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Each year, my family gathers in Big Bear, CA for the holidays. We spend 5 or 6 days catching up, singing Christmas songs, shopping in the village, playing in the snow, and exchanging gifts (sort of). Several years ago, we transitioned from exchanging White Elephant gifts, to sharing the gift of money via a donation. Each family chooses a charity to donate money to, and then during the White Elephant gift exchange, instead of giving gifts, each family shares which charity they have chosen and why.

This year I would really like to find a charity that gets troubled youth, or inner city kids out into the wilderness. I saw an organization in a magazine or on TV that was doing this, but I can't find it now. Perhaps you know of it, or one similar?

Possibly the Sierra Club?? Maybe thats the one you saw, I know they have an "inner city wilderness program" that aims at getting troubled and disadvantaged youth outdoors. But I think alot of organizations like the Wilderness Society, and Nature Conservancy might have programs like that too. You'd have to check.

I did find that Outward Bound runs an "at-risk youth" program. I will check out the ones you mentioned as well. Thanks.

i think there is one called big city mountaineers, or something like that
also might try the arizona trail association

Fariweather...that's the organization I was looking for! Big City Mountaineers, what a terrific organization. Thanks, I knew someone here would come through.

Merry Christmas.

Jackpot! (thank you backpacker magazine)

I think Backpacker Magazine was were I found it originally. I totally forgot about that, that issue is in my briefcase too! Oh, well, that's what the Hike Arizonians are for!!! Thanks again.