Osprey Packs, Inc., a leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative packs, has announced its sponsorship of Bay Area Wilderness Training's 2012 Climbing For Kids, an annual fundraising challenge for Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) and its programs to get at-risk youth into the wilderness.

As a Summit Donor Sponsor, Osprey will provide each climber participating in the Climbing for Kids challenge with one pack from its 2012 lines, including the Atmos, Aura, Aether and Kestrel Series.

“BAWT and the Climbing for Kids program mesh perfectly with a key Osprey initiative of getting at-risk, underserved youth into the great outdoors,” said Sam Mix, Osprey Outdoor Marketing manger. “Osprey is proud to sponsor the 2012 Climbing for Kids program, and we wish all the climbers well as they strive for the summit in support of BAWT's outstanding programs.”

Over the course of this summer, adult climbers participating in Climbing for Kids will tackle one of five peaks, including Grand Teton (Wyoming), Mount Shasta (California), Mount Rainier (Washington), Mount Whitney (California) and Mount Olympus (Washington). Organizers expect to raise funds for BAWT through pledges garnered by the participants for their climb. From 2006 to 2011, more than 380 climbers have raised over $1.3 million for BAWT's work.

Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) is committed to creating opportunities for at-risk youth to experience wilderness first hand, and it supports teachers and youth workers with training, gear, funding and peer support. It is a project of the Earth Island Institute, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded by environmental activist and climber David Brower. Osprey has been a supporter of BAWT over the years but this is the first year that the brand will sponsor the event.

“Climbing for Kids wouldn't be possible without the top-notch gear and incredible support we receive from our sponsors, and we are very appreciative of Osprey's ongoing support of our mission,” said Michael Kawalek, Director of Development of BAWT. “We know our climbers will be excited to use their new Osprey pack on this climb, and they'll know that Osprey is literally with them every step of the way as they go for the summit and raise funds for our at-risk kids.”

Osprey Packs
Independent since 1974 and anchored by the design genius of company founder and owner, Mike Pfotenhauer, Osprey Packs has long set the standard for creating innovative, high quality gear carrying equipment. The collection includes packs and bags designed to help adventurers enjoy their outdoor, biking and travel pursuits.

The location of company headquarters in Cortez, Colorado, near the rugged San Juan Mountains on the edge of desert canyon country, provides a constant inspiration and a superb testing ground for Osprey products. Osprey also maintains a product development office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, near the factories where they manufacture their products, ensuring face-to-face relationships and transparency with their suppliers. In 2009, Osprey opened a design office in Mill Valley, California, a hub of design talent and the birthplace of mountain biking. All three of these offices play a crucial role in creating Osprey gear that lasts a lifetime.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2009, Osprey launched the All Mighty Guarantee, an enhancement of a lifetime warranty that was already one of the most robust in the industry. Free of charge, the company will repair any damage or defect in its product – whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. Every Osprey product reflects the company's commitment to protect the wild places its customers love to explore. For more information, visit www.ospreypacks.com.