First Annual National Summit Day to Benefit Big City Mountaineers

July 31, 2018

GOLDEN, Colo. – Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a leading provider of life-changing wilderness experiences to under-resourced youth, announces its partnership with Backpacker Magazine for the inaugural National Summit Day on August 4^th, 2018. The day aims to promote reaching the peaks of real and metaphorical summits, while fundraising for BCM’s programs, which have sent over 10,000 under-served youth on expeditions to date. 

“On National Summit Day we recognize that throughout history and across cultures people have found different meaningful ways to relate to the mountains, the land, and outdoor spaces,” said Dennis Lewon, Backpacker Magazine editor and chief. “We welcome everyone of every stripe, color, orientation, race, religion, identity, background and ability, to join us for National Summit Day. No matter what “summit” you choose, it’s not about the fancy gear, or relating to the outdoors in any one particular way. It’s about coming together to celebrate summits, real and metaphorical.”

On the National Summit Day webpage, visitors can choose to donate to Big City Mountaineers, providing access to the outdoors to under-served youth who otherwise would not have the chance to experience a summit—whether it’s a physical mountain or a personal peak. A $50 donation is enough to provide a participant with his first overnight experience, and $250 can provide meals around the campfire for a week-long group expedition.

“Backpacker Magazine has always been one of BCM’s biggest supporters, and we are grateful for the chance to grow that partnership through National Summit Day,” says Doug Sandok, Corporate Relations Director for BCM. “We look forward to seeing participants personalize the summits they choose—whether it’s your first 14er, an open water swim, or a walk in the woods with friends.” 

Backpacker’s Summit Day site also allows participants to register a hike or adventure, or join another group’s hike if registering solo. The spirit of inclusiveness reflects BCM’s mission to increase access to the outdoors, as well as the organization’s belief that time spent outdoors can create lasting bonds between participants.  

To donate, register a “summit,” or join an existing outdoor adventure on National Summit Day, visit www.backpacker.com/page/national-summit-day. 

About Big City Mountaineers 
Big City Mountaineers (BCM) instills critical life skills in over 1,000 under-served young people each year by getting them outdoors with volunteer mentors for life-changing wilderness experiences. BCM’s unique model of 1:1 mentoring is proven to develop integrity, responsibility, improve communication skills and decision-making abilities in youth from risk-filled environments through a nationally recognized developmental analysis tool. Youth who develop these skills alongside caring mentors are more likely to stay in school and avoid drugs, gangs, and violence. To learn more, please visit www.bigcitymountaineers.org