Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure

2026

Welcome to the Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure Application

Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure is a paid program from June 11th to June 27th, 2026. This program is for high school aged youth designed to connect BOTH [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] AND [Queer, Trans, and Gender Non-Binary folx] and allies to nature. 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.

Schedule & Time Commitments: June 11th - June 27th, 2026

Program times generally go from 10am-3:30pm; Overnights have extended hours. Dates are subject to change.

Thursday, June 11: Orientation
Friday, June 12: Outdoor Adventure (Rock Climbing or Kayaking)
Monday-Tuesday June 15-16: Camping at Kirby Cove
Wednesday-Thursday June 17: Hiking
Friday June 18: Backpacking Prep & Packing
Monday-Thursday June 22-25: 4-day Backpacking in Point Reyes
Friday June 26: Culmination at the Crissy Field Center

Location:

Meet at the Crissy Field Center (603 Mason St., Presidio San Francisco CA 94129), unless otherwise noted.
Backpacking in Point Reyes National Seashore

Compensation:

Participants will receive $575 educational award upon completion of the program
~$250 in art supplies and backpacking gear are provided

This summer program is for you if:

You want to explore [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] AND [Queer, Trans, and Gender Non-binary folx] identities
You are in high school or just graduated high school.
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.

We will be accepting applications until April 10th or until program is full

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?

Application Questions

Q1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your hobbies? How would your best friends describe you?

Q2. What unique perspectives or qualities might you bring to the group?

Q3. What community spaces, natural spaces or other environments do you feel a sense of belonging to? Where do you feel at home?

Q4. Why do you want to be a part of the Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure? What do you hope to gain from attending this program?

Q5. How do you like to enjoy 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?)

Q6. What are your accessibility needs? (How can we be supportive of any physical, emotional, mental, learning needs so that you can thrive?)

Q7. Do you have any other Queer friends that would be interested in this program? Do you know any other friends applying?

[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] Anything else you would like us to know?

[Optional] How did you hear about this opportunity? If you can please list any name or email.

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)

Optional Demographic Information

All demographic questions (Race/Ethnicity, Gender, etc.) are optional. If you don't wish to answer a question please leave it blank.

The Crissy Field Center is committed to providing opportunities to students who can benefit most from our programs. To help us better understand the needs of the families we serve and ensure equitable access, we kindly ask the below questions.

This information is completely confidential and will only be used to help us prioritize resources and design programs that are inclusive and accessible to all participants.

Race/Ethnicty

Gender

Pronouns

Sexuality?

Languages Spoken At Home

Any other ways you identify that you want to share?

Do you have any siblings in Head Start Programs?

Are you or have you ever been in Foster Care?

Does anyone in your family receive MediCal?

Does you qualify for free/reduced lunch program at school?

Does your household live in public housing or receive housing vouchers?

Have you ever experienced homelessness?

Are you enrolled in a federal, state or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g. GEAR UP, TRIO such as Upward Bound or others)?

Any other financial indicators you would like to share with us?

Our Commitment

As a nonprofit parks group, we seek to create positive and transformative experiences for all in our parks and open spaces. We believe everyone deserves the freedom, joy, and peace to be respected exactly as they are no matter where they are. We also see the power of nature, public lands, our collective history and times of resistance to inspire and educate. We honor, celebrate, and stand with all communities including trans, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA communities.