the next generation of leaders

To close the adventure gap in outdoor recreation, we are training our ‘BK2AK Graduates’ to become the next generation of wilderness leaders and guides.

“Seeing guides in the outdoor space who are similar to themselves helps our kids absorb the wilderness experience more fluidly and integrate it more easily as something that can be a part of their truth.”

— Samuel, Grad to Guide program alum

BOYs’ Trip guides

In 2020, we inaugurated our Graduate to Guide program, consisting of 4 years of rigorous white water rafting and wilderness first responder training.

Past Boys’ Trip graduates are now leading current BK2AK participants on river rafting trips, overnight backpacking, ice climbing, and glacier hikes.

We now have six fully trained and certified BIPOC Boys’ guides who are just as comfortable in the wilds of Alaska as they are in the city environment of Brooklyn, NYC. Our guides can cook, counsel kids, and run 100-mile river trips in remote Alaska. We are the only team of river guides of color in America!

Girls’ trip leaders

In 2021, we began the process of training Girls’ Trip graduates to become leaders and mentors for Girls’ Trip participants. Three dynamic young women are honing their camping, CPR/first aid, and leadership skills to become the future leadership of BK2AK Girls!