Rising Stars: Meet Jenn Cancellier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Cancellier.

Hi Jenn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I moved to Colorado from Illinois back in 2007. I always knew as a little girl I would land here. Very quickly I started planning backpacking trips with my friends. I had a couple of trips under my belt after spending two summers in Westcliffe, CO, and hiking all over the Sangre de Cristos range. So I would organize trips during the weekends and take off as soon as Friday hit. A few years later, I joined El Paso County Search and Rescue. It was my passion and love of the outdoors that made volunteering for the team so easy. I spent three years on the team and plan to join again in the coming recruiting cycle.

Jump into 2017, I find myself leading more and more friends on backpacking trips for the first time. I even took two different groups of ladies on a bachelorette backpacking trip! As I became more and more comfortable leading people into the outdoors… I decided I might be able to make this into something more. In January 2020 the groundwork for Focus Backcountry began.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a small business, working a full-time job, serving your community through boards and committees, and finding time for your personal life is hard! I am constantly learning and trying my best to keep it all going. There was a lot of trial and error in 2020. Especially with COVID. I am incredibly grateful for my friends and the individuals that got behind me and gave me feedback. I am still learning and trying to find balance to make my dreams come true.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So my full-time job is Director of Event Operations for the local independent newspapers of Colorado Springs, CO. When I am not doing that I am planning backpacking excursions for groups of six or eight. I lead first-time (and seasoned) backpackers and teach them basic skills to be able to build their confidence in the backcountry. What sets Focus Backcountry apart from other outfitters… is we leave the trailhead at night. When someone signs up to go backpacking for the first time they never intend to leave at night. The reasoning for going at night is unlike anything you may have experienced. There’s anxiety, stress, the unknown of what will we run into. But at some point that all fades away and it’s just a group of individuals hiking through the night. It’s pretty badass. What am I most proud of? When they wake up the next morning…. and all experience the incredible awe of the mountains surrounding them.

Think of it… spending 4-5 hours in the dark, setting up camp, and not having a clue where you are. And then waking up the next morning next to an alpine lake and 13,000(+) mountains hanging overhead.
It’s something EVERYONE should experience.

What matters most to you?
Getting people out of their comfort zone and showing them THEY CAN DO IT!

Pricing:

• $250 per person costs include a two-week training program  (pack check, tent, food, water, care package and so much more. Any additional gear may be provided on request.)

Contact Info:

• Email: info@focusbackcountry.com
• Website: https://focusbackcountry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focusbackcountry/

Image Credits
Stellar Propeller Photography