Outdoor Charities as Holiday Gift Ideas
How Membership in an Outdoor Non-Profit Makes a Thoughtful Present
Dec 10, 2008
Donating in the name of that special someone on the holiday list is a great way to show one cares, and it makes for an inexpensive gift that can help the outdoors too. Generally an introductory membership or donation to an outdoor organization does not cost much, but can make a big difference to an outdoor non-profit.
Membership in Leave No Trace, Inc.
Leave No Trace is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching outdoor enthusiasts how to travel responsibly in the natural world and leave minimal impact on the environment. They utilize the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, and teach their curriculum through various training programs. These include workshops, Leave No Trace Trainer and Master Educator courses, a Traveling Trainers program, and a state advocate program. An introductory membership is $15.
Donating to Big City Mountaineers and Summit for Someone
Big City Mountaineers takes urban youth on backpacking or canoeing trips, with the goal of making a positive impact in their lives so that the participants can make positive decisions about their futures. The program not only takes donations directly, but it also has a fundraising arm called Summit for Someone, which raises money to benefit Big City Mountaineers. This is accomplished by participants making a donation to Big City Mountaineers with either their own money or money they have raised from other donors. These participants then climb a high peak, with support from the program, and equipment provided by corporate donors. Climbers have links on the Summit for Someone website to which visitors can donate to.
Donating to the Women’s Wilderness Institute
This organization is designed to introduce girls and women to the outdoors, instill confidence, and teach leadership. They have a variety of programs, including wilderness expeditions, camps, leadership course for girls, including a course for Hispanic girls. Adult women can choose from backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing, river courses, yoga, winter courses, and rock climbing courses. There is also a program for survivors of trauma and cancer. Currently, until December 31, 2008, donations made to the institute will be matched for up to $19,000.
Donating to the National Parks Conservation Association
The NPCA is an organization dedicated to advocating for the national parks and the national park system in the United States. They have several campaigns, such as Keep Our Parks Safe and the National Park Centennial Initiative. There is also a Center for State of the Parks, which monitors issues and threats to the national parks as well as park resources. A minimal donation to the organization is $25.
Where to Look
Visit each program’s website for details about donation. For a list of other outdoor groups and non-profits, visit GORP’s website.
Note: The author is a member of Leave No Trace.
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