Wichita, Kan.— The Coleman Company, Inc., a unit of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, recently donated 1,000 Coleman® tents for aid to people displaced by the massive May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province, China.
“On hearing news about the earthquake, we knew immediately that we wanted to reach out to our friends in China and help shelter literally thousands of people,” said Sam Solomon, president and CEO of Coleman. “We were fortunate to have this volume of large tents (17-by-10 feet) ready to be shipped quickly to people in need.”
Representatives from the Coleman China office delivered the tents on May 22 to the distribution site designated by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government Guangzhou Branch.The tents were delivered to earthquake victims on May 24, along with other commodities. The tragedy struck close to home as among those receiving the tents was one of Coleman’s own employees whose family had lost its home during the earthquake.
The Sichuan government awarded an official Certificate of Recognition for the gift to Coleman Company representatives at the distribution site, and expressed appreciation for the Coleman’s swift response to the victims.
In addition, Jarden Corporation, Coleman’s parent company, has made a contribution and is encouraging its employees worldwide, including those in Coleman China, to contribute directly to the Chinese Red Cross.
“Coleman China employees are pleased to be able to help the quake survivors in a meaningful way and proud of the responsiveness of our parent company to this tragedy,” said Daisy Du, Coleman’s senior sourcing manager.
May 30, 2008
Osprey’s Headquarters Now Operates On 100-Percent Renewable Energy
Cortez, Colo., May 28th, 2008 — Osprey Packs, Inc., an independent pack company located in the high desert and mountains of Southwestern Colorado, is proud to have achieved 100-percent renewable energy efficiency at its headquarters a full two years ahead of schedule.
“We just bumped our headquarters energy use up to 100-percent green energy blocks with Empire Electric,” said Gareth Martins, director of Marketing for Osprey. “Empire Electric sources the power we use from existing renewable sources like wind and small hydro.”
Osprey expanded their office headquarters in Cortez, Colo. in 2007 with environmental performance playing a major role. Some of the notable features of their energy-efficient headquarters include innovations from waterless urinals in men’s rooms to recycled carpets; they even have ceiling tiles and insulation constructed of recycled blue jeans. Also used in the expansion were energy-saving, rotating skylights, reducing electricity usage in half.
The project is part and parcel with Osprey’s most recent achievement of reducing energy use and meeting 100 percent of their energy needs with renewable sources two years earlier than originally planned. Last year, the company fulfilled 70 percent of its energy needs with alternative energies such as wind, biomass conversion and small hydro.
Osprey Packs’ environmental and social responsibility practices run deep into the company’s culture and, in addition to being a leader in making high-quality backcountry, urban and travel packs, serve as a foremost defining characteristic of the brand. Osprey’s approach to environmental integrity is multi-faceted and includes many other elements, from sustainable travel initiatives to their ReSource series of recycled packs.
Please read more about their corporate social responsibility efforts on the web at: http://ospreypacks.com/OspreyLifestyle/Sustainability/.
About Osprey Packs
From its humble beginnings building custom backpacks and sleeping bags in Santa Cruz California, to its current recognition as an industry leader, Osprey has always flown its own course. Their mission is to create innovative high performance gear that reflects a love of adventure and a devotion to the outdoors and the environment. Osprey defines success when it meets the demanding expectation of its most discerning customers. Based in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey has over thirty-five years of pack-making experience.
“We just bumped our headquarters energy use up to 100-percent green energy blocks with Empire Electric,” said Gareth Martins, director of Marketing for Osprey. “Empire Electric sources the power we use from existing renewable sources like wind and small hydro.”
Osprey expanded their office headquarters in Cortez, Colo. in 2007 with environmental performance playing a major role. Some of the notable features of their energy-efficient headquarters include innovations from waterless urinals in men’s rooms to recycled carpets; they even have ceiling tiles and insulation constructed of recycled blue jeans. Also used in the expansion were energy-saving, rotating skylights, reducing electricity usage in half.
