Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) aims to get youth outdoors and fight against the growing, disturbing disconnect to nature, now becoming known as “Nature Deficit Disorder”. To accomplish this mission, we provide the following supports: training, outdoor gear, funding, and a community of peers.
Training: Outdoor Leadership Skills
BAWT offers intensive, hands-on, outdoor skills and leadership training. Participants will learn by doing! Our flagship course, the Wilderness Leadership Training, is a five day backpacking trip designed to give youth workers and teachers the skills needed to take youth on a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Learn more
Gear: FREE Outdoor Gear Libraries
After completion of one of our leadership trainings, youth workers gain access to BAWT’s extensive outdoor gear libraries. With three locations around the Bay, these libraries provide high quality outdoor equipment for FREE, therefore removing a key barrier to overnight camping. Learn more
Funding: scholarships and mini-grants
The Richard Louv Mini-Grants Program
Through the generosity of Richard Louv and other BAWT supporters, we offer “mini-grants” to youth organizations to cover the cost of outdoor trips.
Amy Chamberlain Scholarships
Scholarships for the Wilderness Leadership Training are available through the Amy Chamberlain Scholarship program.
Community: Peer Support
You are a valuable member of the BAWT community, whether you’re Wilderness Leadership Training alumni or just someone who wan’t to help the cause. Connect with online or meetup and mingle with likeminded people at a Volunteer Night!
