This August Reconnect Earth concluded our first field season running eight-day backpacking trips for students focused on exploring and learning about environmental issues, social justice, and grassroots activism skills. Fifteen students from three Northwest state participated in our program this summer, joining our trip leaders for an unforgettable experience in the North Cascades. Participants explored and deepened their own relationship with the more-than-human world; engaged in workshops on campaign planning and skills including running a meeting, lobbying, and nonviolent direct action; and explored complex topics like the history of colonialism in the Northwest and how oppressive systems manifest in outdoor spaces.

But while summer may be over for this year, Reconnect Earth’s work to support student activism is not. This fall, winter, and spring we’ll be amplifying issues important to young people through student-driven campaigns, ramping up our school year programming that takes participants outside to engage with wild spaces close to their communities, and providing additional opportunities for training in activist skills. It’s an exciting time to be doing this work: from climate change to gun violence, young people are leading the way on some of the most important issues of our time. Reconnect Earth’s goal is to support the growth of a new wave of student activism in whatever way we can.

Stay tuned for more announcements about upcoming events with Reconnect Earth over the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, here are a few photos from some of the many special and inspiring moments on our Summer 2019 trips:

Help Reconnect Earth take this important work forward into the coming school year! Donate to support our programs for students here.