The project is part and parcel with Osprey’s most recent achievement of reducing energy use and meeting 100 percent of their energy needs with renewable sources two years earlier than originally planned. Last year, the company fulfilled 70 percent of its energy needs with alternative energies such as wind, biomass conversion and small hydro.
Osprey Packs’ environmental and social responsibility practices run deep into the company’s culture and, in addition to being a leader in making high-quality backcountry, urban and travel packs, serve as a foremost defining characteristic of the brand. Osprey’s approach to environmental integrity is multi-faceted and includes many other elements, from sustainable travel initiatives to their ReSource series of recycled packs.
Please read more about their corporate social responsibility efforts on the web at: http://ospreypacks.com/OspreyLifestyle/Sustainability/.
About Osprey Packs
From its humble beginnings building custom backpacks and sleeping bags in Santa Cruz California, to its current recognition as an industry leader, Osprey has always flown its own course. Their mission is to create innovative high performance gear that reflects a love of adventure and a devotion to the outdoors and the environment. Osprey defines success when it meets the demanding expectation of its most discerning customers. Based in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey has over thirty-five years of pack-making experience.
$100,000 Grant from The Outdoor Foundation Expands Teens Outside Program
Boulder, CO, May 29th, 2008 — The Outdoor Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to expand Teens Outside to 29 communities in 2008 including eight new agencies in California. The grant will inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts in America by creating outdoor adventure programs in park and recreation departments around the country.
The funding will allow NRPA to manage and grow the program within its vast network of public agencies. NRPA has identified the program - which introduces youth to close-to-home outdoor recreation with sustained, season-long experiences in activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, biking, paddling – as a priority.
During 2007, more than 3,560 teens across the country and 250 mentors were involved in the Teens Outside program. Geographically, it spanned 21 communities in 15 states. Success of the program will mean impacting the lives of more than 50,000 teens and their families over the next five years.
Grant making is part of The Outdoor Foundation’s three-pronged approach to connecting youth with the outdoors.
The Foundation is working to:
•Provide multi-year funding for organizations and programs that build capacity, are increasingly self-sufficient, connect key players and have significant return on investment. The Outdoor Foundation will work with organizations that have a strong long-term strategic and financial commitment to the relevant program.
•Establish an annual Youth Summit to organize stakeholders, encourage collaboration, and foster communication.
•Invest, expand, and communicate active lifestyle research.
The purpose of The Outdoor Foundation’s grant making arm is to support programs that have a solid track record of increasing youth participation in outdoor activities. The Outdoor Foundation is proud of Teens Outside’s success. The Foundation’s grant to NRPA will impact significant numbers of youth, and make a real difference in the inactivity crisis plaguing this generation of children.
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 established by Outdoor Industry Association to inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. The Foundation introduces youth to outdoor recreation through nationwide youth programming and produces high-quality, groundbreaking research that quantifies the extent and quality of participation in outdoor recreation as well as its economic impact on the U.S.
For additional information visit www.outdoorfoundation.org or call 303.444.3353.
The funding will allow NRPA to manage and grow the program within its vast network of public agencies. NRPA has identified the program - which introduces youth to close-to-home outdoor recreation with sustained, season-long experiences in activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, biking, paddling – as a priority.
During 2007, more than 3,560 teens across the country and 250 mentors were involved in the Teens Outside program. Geographically, it spanned 21 communities in 15 states. Success of the program will mean impacting the lives of more than 50,000 teens and their families over the next five years.
Grant making is part of The Outdoor Foundation’s three-pronged approach to connecting youth with the outdoors.
The Foundation is working to:
•Provide multi-year funding for organizations and programs that build capacity, are increasingly self-sufficient, connect key players and have significant return on investment. The Outdoor Foundation will work with organizations that have a strong long-term strategic and financial commitment to the relevant program.
•Establish an annual Youth Summit to organize stakeholders, encourage collaboration, and foster communication.
•Invest, expand, and communicate active lifestyle research.
The purpose of The Outdoor Foundation’s grant making arm is to support programs that have a solid track record of increasing youth participation in outdoor activities. The Outdoor Foundation is proud of Teens Outside’s success. The Foundation’s grant to NRPA will impact significant numbers of youth, and make a real difference in the inactivity crisis plaguing this generation of children.
