Eastern Sierra Youth Outdoors session opens for enrollment

Program offers unique chance for youth to experience backcountry

“Fifty-percent hard work and 100% fun!”

That’s what a participant had to say about last year’s Eastern Sierra Youth Outdoor program (ESYO), which is now open for enrollment for the June 18 – 23, 2024 session.

The program is a freeto-them, six-day rock climbing and backpacking trip for youth from the Eastern Sierra who are ages 13 through 18. No prior experience is necessary, and the program provides all needed equipment and clothing. Experienced professional guides and outdoor educators lead the way.

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Started in 2015 by local mountain guide Todd Vogel, the program is sponsored by Eastside Sports and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. Vogel continues to serve as the volunteer director.

Participants will learn basic outdoor skills, including camp craft, rock climbing, map reading, backcountry equipment basics, backcountry cooking and sanitation, water purification, Leave No Trace principles, and, most importantly, how to have fun in the backcoun

try.

Vogel says “this program is a great opportunity for youth of the area to try out rock climbing and backpacking, and maybe get a little bit outside of their comfort zone. We’re especially hoping to get participants involved who have never climbed or been in the backcountry, though kids with outdoor experience had a great time last time and surely will again this time. We’re also thrilled that superqualified outdoor professionals have agreed to help make the trip happen again.”

A participant from a few years back said “For me it was a complete introduction to Bishop’s backyard and the adventures it had to offer. It gave me insight into why people willingly spend their time outside (I really didn’t understand it before!), and I often look back fondly on this experience as the genesis of my own passion for hiking, here in Bishop and around the world. I hope others can embrace this experience and discover their own newfound fascinations with the outdoors and appreciation for the town they live in.”

To join the program, please complete an application, available at tinyurl. com/yful2fts or at

Eastside Sports. Applications will be accepted until the program is full.

For more information, email esyouthoutdoors@ gmail.com or call Todd Vogel, (760) 920-0774.

The ESYO is a grateful recipient of the Inyo County Community

Project Sponsorship Program (CPSP).

Photos courtesy of Todd Vogel Eastern Sierra Youth Outdoors offers a chance for area youth to venture out into Bishop’s “Big Backyard” and perhaps out of their comfort zone to learn basic outdoor skills from skilled volunteers. Not only do participants learn such skills but often come away with greater confidence.

ESYO participants learn about the environment around them while having fun.