Soda Mtn Wilderness 2013

View of  a cloudy Mt Shasta from Lone Pilot Trail 

30 January 2013 | Ashland, OR -- The SMC released its first trip date in the Soda Mountain Wilderness for 2013. 

The trip starts on Saturday, June 28 at an unofficial trailhead twenty-miles from Ashland. Hike along the Siskiyou Crest and into the Soda Mountain Wilderness Area, and spend a few days mostly brushing and installing primitive signage on the 11.9-mile Lone Pilot Trail.

Return to the trailhead by 5pm on July 1. The trip is open to anyone.

Enjoy constant and outstanding views of Mt. Shasta, Pilot Rock, and the wilderness' remote recess. Get to know the quiet of Ashland's closest designated wilderness.

Pilot Rock from Lone Pine Ridge

SMC provides tools, leadership, food, and tents if needed. Participants must have basic camping gear (backpack, sleeping bag), sturdy lace-up hiking shoes, and durable apparel (long-sleeved shirt, long pants, layers).

To sign-up, fill out the easy online application and we'll contact you shortly.

You can learn more about the Soda Mountain Wilderness here.

Inquiries? Email our Field Coordinator, Gabe Howe.

Last days to double your money

28 January 2013 | Ashland, OR -- Now through Thursday at midnight is your last chance to double your donation to the Siskiyou Mountain Club's 2013 scholarship fund.

The fund will be used to provide $1500 scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Jackson and Josephine Counties who participate in a 15-day trail project in southwest Oregon's Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area this July.

Recruiting is already underway at local high schools. 


The SMC Director's Society started the fund in November with up to a $3000 match for donations made until January 31. So far, the Club has received $2200.

Right now there is $4400 total in the fund. That's enough to provide three scholarships. Our goal is to provide at least five. 

Don't miss this opportunity to double your money and have a direct, positive impact on the lives of youth from southwestern Oregon. 

Give straight to the scholarship through our secure online checkout.

Checks may be sent to

SMC

340 A Street Ste 112

Ashland, OR 97520 

Reaching out

Rob Ginsbach and Jackie Kramer reach out

24 January 2013 | Cave Junction, OR -- The SMC has launched a new scholarship program for 2013. $1500 academic awards will be given to high school seniors from Jackson and Josephine Counties who participate in a 15-day trail project in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness July 2 - 16. Participants will also be required to participate in an orientation June 1 - 2.

The first round of recruiting was underway today at Illinois Valley High School in Cave Junction. SMC field coordinator Gabe Howe and crew leader Austin Kasner presented to a class of high school seniors.

"They were into it," says Kasner.

Kasner tells the audience his own inspiring story from his experience in 2012. The first day into his 8-day trip, blisters had already developed on his ankles.

"On the way out, I looked down, and they had callused over," Kasner says. "I'd hardened. I left a lot tougher, and a lot more confident."

"This is a unique opportunity," Howe tells the class of about 25, "because there are no terms other than service."

The award can be used toward any Oregon accredited college. Part time and non-traditional students are encouraged to apply. The monies will be distributed through the given college's financial aid department.

"We don't care about your GPA or extra curricular activities," says Howe, "all you have to do is participate."

To learn more and apply for the scholarship, click here. 

The Club currently has enough in the fund for almost three $1500 scholarships. Our goal is to raise enough money to provide five students with this amazing opportunity.

Inquiries can be made to SMC Field Coordinator Gabe Howe, howegabe(a)gmail.com, 541-708-2056

SMC kicks off new year with good news

Volunteers at the rim of Babyfoot Lake. September 2012. 

17 January 2013 | Ashland, OR -- The SMC kicked off the year right, with news we received a grant from the Carpenter Foundation. SMC director Gabe Howe submitted a grant proposal to them in November 2012.

Earlier this week we received a letter stating terms of the grant, and accepted the $3000 award to be used toward putting youth from Josephine and Jackson counties to work on the Trans-Kalmiopsis Route project. The funds will be used to offset the cost of food, transportation, and paying trained crew leaders.

They will be leading a 17-day crew represented by graduating seniors from Jackson and Josephine County high schools. Successful participants will receive a $1500 scholarship award to be used toward the Oregon accredited, non-profit college of their choice. Monies will be distributed through the given college's financial aid department.

Recruiting is already underway at area high schools, and the application is available here. The scholarship fund is currently at about $4200. That's almost enough for three crew members. We need at least five.

Those interested in participating should contact SMC director Gabe Howe, or head straight to our support page to contribute now. There you can ensure your money will go straight toward scholarships for youth who participate in our one of a kind program proven to enrich lives, develop applicable skills, and boost employment.

This was the first foundation grant the Club had applied for to be used in 2013. We aggregate funds from diverse sources to operate our programs.

The Club is proud to be joining a the Carpenter Foundation's list of  grantees, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Ashland Independent Film project.