Osprey Packs, Inc., a leader in creating top quality, high-performance, innovative packs to comfortably and efficiently carry gear, announced today to support Medicines Global Outdoor Youth Ambassador (MGOYA) programs with both financial sponsorship and gear which will enhance their participation in the Friends of Joshua Tree’s Climb Smart 2014 event. MGOYA programs work in collaboration with Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Police Department, in providing unique educational enrichment combined with wilderness experience programs for Los Angeles youth.

For the fourth year in a row, Medicines Global will take 15 urban youth from Southern California to learn to climb with world-renowned climbers at Climb Smart 2014. The Outdoor Youth Ambassadors will camp and rock climb for three days. They will have a chance to meet with National Park Rangers who will explain the importance of National Parks. Climb Smart is hosted by Friends of Joshua Tree, a non-profit organization that serves to protect the long-standing tradition of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park. Friends of Joshua Tree encourages ethical and environmentally friendly climbing practices. Instructors at past Climb Smart weekends have included international climbing “ROCK STAR” Lynn Hill and Outdoor Retailer Show Director Kenji Haroutunian who taught climbing skills and appreciation for the outdoors to the students.

“Osprey Packs is thrilled to support Medicines Global and the youth of southern California on their quest of experiencing the wilderness with fiscal and product sponsorship for the Medicines Global Outdoor Youth Ambassador programs. To complement the Climb Smart 2014 program Osprey Packs is pleased to provide the youth a high quality pack for their adventure of a lifetime. Hats off to Medicines Global and all that they do!” says Tom Barney, CEO, Osprey Packs.

“With continued support from leading outdoor manufacturers like Osprey Packs Medicines Global will be able to continue to develop programs to get urban youth active in the outdoors. Our motivating belief is that an effective way of developing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and guardians of our natural environment is to offer outdoor adventures to as many kids as possible. Rock climbing, camping, surfing, seeing snow for the first time, breathing the desert air, it’s all unforgettable for these city kids & the ripple effect is infinite.” explains Johanna Belson, Director, MGOYA.

Image courtesy Lynn Hill/ Medicines Global Outdoor Youth Ambassadors (MGOYA)