If you’ve ever been on top of a mountain, or out in the middle of the sea, you know what it means to feel truly alive. This is the feeling that inspires us all, professionals and enthusiasts alike, and that has shaped our brand. This Giving Tuesday, we give back to an organization that for more than 30 years has worked to provide youth who would otherwise not have access to the outdoors with that feeling.

With the aim to inspire a generation of young people to embrace their self-potential, we donate 5% of US e-commerce sales on Tuesday, December 3 to Big City Mountaineers.

Since 1989, Big City Mountaineers has supported young people in harnessing their power and connection to nature nationwide. They provide free, fully outfitted, professionally led backpacking trips, paddling expeditions, and camps for youth from disinvested communities. Since their inception, they’ve conducted nearly 1100 expeditions, served over 12,000 youth, organized 5,000 volunteers, and provided almost 45,000 nights under the stars for youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Big City Mountaineers operate on traditional and ancestral lands across the country, and tailor expeditions that visit amazing places on our nation's public lands. 

Last year, Helly Hansen's Giving Tuesday-donation provided 10 expeditions to 10 youth agencies that were fully outfitted and professionally guided. We asked a few of the participants about their experience, here are some highlights:

What does having a connection with nature mean to you?

"Having a connection with nature to me means to be fully immersed in the peacefulness and calmness of nature without the overwhelming stress of the technological world."

"It means peace, it means reconnecting with myself and all the things that get trapped in my heart or mind as the days pass in my daily life."  

"Being outside in nature makes me feel like a little kid again."

" Having a connection to nature, to me, means not fearing the earth. Not being scared to walk through or sit in grass. Having a connection to nature also means understanding that all things are interconnected."

"Having a connection to nature is important to me because it’s good to know your roots and spend time away from distractions. It brings a new type of peace."

What is something you did that surprised you or made you proud?

"Sleeping through the night surprised me the most since I was scared at first."

"I was proud of myself when I was able to make the campfire and keep it going."

"I was proud that I was able to get through the hike without giving up."

"Something that surprised me was kind of how little you actually needed to be able to be out there, like I figured I’d need a lot more and it kind of made me more conscious of what I use at home now."