Backcountry Squatters
A network of college clubs dedicated to growing women + non-binary folks participation, leadership, and representation in the outdoor industry and community
Run by ‘Squatters alumni, this 501c3 nonprofit uplifts women at a pivotal moment in their lives by connecting them in the sisterhood, growth, and empowerment of shared outdoor pursuits.
We are opening the door to outdoor opportunities that women have historically been excluded from. With chapters established accross the nation, Backcountry Squatters is rapidly expanding.
OUR MISSION
To unleash college women’s full potential as tomorrow’s leaders through the transformative power of venturing outside together.
OUR VISION
A world where women can comfortably step into climbing shoes, hiking boots, female connections, and leadership roles—widely represented and with equal opportunities, in college and beyond.
Our co-founders were both freshmen who had decided to attend Montana State University because of the infinite outdoor opportunities. Over bowls of cereal, they began to discuss how ‘Bro’zeman, ‘Man’tana really was living up to its name. The recreation opportunities were amazing, but it seemed that every adventure they went on had a very unequal ratio of males to females.
They kept wondering: Where were the ladies?
In 2015, Kit Kocha and Andie Creel decided to start MSU’s Women’s Outdoor Adventure Club, now known as Backcountry Squatters. The mission was to create a supportive community for outdoorsy women at MSU. The first meeting had over 60 girls show up to create a shared vision. As it turns out, hundreds of ladies at college campuses across the country have been looking for the same thing.
In the years that followed, with the help of Darby Knoll, Kelly Balfanz, multiple exec boards, countless stoke-builders and our first team of ambassadors, Backcountry Squatters has organized technical clinics, story sharing events, goofy ‘gaper’ days, backcountry dances, and other events that capture the spirit of the members who embrace our mission.
As the community grew, so did the need to raise funds for financial aid and provide overall organizational structure, so in 2018 the nonprofit was born.
identity
Women-Founded
Women-Founded
activities
All Outdoor Adventures
All Outdoor Adventures
organization
501(c)3
501(c)3
