BAWT was founded in 1999 to connect Bay Area youth with transformative nature experiences and increase equitable access to the outdoors. BAWT reaches low-income youth & BIPOC youth by “training the trainer” and working with trusted adults in their communities through our gear library and signature Outdoor Leadership Trainings. BAWT provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in gear loans and subsidized courses to youth workers each year, supporting thousands of Bay Area youth to get outside annually.

VetEx is a veteran-run, veteran-led non-profit that uses wilderness challenges to connect veterans, create community, build self-esteem, and raise awareness about the issues facing veterans as they transition back to civilian life. Through outdoor experiences of varying levels - from short snowshoe hikes, multi-day river trips, ice-climbing outings and serious expeditions, VetEx facilitates trust and camaraderie. Participants in our programs challenge themselves and push beyond what other people tell them about how their bodies and minds work after combat.