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Where LGBTQ youth find their people, place, and passion. We host a leadership summer camp for LGBTQ Youth and year round programs.

 BACKPACKING

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brave trails

BACKPACKING PROGRAM

 
 

A FULLY SUPPORTED BACKPACKING PROGRAM FOR LGBTQ+ TEENS OF ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS.

We're taking the magic of Brave Trails to the backcountry! Our multi-day high adventure trips teach LGBTQ+ youth (ages 14-19) about backpacking, connecting with nature, and building community in a safe and supported environment.

TRIP DATES: JULY 15 - 22, 2025

Our Backpacking Trips are geared towards first-time backpackers and experienced hikers alike. No previous experience required to participate! Our knowledgeable staff will teach you everything you need to know about hiking, backpacking, and having fun in the backcountry. We spend the first two days learning and preparing at BT Base Camp, followed by a 4-5 day adventure on the trail. We will hike a maximum of 5-7 miles each day in the backcountry. Our 2025 Adventure Trip takes place in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, CA.

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ADVENTURE TRIP

 

DAY 1-2: PREP & LEARN

The first day is dedicated to building our new camp community. Once everyone arrives at the meeting point, we will travel to BT Base Camp and share our first meal together! You’ll spend the evening settling in and getting to know one another around the campfire. Day 2 is dedicated to learning the ins and outs of backcountry travel and camping, so that every hiker feels confident and ready for life on the trail. Our experienced and supportive staff members will guide you through our outdoor education curriculum, teaching you how to prepare meals, set up a campsite, protect the environment, and care for your gear.

DAY 3-6: THE ADVENTURE

Day 3 begins the epic adventure! After breakfast, we will depart from BT Base Camp and begin our journey along sections of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, through the ancestral land of the Washoe and Ninesan peoples. We’ll spend the next several days in the backcountry, hiking and camping on the trail! Your days will be spent hiking, enjoying nature, setting up camp, and bonding with fellow LGBTQ+ peers. Throughout the trip, you’ll also have opportunities to learn about topics like environmental justice, navigation, risk management, styles of leadership, and other outdoor skills through hands-on workshops led by our staff.

DAY 7-8: CELEBRATE!

Day 7 begins the journey back to BT Base Camp. We will spend this final, full day reflecting on what we've learned and experienced together, and end the night with our special closing campfire ceremony. You’ll get to clean up, rest, and most importantly, CELEBRATE the incredible adventure you’ve just had with your new friends and staff mentors! On Day 8 we say our goodbyes and start counting down the days until next summer.

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MEET OUR PROGRAM LEAD

 

THURSDAY (THEY/THEM)

PROGRAM LEAD

Thursday is a passionate LBGTQ+ youth advocate and a life-long learner. They have been involved with Brave Trails since 2017 as a Counselor, UJL Lead, and Programs Assistant, and have spent the past 3 years developing and leading the Backpacking Program. Thursday has hiked thousands of miles across the United States, South America, and Europe, but the place closest to their heart will always be the High Sierra mountains of California.They can't wait to share the joy of nature with you!

Experience: Thursday is a Wilderness First Responder and has been active in the outdoor community since they moved to California in 2015. They began guiding outdoor experiences in 2017, and have been teaching and mentoring youth since they were just 14 years old. Their backpacking resume includes thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, the Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland, the O-Circuit in Patagonia, the Tahoe Rim Trail, the High Sierra Trail, the Ouachita Trail, the Ozark Highlands Trail, the Trans-Catalina Trail, and 1500 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. They have also hiked the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim, the Zion Traverse, and long-distance sections of the Slovenian Mountain Trail and the Juliana Trail in Slovenia and Italy.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR BACKPACKING TEAM?

Brave Trails is looking for experienced Backpacking Guides and Medical Staff to join our 2025 Unicorn Crew! Each backpacking trip will have 1 program lead, 2 guides, and 1 dedicated medical staff member with an EMT or higher certification. The Backpacking Program Guides are primarily in charge of facilitating a backpacking excursion for a small group of LGBTQ+ hikers (ages 14-19). The Medical Staff member will perform a hybrid guide/medical role. This trip will be run by the Backpacking Program Lead, who will plan and coordinate the trip. As part of the team, it will be your duty to work together to facilitate meaningful conversations, innovative activities, and contribute to the overall wellness and supervision of the hikers.

OPEN POSITIONS

  • The Backpacking Program Guides are primarily in charge of facilitating a backpacking excursion for a small group of LGBTQ+ hikers (ages 14-19). This trip will be run by the Backpacking Program Lead, who will plan and coordinate the trip. As part of the team, it will be your duty to work together to facilitate meaningful conversations, innovative activities, and contribute to the overall wellness and supervision of the hikers. The position involves considerable independent work as well as being an effective member of a team.

    VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

    • Dates: 7/11/25 - 7/23/25 (includes training, backpacking trip, and clean-up)

    • Pay: $1,210 (13 day commitment)

    • Reporting Location: Idyllwild, CA

    • Openings: 2

  • The Backpacking Medical Staff is primarily in charge of health practices and wilderness medicine during a backpacking excursion for a small group of LGBTQ+ hikers (ages 14-19). This role will be a hybrid position, involving many of the same responsibilities as the Backpacking Guides. This trip will be run by the Backpacking Program Lead, who will plan and coordinate the trip. As part of the team, it will be your duty to work together to facilitate meaningful conversations, innovative activities, and contribute to the overall wellness and supervision of the hikers. The position involves considerable independent work as well as being an effective member of a team. 
    VIEW FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

    • Dates: 7/11/25 - 7/23/25 (includes training, backpacking trip, and clean-up)

    • Pay: $1,310 (12 day commitment)

    • Reporting Location: Idyllwild, CA

    • Openings: 1

 

READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?

 
 
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