Outdoor and Experiential Education
Programs
for Adolescent Girls
(sample of programs nationwide and miscellaneous supporting resources)
GirlVentures (San Francisco, Bay Area), Transitions Course
Sierra Nevada Mountains
These programs are listed in order by region of the U.S.A.
and Canada
(International Programs are welcome to be included)
ALASKA/CANADA
Wild Women Expeditions (Girls Camps)
Jennifer Brammer, Director
P.O. Box 264
Woody Point, NL A0K 1P0
Canada
Ph. 1-888-993-1222
jennifer@wildwomenexp.com
www.wildwomenexp.com
Note: Women and Girls Canoe Trip - Temagami,
Northern Ontario. Take your daughter, niece
or a special young girl in your life on a special
bonding experience – a wilderness canoe trip
with fun girl-friendly guides, other women
with girls and all the details taken care of to
enjoy the wonders of this amazing Canadian
experience. Designed for budding wild girls
age 8-14, with awesome mums, fab aunts,
cool grannies, etc!
NORTHEAST
Coastal Studies for Girls
A Science and Leadership School
Pam Erickson, Executive Director
P.O. Box 266
Freeport, ME 04032
Ph. 207-865-9700
Mobile: 207-807-2199
pam@coastalstudiesforgirls.org
www.coastalstudiesforgirls.org
Note:The country's first residential science
and leadership semester school for tenth grade
girls. CSG is dedicated to girls who have a
love for learning and discovery, an
adventurous spirit, and a desire to challenge
themselves. Follow their adventures through
our FaceBook and Blog links on the
homepage of their website.
TIOB Girls Sailing Course
Thompson Island Outward Bound: Connecting with Courage
Jonathan Hislop, Director of Student Services
P.O. Box 127
Boston, MA 02127
Ph. 617-830-5144
Fax 617-328-3710
admissions@thompsonisland.org
http://thompsonisland.org/programs/summer-expeditions
Note: Twelve-day, overnight kayaking or sailing courses for 12 and 13-year-old girls. Outward Bound programs emphasize leadership, teamwork, character development, fun and adventure. Our goal is to help students develop confidence, determination, a sense of responsibility and compassion for others.
Kroka Expeditions, Miela Caves II:
"Climbing at your own pace"
Kroka Expeditions
Misha Golfman, Founding Director
767 Forest Road
Marlow, NH 03456
Ph. 603-835-9087
summer@kroka.org
www.kroka.org
Note: Two programs for girls: Wilderness Adventures for Girls (ages 11-13) & Wild Girls! (ages 13-15). Committed to awakening in young people a connection to nature and the spirit within, and a capacity for conscious living and compassionate service. They strive to achieve this through wilderness adventure, community living, farming, and the practice of traditional and indigenous skills.
Vermont Works for Women
Kelly Walsh, Director of Girls Programs
105 North Main Street, Suite 211
Barre, VT 05641
Ph. 802-622-0400
kwalsh@vtworksforwomen.org
http://vtworksforwomen.org/
Note: Among other opportunities for girls and young women, Vermont Works for Women offers two adventure-based programs: Dirt Divas (mountain biking) and Rock & Adventure (rock climbing & cross country skiing). All programs target middle-school girls and are designed to nurture their innate capacity for confidence, courage, resiliency, and leadership.
Dirt Divas Mountain Bike & Empowerment Program
(Courtesy Photo)
NORTHWEST
Girls on Ice
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Erin Pettit, Director and Lead Instructor
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
PO Box 755940
Fairbanks, AK 99775
pettit@gi.alaska.edu
http://girlsonice.org
Note: An 11-day mountaineering and science
program for girls ages 15-18 on Mt Baker in
Washington State. Led by a glaciologist, a
mountaineer, and an artist the course
challenges girls physically, socially,
emotionally and intellectually as the team
explores the glaciers and alpine landscape of
Mt Baker.
