Big City Mountaineers, a Colorado nonprofit that has provided wilderness experiences for youth in the outdoors for more than 30 years, is expanding operations into Birmingham.

Through partnerships with local agencies, BCM plans to offer free hikes, camping experiences and overnight trips to Alabama students, ages 12 through 18. The program focuses on children and young adults from communities that have not been economically invested in the same way as other, wealthier, communities have been.

“We do this because being outside is intrinsically valuable and we also do this because being outside helps individuals grow in really important ways,” said David Taus, executive director of BCM.

BCM employees led 68 trips across the country and guided thousands of trail hours last year, according to a news release.

This expansion marks BCM’s first full-fledged program in the southeastern United States. The organization plans to start operating in 2024 and will have a physical space in Birmingham for packing, storing, and organizing equipment for travel.

“We are thrilled to bring our mission of providing transformative experiences for youth outdoors to such a vibrant community,” Taus said in a news release. “There is so much that makes sense about BCM coming to Birmingham, I am very much looking forward to partnering closely with local youth-serving agencies and providing access to outdoor experiences for youth who might not otherwise have such an opportunity.”

“The bright future that Alabama needs will only be possible when people of all backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of experiencing the outdoors. Introducing youth from underserved backgrounds to Alabama’s stunning natural landscapes will create life-changing moments. And this is an investment in everyone’s future,” said Scot Duncan, executive director of Alabama Audubon.