The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 established by Outdoor Industry Association to inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. The Foundation introduces youth to outdoor recreation through nationwide youth programming and produces high-quality, groundbreaking research that quantifies the extent and quality of participation in outdoor recreation as well as its economic impact on the U.S.
For additional information visit www.outdoorfoundation.org or call 303.444.3353.
May 22, 2008
Fox River gives to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Fox River donated $4,100 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). BCRF, www.bcrfcure.org, was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. Fox River, based in Osage, Iowa, has been making high-performance socks for more than 100 years. www.foxsox.com.
BCRF supports scientists at leading medical centers worldwide whose research is focused on achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime and has raised more than $215 million to date. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for all women (after lung cancer), and the leading overall cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her life.
“It is an honor for us to partner with BCRF and to support the fight against breast cancer through sales of our women’s sock collection,” says Joel Anderson, Fox River branded division president. “We’ve been donating 5% of the profits on sales to support breast cancer research for since the inception of our Fox River women’s line in 2000.”
Fox River continues to lead the sport-specific sock industry in technical advancements including its new Good Earth Collection of organic merino socks, and Bio-Fiber™ (made from corn, a 100% annually renewable resource) socks for both men and women.
For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org or www.foxsox.com.
BCRF supports scientists at leading medical centers worldwide whose research is focused on achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime and has raised more than $215 million to date. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for all women (after lung cancer), and the leading overall cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. One in eight women will develop breast cancer during her life.
“It is an honor for us to partner with BCRF and to support the fight against breast cancer through sales of our women’s sock collection,” says Joel Anderson, Fox River branded division president. “We’ve been donating 5% of the profits on sales to support breast cancer research for since the inception of our Fox River women’s line in 2000.”
Fox River continues to lead the sport-specific sock industry in technical advancements including its new Good Earth Collection of organic merino socks, and Bio-Fiber™ (made from corn, a 100% annually renewable resource) socks for both men and women.
For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org or www.foxsox.com.
Solstice Partners with the Conservation Alliance
Portland, OR, May 20th, 2008 — Solstice Outdoor, Inc. has partnered with The Conservation Alliance, a non-profit organization, this May. The partnership will allow Solstice to participate in the contribution and distribution of grants that protect and conserve wild habitat.
Solstice is an active member in the local and outdoor community contributing to the YWCA of Greater Portland, WaterWatch of Oregon, Betties 360, National Ski Patrol and more.
About Solstice Outdoor, Inc. – Solstice is a technical outdoor apparel company based out of Portland, Oregon. Under a new owner and management team the brand is re-launching its design and label for Fall 2008. For additional information visit www.solsticeoutdoor.com.
Solstice is an active member in the local and outdoor community contributing to the YWCA of Greater Portland, WaterWatch of Oregon, Betties 360, National Ski Patrol and more.
About Solstice Outdoor, Inc. – Solstice is a technical outdoor apparel company based out of Portland, Oregon. Under a new owner and management team the brand is re-launching its design and label for Fall 2008. For additional information visit www.solsticeoutdoor.com.
May 14, 2008
Sierra Club Sends Military Families to Camp
San Francisco, CA--The Military Family Outdoor (MFO) Initiative, a joint project of the Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation, today announced a three-year grant of up to $23 million, provided by generous donors to support three organizations that provide returning veterans and their families with healing, life-affirming outdoor experiences in the natural world.
"We are proud to serve military families thanks to the support of donors to The Sierra Club Foundation who are profoundly motivated to ensure that those protecting our country get to enjoy its natural wonders," stated Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. "This project will connect a new generation of American servicemen and women and their children to the mental and physical benefits of our natural heritage."
The Military Family Outdoor Initiative is building on the success of a partnership the Sierra Club began last year with support to the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to provide week-long summer camp experiences to military children. NMFA's Operation Purple Camps engage kids in outdoor experiences and activities while teaching coping skills to help them deal with the deployment of one or both of their parents.
