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.
2027 TRIP DATES:
JULY 11 - 18, 2027
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 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.
MEET OUR PROGRAM LEAD
CAM (THEY/THEM)
PROGRAM LEAD
Cam is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, advocate, and educator who first joined the Brave Trails team in 2023. Since starting as a backpacking counselor, they have gone on to work a variety of positions at other camp sessions as everything from medical team to social media staff. Nevertheless, the Backpacking Program will forever have their heart-- and they can't wait to share it with you!
Experience: Originally from North Carolina, Cam has been camping and playing outside their entire life. Even though they hail from the coast (and were on the varsity surf team in high school!), they fell in love with the mountains and backpacking in their early teenage years. They began backcountry guiding professionally in 2023, and since then have worked across the country for a variety of outdoor organizations. Some of their favorite backpacking trips have been across Isle Royale National Park, the Trans Catalina Trail, and of course their Appalachian Trail long distance hike in 2025. Like the rest of the Brave Trails Backpacking Staff, Cam holds certificates in wilderness first aid.
READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?
