If you’re young enough Federated Mountain Clubs is offering cash to help fund backcountry trips.

Thanks to funding from the Maerewhenua Trust, FMC has 30 youth award grants to give away each year with the next round of applications due by September 15.

“The grants are $200 in cash and can be used for expenses associated with your trip, such as travel costs, hut fees, food and gear hire,” FMC administrator Rebecca Gray said.

“All we ask for in return is a short article and a couple of photos about your trip that we can publish on our website and social media.”

Year 12 student Christopher Harrison of Hamilton completed a silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award trip in April after securing a grant.

Harrison said the three-day camp in Tongariro National Park was challenging but helped him hone his outdoor skills.

His group encountered “terrible” weather on their final day and had to cut short a tramp to Tama Lakes due to the risk of hypothermia.

“As a team, we dealt with a possibly serious situation with a calm mind and came to a safe conclusion.”

Application forms can be downloaded from FMC’s website.

The Maerewhenua Trust supports the Boys’ Brigade and FMC, encouraging young people to experience and become advocates for the outdoors.