"Together with the Sierra Club we can make a difference in the lives of our nation's youngest heroes," said Nancy Alsheimer, Chairman of the NMFA Board of Governors. "Drawing on the healing and connecting experiences of the outdoors, Operation Purple Camps empower military children and provide a much needed respite from worries about their deployed parents."
The Sierra Club believes that every child has a right to have a special place in nature. In a 2005 study mandated by the California Legislature, the American Institute of Research found that children gain self-esteem and personal responsibility from outdoor experiences. In fact, students demonstrated a 27 percent increase in science test scores after a week-long outdoor experience. The Military Family Outdoor program will provide these experiences for military children during a crucial time in their lives.
This year, the Sierra Club has greatly expanded its work with NMFA and has added outdoor programs for returning veterans, as well as camping programs for the entire military family to experience together. Sierra Club's Military Family Outdoor Initiative has partnered with the Armed Services YMCA to provide additional family camps near military installations across the country and joined with Outward Bound to sponsor returning veterans in outdoor wilderness adventure courses.
"Outward Bound is grateful to the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project for its support serving America's veterans through our proven outdoor wilderness adventure courses," said John Read, Outward Bound's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"The Sierra Club Foundation grant provides a rewarding outdoor camping experience for hundreds of military kids as well as military families. They'll have an opportunity to learn more about nature and most importantly, take time away from the stress of deployment," said Armed Services YMCA National Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). "The ASYMCA is proud to have the Sierra Club as a partner in our mission to support America's military families."
About Sierra Club:
The Sierra Club's members and supporters are more than 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Our mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.
www.sierraclub.org/youth/events/operation_purple.asp
www.nmfa.org/
www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans.html
www.asymca.org/
"We are proud to serve military families thanks to the support of donors to The Sierra Club Foundation who are profoundly motivated to ensure that those protecting our country get to enjoy its natural wonders," stated Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. "This project will connect a new generation of American servicemen and women and their children to the mental and physical benefits of our natural heritage."
The Military Family Outdoor Initiative is building on the success of a partnership the Sierra Club began last year with support to the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to provide week-long summer camp experiences to military children. NMFA's Operation Purple Camps engage kids in outdoor experiences and activities while teaching coping skills to help them deal with the deployment of one or both of their parents.
"Together with the Sierra Club we can make a difference in the lives of our nation's youngest heroes," said Nancy Alsheimer, Chairman of the NMFA Board of Governors. "Drawing on the healing and connecting experiences of the outdoors, Operation Purple Camps empower military children and provide a much needed respite from worries about their deployed parents."
The Sierra Club believes that every child has a right to have a special place in nature. In a 2005 study mandated by the California Legislature, the American Institute of Research found that children gain self-esteem and personal responsibility from outdoor experiences. In fact, students demonstrated a 27 percent increase in science test scores after a week-long outdoor experience. The Military Family Outdoor program will provide these experiences for military children during a crucial time in their lives.
This year, the Sierra Club has greatly expanded its work with NMFA and has added outdoor programs for returning veterans, as well as camping programs for the entire military family to experience together. Sierra Club's Military Family Outdoor Initiative has partnered with the Armed Services YMCA to provide additional family camps near military installations across the country and joined with Outward Bound to sponsor returning veterans in outdoor wilderness adventure courses.
"Outward Bound is grateful to the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project for its support serving America's veterans through our proven outdoor wilderness adventure courses," said John Read, Outward Bound's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"The Sierra Club Foundation grant provides a rewarding outdoor camping experience for hundreds of military kids as well as military families. They'll have an opportunity to learn more about nature and most importantly, take time away from the stress of deployment," said Armed Services YMCA National Executive Director Frank Gallo, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). "The ASYMCA is proud to have the Sierra Club as a partner in our mission to support America's military families."
About Sierra Club:
The Sierra Club's members and supporters are more than 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Our mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.
www.sierraclub.org/youth/events/operation_purple.asp
www.nmfa.org/
www.outwardboundwilderness.org/veterans.html
www.asymca.org/
May 10, 2008
Revenge-seeking student climbers headed to Russia in friend’s memory
By Brian Fontenot
What began as a way for two college students to strike back at Mother Nature for Hurricane Katrina by climbing the highest mountains on each of the seven continents has evolved into a charity event.
