Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure

Welcome to the Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure Application

Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure is a paid program from June 13th to June 30th. This program is for High School aged youth who identify as BOTH [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] AND [Queer, Trans, and Gender Non-Binary folx]. During the program, we will explore the themes of Queer belonging through community building, discussions, art, and outdoor adventures including backpacking, camping, and learning in nature. Participants will develop a deep sense of belonging within the affinity group and a connection to natural spaces. This program helps to create a safe space in which youth can connect on what it means to be QTBIPOC and learn how to advocate for more welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.

Dates: Program times generally go from 10am-3:30pm; Overnights have extended hours

Thursday-Friday June 13, 14 (Orientation, Art workshops)
Monday-Tuesday June 17 - June 18 (Overnight at Rob Hill) 10am start Mon, 3:30 end time Tues
Wednesday-Friday June 19- June 21 (Pre-trip hikes, and packing for backpacking trip)
Monday-Friday June 24-28 (5-day Backpacking in Point Reyes, overnight at Audubon Canyon Ranch on Friday night)
Saturday- June 29- Culmination Graduation

Benefits & Pay:

$575 Educational award (Provided at the completion of the course)
$400 Outdoor gear and art supplies provided

This program is for you if:

You identify as a [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] AND [Queer, Trans, and Gender Non-binary folx]. (Inclusion of folx who identify as mixed, you are still whole!)
You are interested in building skills and comfort in outdoor adventures. (You do not need to have experience camping or backpacking)
You are interested in discussions of what it means to find belonging outdoors.
You are interested in cultivating connection to people and natural spaces through hands-on learning with art, journaling, reading, and investigation.
You are in high school or just graduated high school.
You qualify for free or reduced lunch

Applications are due by April 30 or until positions are filled

Go to next page to fill out application

Applicant Info

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name

Name you would like to be addressed by

Birthdate

MM/DD/YYYY

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Best phone number to reach you

Re-type phone number

Best email to reach you

Re-type email

School Information

Current School

What grade are you in right now?

Do you qualify for a free/reduced lunch program at school?

Optional Demographic Information

All demographic questions (Race/Ethnicity, Gender, etc.) are optional. This is to better understand who you are and to make sure we put together the most diverse group possible. This program is an affinity program for people who identify as [LGBTQIA2+] AND [BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, Person of Color]. If you don't wish to answer a question please leave it blank.

Race/Ethnicty

Gender Identity

What pronouns do you go by?

Sexuality?

Any other identities you would like to express?

Application Questions

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your hobbies?

How would your best friends describe you

What unique perspectives or qualities might you bring to the group?

What skills or strengths might you contribute to the group?

Where do you feel at home? (What community spaces, natural spaces, or other environments do you feel a sense of belonging to?)

Why do you want to be a part of the Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure? What do you hope to gain from attending this program?

How do you like to enjoy natural spaces and the outdoors? (What activities do you like to do outside? How much time do you spend outside? Where are your favorite outdoor spaces to go to and why?)

What are your accessibility needs? (How can we be supportive of any physical, emotional, mental, learning needs so that you can thrive?)

[OPTIONAL] Have you applied or participated in other programs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area? (UTB, LINC, IYEL, Adventure Guides, QBBA, NPS, etc.)

[OPTIONAL] Where did you hear about Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure?

[OPTIONAL] Anything else you would like us to know?

Physical ability and limitations:

On the five-day backpacking trip, we will be hiking an average of ~5 miles, on the challenge day we will be hiking ~8 miles. Backpacking backpacks weigh about 40 lbs. The trail will have elevation gains and loss about 1,100 ft. The first few days will be easier, followed by a challenging day. This is considered a moderately challenging hike. Please prepare physically for the course through regular exercise. Conditioning before the course is important for avoiding injury and staying healthy. It will add to your enjoyment and ability to participate in the course.

Do you have any physical limitations to carrying a backpack around 40 lbs? If so, what are they?

Do you have any medical problems and restrictions that may be a challenge on this course? (Especially feet, ankle, legs, back or shoulders)