Inspiration in Atlanta

The name Leonardo likely conjures up a variety of images and memories that are specific to each of us as we grew up. For many in my generation, he was the leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, clad with blue bandanna and katana swords. On perhaps a more serious level, Leonardo is the genius inventor, engineer, artist and quintessential renaissance man from Italy who helped inspire many of the ideas which permeate the world as we know it today. As cool as the Ninja Turtles are, however, it's the latter image that usually evokes inspiration and ambition.

For me, that inspiration was initiated during my late teenage years in the summer of 1996. That year, I met a young boy of age five or six named after that famous historical figure who unknowingly planted a seed in my heart that has apparently taken nearly 17 years to germinate. Leo came across my path while I was with my church youth group. In those days, we would spend our weekends working with an inner-city ministry group based out of Atlanta, home to some of the oldest housing projects in the nation. During our trips we would visit places like Carver Homes, Hollywood Courts, etc. and take the afternoon to simply spend time with the kids who lived in those locations. It was incredible to see how badly they just wanted someone to sit and listen to their stories and give them a few hours of attention. It was Leo's story that sticks with me to this very day.

The specifics of the tale now elude me after so many years, but in general, Leo told us of how he saw his father murdered in front of him over a drug deal gone bad. In particular, I remember him sitting there, well-groomed, clad in multiple gold rings, a gold necklace and brand new Nike shoes as he recounted the event of his father's demise, telling us of the multiple gunshots his father received to the face. Those words coming out of the mouth of a child who was less than 7years old were impactful to say the least.

Obviously, one question that may come to mind is, Why does this kid have gold rings and new Nike shoes if he is so needy? The "support" he was receiving made me wonder. Obviously his material needs seemed to be getting met, but what about his emotional needs? What about his experiences with adults and his point of view on how the world works? From just a few minutes of conversation with the young man, I could tell that these more important issues where not being positively resolved. Only now though, after years of thinking back on this experience, do I start to come to some revelations. It's not Leo's fault that he had to witness what he did. It's not Leo's fault he had to grow up where he did. It's not Leo's fault that he had a litany of prescribed excuses for failure laid out in front of him before he probably even knew how to walk. However, it is OUR fault if we choose to ignore the problems of kids like Leo and still expect society to improve. That said, there is something we can do.

Backpacker Magazine and BCM Team 6 on the summit of Mount Whitney this past April. Team members L-R starting at the back: Jayson Yagi, Sean Estep, Nikki Flavio, Forrest Schwab (guide), Judd Glasser, Keita Sakon, Thomas Greene (guide), Lucas Hendrickson, Peter Athans (professional climber for The North Face).

Positive adult mentoring and leadership can make a huge difference in the lives of children like Leo, and there's a movement coming here to Atlanta to help make that happen. Big City Mountaineers is a non-profit organization based out of Colorado that seeks to influence the lives of disadvantaged youth through wilderness mentoring programs. I have taken on the task of helping establish Atlanta as one of the next hub cities for BCM within the next 2-3 years. The journey begins with the recruitment of individuals willing to participate in BCM's Summit for Someone program which serves as a major source of funding for the mentoring programs and the week-long expeditions that serve as the centerpiece of the participants' experience. As a three-time SFS climber myself, I can personally attest to the fact that these climbs are absolutely incredible. You get to take part in trips with some of the best guides on the planet and meet people like Dave Hahn and Peter Athans who are some of the greatest climbers in the world. Each trip has its own special surprise, but the only way to find out is to sign up! When you do, be sure to drop my name to Darin Fearday (director of the SFS program) to let him know you want to see BCM here on the East Coast.

Additionally, I am working to establish local connections with businesses and individuals who are willing to help support a BCM operation in Atlanta. To give you a better idea of who these programs help and how successful they are, take a look at the data below from BCM's own website:

The Facts on BCM Youth:

• 100% are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs.
• 83% are from families that report an average household income of $15,000 or less.
• 71% are from single parent or guardian-led households.
• “Not interested” is the number one reason for lack of outdoor participation by non-Caucasian youth.
• 7hrs a day is the average screen time spent by urban youth.

The Results of BCM Programs:

• 88% of BCM youth report that they will apply what they learned from their BCM trip, and it will help them in their future and in their day-to-day life.
• 100% of BCM youth report significant improvements in these key areas:
  - Commitment to Learning: motivation to do well in school, does homework, reads for pleasure.
  - Positive Values: cares for other people, promotes equality, has integrity, is honest and responsible.
  - Social Competencies: plans and makes good decisions, can resist peer pressure, seeks to resolve conflict non-violently.
  - Positive Identity: feels in control, has high self-esteem, is optimistic about personal future.
• In 2012, Big City Mountaineers delivered over 1,800 program days (1 Program Day = One youth participating for one day) of recreational mentoring to our teen participants in four regions, including the Rocky Mountains, the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area.

You'll notice that the Southeast is presently missing from that list of regions, but that is about to change. I can't do it alone though, so if you or someone you know would like to help, please contact me. Let's give stories like Leo's an incredibly positive and inspiring ending.

Big City Mountaineers: Southern Fried Edition

At the summit of 14,508ft. (4,422m) Mount Whitney on April 28th, 2013.

I just wanted to take a second and again thank everyone who helped contribute to my Backpacker Magazine and Summit for Someone climb of Mount Whitney for Big City Mountaineers. Team 6 absolutely crushed! The trip was amazing and full of memories and experiences that will be with me for a lifetime. It also has served as the starting point of a new chapter in my life.

After speaking with BCM Executive Director Lisa Mattis, I am taking the next step and planning to join a BCM group of Miami-based teens this summer on a backpacking trip through Yosemite as part of their week long mentoring expedition. This will be a great chance for me to learn the curriculum and inner-workings of BCM so that I can bring that knowledge and message back home and start the groundwork of helping to establish Atlanta as one of the next BCM hub cities within the next 2-3 years.

To make that happen, I will be looking to recruit 20-25 people from around the Southeast who are interested in signing up for a Summit for Someone climb. The money raised by those climbers will be a huge part of funding this new project. Additionally, I will be working to establish connections with local individuals and businesses who would be willing to help contribute services and/or financial support to the establishment of an Atlanta-based BCM operation. This will include potential activities and events in which the youth would participate (ie. day hikes, overnight camping trips, rock climbing trips, paddling trips, etc.).

I am extremely excited to be a part of this project. It's going to take a lot of hard work, time and patience, but accomplishing something great is rarely easy. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Summit for Someone climber, or if you know anyone who would be willing to contribute in some other way, please don't hesitate to contact me via email. You can also message me on Facebook  or Twitter!