Brendan Batt, 22, a LSU pre-veterinary senior, and Andrew Hillery, 23, a University of Alabama graduate, are now supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Orleans and have created their own non-profit, Climb for New Orleans.
“It’s all about raising awareness through climbing,” Hillery said.
“It just kind troubles me when I think about what if I didn’t even have the option to [climb],” Batt said. “It’s the least we can do to spread awareness about muscular dystrophy.”
The pair was inspired to support the MDA after the death of their lifelong friend, Nick Ferran, who passed away in January.
In memory of their friend, their summit flags will include his name. If they are successful, they will have put their friend’s name on the Seven Summits.
“It’s going to be a complete tribute to him. He will be with us every step of the way,” Hillery said.
And that’s the ultimate goal – climb the Seven Summits.
The pair planned to climb Denali (Mt. McKinley) this summer, but decided the venture was going to be too expensive and too difficult for the time being.
Batt said Denali has the highest vertical rise of any mountain in the world, shooting from about 2,000 feet to a little over 20,000 feet. Everest, while higher than Denali, only has a vertical rise of about 12,000 feet, with its base at 17,000 feet and its summit at nearly 9,000.
Of the Seven Summits, Denali is second only to Everest when it comes to difficulty and required expertise, Batt said.
“It just seemed like the wiser thing to do first,” Batt said. “We decided it would be better to get [Elbrus] out of the way.”
Located in the Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus’ west summit towers 18,510 feet – the highest in all of Europe. Batt and Hillery will be departing from its base camp at 12,000 feet to make the climb, making for a 6,000 foot climb.
Elbrus offers the chance to experience climbing above 15,000 feet, where the amount of oxygen in the air is cut in half, Batt said, adding it will give them a better idea of what climbing Denali will be like.
“I’m pretty glad we decided to do this one as the first of the seven,” Hillery said.
Batt and Hillery should be physically over-prepared to tackle Elbrus. They have been training to climb Denali for a year, where one has to be in peak physical condition to even have a chance of reaching the summit.
“We were training for Denali the whole time,” Hillery said. “This mountain up in Russia is going to be pretty sweet.”
Batt does a lot of running, going for four miles twice a week and six miles every 10 days, and weight lifting, hitting the gym five days a week.
But to toughen himself up for a climb, he marches up and down the levee in Baton Rouge, carrying 115 pounds of extra weight. His older brother, David, has also been helping him train, especially in the weight room where a spotter becomes necessary.
Hillery currently lives in Los Angeles and has developed his own training regimen-running barefoot.
After finishing the 26-mile-long Los Angeles Marathon, Hillery wasn’t satisfied with the workout he was getting by just running. So, he shirked his shoes and hit the soft sands of California’s beaches and its rough roads.
He regularly treks 10 to 20 miles every few days barefoot, now, and said the whole experience has made his legs so much stronger.
“It’s so much better, especially for glacier climbing. Every move you have to press down on the ice,” he said. “When I strap on shoes now, it’s like a joyride.”
The climb to the Elbrus’ summit will take 12 to 15 days and a Russian not known for taking Americans on climbs will be their guide.
“It’s going to be quite an adventure with this guy. He doesn’t take Americans often,” Hillery said, adding the guide has a reputation of being a good climber and snowboarder.
While reaching the summit is an accomplishment, Hillery said the way back down is usually the most dangerous part. People get careless.
Fortunately, the way down Elbrus isn’t nearly as fraught with danger as other mountains. The duo and their guide intend to snowboard back to base camp.
“We’re going to the top to strap on a snowboard and hammer down,” Hillery said.
The pair hopes to climb four of the Seven Summits over the next year, moving from Elbrus to Aconcagua in South America to Denali next summer followed by Kilimanjaro in Africa.
“It’s way more impressive now, really,” Batt said. “Last year it was kind of an idea. Now, it’s a part of my life. Every day I’m thinking about it.”
