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I signed up to participate in “summit for someone” which makes me obliged to raise at least $3500.00 to help teenage youth expand their wilderness experience. I have never done any fund-raising events before – this is the first time – so it’s indeed a very big commitment for me, especially since $3500.00 is a large sum. I am doing this because I believe it is meaningful and because climbing mountains has always been my dream. If you approve of the mission and are willing to help, please denote money online through this link: Help Szu-Ting Summit For Someone . All denotations are tax-deductible and your kind help is greatly appreciated.

Below details my driving forces in this fundraise:

1. I can climb and climbing mountains is my dream

I’ve been working very hard to become a mountaineer. On my way of mountaineer-to-be pursuit, I have discovered that not only is it a cash-burning path, but also it requires arduous physical and mental training. It has been really hard, and countless times I wanted to settle with what I have. After all I know I am a competent backpacker, and is it really that important for me to be a mountaineer? After I came back from my NOLS Alaska mountaineering course, one of my friends asked me “why do you want to climb?” I couldn’t give him a concrete reason, but what I had experienced and felt in Alaska have shown me clearly that there is no turning back. I want to be there, and I’m working on it.

2. At-risk youth can expand their wilderness horizon

All the money I raise will go towards the non-profit organization called Big City Mountaineers. This organization provides wilderness mentoring programs to urban teens who have limited or no opportunities to access the outdoors otherwise. The organization conducts multi-day trips, such as backpacking trips or canoeing trips; the teen/adult ratio is 5:5 so that those teens can get dedicated attention.

I have witnessed how much a youngster can grow through a wilderness mentoring program. About three years ago I participated in a family backpacking trip, the leader brought his mentee along. I was impressed by the kid on his broad outdoor knowledge and I appreciated the confidence and humbleness he demonstrated while interacting with me. Three years later, I encountered the kid again doing trail work; he has matured and possesses some outdoor skills I haven’t even acquired.

It’s very rewarding to introduce wilderness to the young and teach them how to be self-sufficient in the out-of-doors. I am also involved with the AMC Chapter Youth Program. The program serves as a bridge between young people and the wilderness, telling them other than motor jammed streets, there are other wild creatures and wider space await them. Our program is not as ambitious as that of Big City Mountaineers, we lead day hikes and short camping trips, but we share similar objective.

Here is my plan:

I am a newbie in fundraising, so I haven’t figured out a concrete plan to collect the required amount of funds before my deadline. What I have right now is basically a get-fit training program, and lessons and trips I will endure in order for me to get closer to becoming a true mountaineer. I do plan to record my fundraising efforts by blogging in case my readers want to read about my workouts or outings.

I am crossing my fingers hoping for colder weather and lots of white stuff. Living in Philly, it’s very difficult to find suitable environmental settings to practice what I have learned from my mountaineering course, but what is more difficult is to find partners since nobody should climb mountains alone.

So far, on my winter calendar I have beginners’ ice climbing clinic, avalanche I course, backcountry telemark tour, and presidential range traverse, some tentative plans including a Katahdin trip (hope I can make this happen this winter), a couple of winter backpacks in the Adirondacks and the Whites. I’m also trying to squeeze more time (and money) for telemark practice and more ice climbing lessons, but first of all, I have to hope for snow and ice.

Last but not least, please help at-risk youth to get to know the outdoors and help LittlePo climb, here is where you can make it happen: Help Szu-Ting Summit For Someone.