Check out this guide to gifts for the outdoorsy folks in your life.
In the hustle and bustle of the year’s end, it’s always tough to choose gifts for loved ones and friends who seem to need nothing. And, the things you were considering may be stuck on a cargo ship in the ocean. You are in luck this season as the Backcountry Wilderness Area has the perfect, thoughtful, low-clutter gifts for each person on your list.
For your favorite kid(s): A week at Camp Backcountry can be a game-changer for kids. For 35 hours, spread out across five days, your favorite kid(s) will ditch the electronics at home and take on an adventure in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. From exploring at Nature Camp to finding creativity in the wild at Art Camp to hopping in the saddle at Horse Camp, it’s the ultimate outdoor adventure. Information and registration: www.campbackcountry.org
For the equine lover or nature enthusiast: Give the gift experience! The Backcountry Wilderness Area is home to abundant outdoor programs including horseback trail rides, horseback riding lessons, nature hikes (including goat picnic hikes!), and more. Check out the horse programs and nature programs here and then stop by any HRCA recreation center to purchase a gift card for the class, lesson, or program.
For the archer: Get a day pass for the Backcountry Outdoor Center 3D Archery Range ($16-$20) and give them a shot at life-sized targets (like elk, bear, turkey) from between 10-90 yards away. Passes must be used on the day they are purchased, so purchase an HRCA gift card at any recreation center and use it online here on the day you’d like to try out the range.
For stocking stuffers and white elephant exchanges: The Backcountry Wilderness Area shop is filled with hoodies, hats, t-shirts, and Nalgene water bottles. Options include the trademark topo-filled wildlife and Backcountry Bigfoot along with other well-loved choices. All gear can be purchased at the Southridge Recreation Center. All proceeds from gear purchases benefit the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund.
For the conservationist who needs nothing: If that special person in your life finds joy in wild places, habitat conservation, and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers, get them a Friend of the Backcountry membership to support the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund. Each annual membership directly impacts our ability to do MORE habitat conservation and do MORE environmental education. Bonus: You will get Backcountry Gear (see above) to wrap up!
Lindsey McKissick is the Outreach Coordinator for the Backcountry Wilderness Area. She is Colorado-born, Chicago-raised, and Wyoming-educated. For Lindsey, there is nothing better than waking up in a warm tent on the side of a remote river with coffee preferably made by someone else. You'll find Lindsey on river rafting/SUPing, mountain biking, or camping with her husband and two adventure-seeking daughters.