They are flying out of Los Angeles on June 20. The price tag for their climb, which includes the flight and the guide, but not their gear, is $9,000.
What began as a way for two college students to strike back at Mother Nature for Hurricane Katrina by climbing the highest mountains on each of the seven continents has evolved into a charity event.
Brendan Batt, 22, a LSU pre-veterinary senior, and Andrew Hillery, 23, a University of Alabama graduate, are now supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Orleans and have created their own non-profit, Climb for New Orleans.
“It’s all about raising awareness through climbing,” Hillery said.
“It just kind troubles me when I think about what if I didn’t even have the option to [climb],” Batt said. “It’s the least we can do to spread awareness about muscular dystrophy.”
The pair was inspired to support the MDA after the death of their lifelong friend, Nick Ferran, who passed away in January.
In memory of their friend, their summit flags will include his name. If they are successful, they will have put their friend’s name on the Seven Summits.
“It’s going to be a complete tribute to him. He will be with us every step of the way,” Hillery said.
And that’s the ultimate goal – climb the Seven Summits.
The pair planned to climb Denali (Mt. McKinley) this summer, but decided the venture was going to be too expensive and too difficult for the time being.
Batt said Denali has the highest vertical rise of any mountain in the world, shooting from about 2,000 feet to a little over 20,000 feet. Everest, while higher than Denali, only has a vertical rise of about 12,000 feet, with its base at 17,000 feet and its summit at nearly 9,000.
Of the Seven Summits, Denali is second only to Everest when it comes to difficulty and required expertise, Batt said.
“It just seemed like the wiser thing to do first,” Batt said. “We decided it would be better to get [Elbrus] out of the way.”
Located in the Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus’ west summit towers 18,510 feet – the highest in all of Europe. Batt and Hillery will be departing from its base camp at 12,000 feet to make the climb, making for a 6,000 foot climb.
Elbrus offers the chance to experience climbing above 15,000 feet, where the amount of oxygen in the air is cut in half, Batt said, adding it will give them a better idea of what climbing Denali will be like.
“I’m pretty glad we decided to do this one as the first of the seven,” Hillery said.
Batt and Hillery should be physically over-prepared to tackle Elbrus. They have been training to climb Denali for a year, where one has to be in peak physical condition to even have a chance of reaching the summit.
“We were training for Denali the whole time,” Hillery said. “This mountain up in Russia is going to be pretty sweet.”
Batt does a lot of running, going for four miles twice a week and six miles every 10 days, and weight lifting, hitting the gym five days a week.
But to toughen himself up for a climb, he marches up and down the levee in Baton Rouge, carrying 115 pounds of extra weight. His older brother, David, has also been helping him train, especially in the weight room where a spotter becomes necessary.
Hillery currently lives in Los Angeles and has developed his own training regimen-running barefoot.
After finishing the 26-mile-long Los Angeles Marathon, Hillery wasn’t satisfied with the workout he was getting by just running. So, he shirked his shoes and hit the soft sands of California’s beaches and its rough roads.
He regularly treks 10 to 20 miles every few days barefoot, now, and said the whole experience has made his legs so much stronger.
“It’s so much better, especially for glacier climbing. Every move you have to press down on the ice,” he said. “When I strap on shoes now, it’s like a joyride.”
The climb to the Elbrus’ summit will take 12 to 15 days and a Russian not known for taking Americans on climbs will be their guide.
“It’s going to be quite an adventure with this guy. He doesn’t take Americans often,” Hillery said, adding the guide has a reputation of being a good climber and snowboarder.
While reaching the summit is an accomplishment, Hillery said the way back down is usually the most dangerous part. People get careless.
Fortunately, the way down Elbrus isn’t nearly as fraught with danger as other mountains. The duo and their guide intend to snowboard back to base camp.
“We’re going to the top to strap on a snowboard and hammer down,” Hillery said.
The pair hopes to climb four of the Seven Summits over the next year, moving from Elbrus to Aconcagua in South America to Denali next summer followed by Kilimanjaro in Africa.
