWT’s mission, you’ll raise some money, learn a ton from an experienced BAWT instructor — and, you’ll receive a package of brand new gear on top of the unforgettable trip!  We’ll be thru-hiking two of the Bay Area’s premiere long trails: The Ohlone Wilderness Trail and The Skyline-to-the-Sea trail. Each trek will take two and a half days and approach 30 miles in length.  Check out our new website and Sign-Up today before slots sell out!

Great American Backyard Campout- June 23rd

This is a chance for anybody with any connection to youth to take them outside! If you are a parent, aunt, uncle, babysitter, cousin, mentor, older sibling, grandpa or grandma or anyone else that has interaction with youth, spend the night under the stars and take your first step into a lifetime filled with healthy, outdoor fun.  The National Wildlife Federation is sponsoring, and says:

“On June 23rd, thousands of families like yours will come together for a night of exploration and fun as part of Great American Backyard Campout. All you need is a taste for adventure and a desire to share the great outdoors with children.”

Come Intern at BAWT!  

We currently have internship opportunities available for Marketing and for our Climbing for Kids fundraiser program. Join our team of interns to help get youth outdoors today!

Marketing Internship
Marketing Interns help with social media, assist in marketing material production, and organize events and campaigns.The intern works directly under the supervision of the CEO and is the liason to the volunteer marketing committee. The Marketing Intern will also work with the Program Manager, BAWT volunteers and Marketing committees on a variety of activities. For more information and how to apply, click here. 

Interns and Staff at the Presidio on our monthly staff hike

Climbing for Kids Internship
Climbing for Kids Interns recruit and instruct climbers, lead training hikes, and usually climb a mountain for BAWT themselves! As much as possible, a specific project will be assigned to the intern, but exact tasks will depend upon the needs of the organization and the skills/interests of the intern. For more information and how to apply, click here.

Notes from the Trail:

Eureka! Have you seen us on the Eureka! website (click through to slider photo #5)? Eureka’s support is crucial to our mission of getting kids outdoors. Our team at Camping at the Presidio whipped up this fun, quick video to show our thanks!

What’s a “(WooFR)”? Ever wonder how you might treat a broken tibia in the back-country? BAWT’s Wilderness First Responder course will teach you this and a ton more, in a gorgeous setting, through its 10-day course. This course always fills, so figure out your vacation time now, and make a commitment to become a WooFR! Dates are August 5-15. More information at bawt.org/wfr

New photos on Facebook: Not only do youth leaders help return gear, but students too! Check out photos of June Jordan High School students dropping off gear after their epic trip to Point Reyes and Met West High School students at their drop-off. Share some photos of your trip with us, we love seeing them!

Are you a fan of BAWT?

Make sure the world knows it! Check out our Facebook page and “Like” us to become a fan: www.facebook.com/BayAreaWildernessTraining