Bay Area Wilderness Training

Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) is a non-profit organization based in Oakland, California. With 20 employees, BAWT is dedicated to providing youth in the San Francisco Bay Area with opportunities to experience the wilderness firsthand. BAWT offers professional wilderness leadership training for teachers and youth workers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to lead safe and impactful outdoor trips. In addition, they operate outdoor gear libraries, allowing youth organizations and schools to borrow necessary equipment free of charge. BAWT also provides financial support to help facilitate these wilderness experiences for youth. The organization emphasizes four core values: diversity, risk, environmental stewardship, and relationships. BAWT strives to engage with a diverse community of leaders, foster responsible risk-taking, promote environmental awareness, and cultivate strong relationships within communities. Their mission is to ensure that all youth have access to wilderness experiences, believing that such encounters broaden perspectives, foster personal growth, and inspire future generations to be agents of positive social and environmental change. BAWT's website, bawt.org, provides further information about their programs, training opportunities, and ways to get involved.