“It’s way more impressive now, really,” Batt said. “Last year it was kind of an idea. Now, it’s a part of my life. Every day I’m thinking about it.”
They are flying out of Los Angeles on June 20. The price tag for their climb, which includes the flight and the guide, but not their gear, is $9,000.
May 08, 2008
Big City Mountaineers Launches the Change a Life Campaign
Denver, Colo., May 7th, 2008 — Big City Mountaineers, the nation's leading volunteer organization devoted to mentoring urban teens during wilderness trips, launches the 2008 Change a Life Campaign designed to motivate fundraising among volunteers.
Volunteers for the summer BCM programs pay a $100 fee to help cover administrative costs. Through the Change a Life Campaign, volunteers have an opportunity to earn back their fee as well as raising more funds for the BCM program. To add incentive for extra fundraising, volunteers and donors can earn and win prizes from sponsors.
Volunteer Incentives:
• Raise $50: Receive a BCM keychain
• Raise $100: Receive a BCM performance t-shirt and be entered to win 1 of 5 Timbuk2 Messenger bags
• Raise $200: Receive $100 volunteer fee back and your choice of either 1) an original signed print by outdoor adventurer Andy Skurka or 2) an autographed copy of "The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Skip Yowell.
• Raise $300: Receive a framed National Geographic map of your course area and a Camelbak water bottle
• Raise $400: Receive and a Primus stove and be entered to win a free alpine Summit for Someone climb spot for 2009
• Top Fundraiser wins a Mountain Hardwear Phantom bag and Mountain Hardwear UL Kiva. A $600 value
• Second through sixth place will receive a gift card for a free pair of KEEN footwear
Donor Incentives:
• Donors contributing $50 or more will be entered to win a Jansport luggage set. Value at $500+
Thanks to Keen, Primus, Jansport, Andy Skurka, National Geographic, Timbuktu, Camelbak and Howard Schwartz for making this campaign possible.
About Big City Mountaineers
Big City Mountaineers, Inc. is a 501c(3) tax exempt corporation based in Denver, Colo., with the mission of providing urban teenage youth in need of positive adult mentoring with challenging and safe wilderness experiences led by qualified adult volunteer guides. BCM is the largest non-profit in the country devoted to working exclusively with at-risk teens using the outdoors as a transformational element in their lives. Learn more at www.bigcitymountaineers.org.
Volunteers for the summer BCM programs pay a $100 fee to help cover administrative costs. Through the Change a Life Campaign, volunteers have an opportunity to earn back their fee as well as raising more funds for the BCM program. To add incentive for extra fundraising, volunteers and donors can earn and win prizes from sponsors.
Volunteer Incentives:
• Raise $50: Receive a BCM keychain
• Raise $100: Receive a BCM performance t-shirt and be entered to win 1 of 5 Timbuk2 Messenger bags
• Raise $200: Receive $100 volunteer fee back and your choice of either 1) an original signed print by outdoor adventurer Andy Skurka or 2) an autographed copy of "The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder" by Skip Yowell.
• Raise $300: Receive a framed National Geographic map of your course area and a Camelbak water bottle
• Raise $400: Receive and a Primus stove and be entered to win a free alpine Summit for Someone climb spot for 2009
• Top Fundraiser wins a Mountain Hardwear Phantom bag and Mountain Hardwear UL Kiva. A $600 value
• Second through sixth place will receive a gift card for a free pair of KEEN footwear
Donor Incentives:
• Donors contributing $50 or more will be entered to win a Jansport luggage set. Value at $500+
Thanks to Keen, Primus, Jansport, Andy Skurka, National Geographic, Timbuktu, Camelbak and Howard Schwartz for making this campaign possible.
About Big City Mountaineers
Big City Mountaineers, Inc. is a 501c(3) tax exempt corporation based in Denver, Colo., with the mission of providing urban teenage youth in need of positive adult mentoring with challenging and safe wilderness experiences led by qualified adult volunteer guides. BCM is the largest non-profit in the country devoted to working exclusively with at-risk teens using the outdoors as a transformational element in their lives. Learn more at www.bigcitymountaineers.org.
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