YMCA Girls Outdoor Leadership Development - GOLD
(Formerly Passages Northwest)
Courtney Aber, National Director
309 Pontius Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
Ph. 206.382.5343
Fax. 206.382.4920
boldgoldprograms@seattleymca.org
http://www.ymcagold.org
Note: GOLD programs inspire courage & leadership in girls and women through an integrated exploration of the arts and the natural environment in beautiful locations around the country. Spring break & summer adventures: climbing, backpacking, rafting, canoeing, biking. Partnership programs: Custom designed for schools and other organizations; workshops & trainings; collaborations with other organizations with similar missions. Girls only programs operate in 11 cities nationally (specific cities, links, and more details on the website) with at least another 10 cities in spring 2016 being added.
GOLD Beyond City Limits, Mt. Erie (Photo: Punneh Abdolhosseini)
YWCA GirlsFirst
Mariela Barriga, Program Coordinator
Sasha Sobers-Outlaw, Program Coordinator
708 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Seattle, WA 98122
Ph. 206-709-7214 or 206-709-7216
girlsfirst@ywcaworks.org
www.ywcaworks.org/girlsfirst
Note: Year-long leadership and experiential program specifically
designed for teen girls of color who face economic and social barriers to
success. Girls begin the program the summer before their freshman year of high
school and continue until the following summer. Participants also receive alumni
programming and support throughout high school. Programming includes leadership
development, mentoring, academic support, job readiness training, community
service projects, paid summer internships and Outward Bound opportunities.
A day kayaking on Tomales Bay with Kyra
Point Reyes National Seashore
(Photo: Nina Roberts)
List Your Organization Here!!
Request to be added: Nina Roberts
NORTHWEST (continued)
Women in the Outdoors (for girls ages 14 & up)
An Outreach Program of the
National Wild Turkey Federation
Teresa Carroll, Program Coordinator
Ph. 800-843-6983 OR 816-387-6606
tcarroll@nwtf.net
www.womenintheoutdoors.org
Note: The Women in the Outdoors program
provides educational outdoor opportunities for
women (14 and older) all over the country
while fulfilling the NWTF mission of
preserving the hunt, educating future
generations of conservationists and sharing
our love of the outdoors with new audiences.
Rite of Passage Journeys
Mountain Quest: Coming of Age for Young Women
Cameron Withey, Program Director
P.O. Box 27559
Seattle, WA 98165
Ph. 425-485-7396
info@riteofpassagejourneys.org
www.riteofpassagejourneys.org
Note: The program explores the mountains
and coast of the Olympic Peninsula, as well as
exploring community and our own strengths
and gifts! Laughter, sweat, creativity,
reflection, and new friendships all come
together as girls support each other through an
experience of personal transformation.
ROCKIES
Southern Africa Semester, Zambia
(Photo courtesy of The Traveling School)
The Traveling School
Jennifer Royall, Head of School
P.O. Box 7058
Bozeman, MT 59771
Ph. 406-586-3096
info@travelingschool.com
www.travelingschool.com
Note: A 15-week program for girls ages 15-18 to participate in an
overseas experience for an academic semester. Curriculum includes academics,
overseas exploration, community development and service projects, and outdoor
activities. Students earn credit for 7 semester courses.
Girls' Wilderness Program of
The Women's Wilderness Institute
4730 Table Mesa Dr., Suite K-100
Boulder, CO 80305
Ph. 303-938-9191
Fax. 303-938-5071
moreinfo@womenswilderness.org
www.womenswilderness.org
Note: Offers day programs and wildernessbased
backpacking and rock climbing
expeditions for girls with an emphasis on
creative self-expression. Mission is to build
courage, confidence, and leadership. Summer
courses run from 4 to 12 days in length, for
ages 8-18. AEE Accredited. Serves girls of all
income levels.
Feet on the Earth
Lorene Wapotich, Founder & Director
PO Box 18302
Boulder, CO 80308
Ph. 303-642-0562
www.feetontheearth.org/
Note: Programs include wilderness experiences, the practice of
Earth-living skills (a.k.a. "survival skills"), long-term nature-based mentoring,
and Earth-based ceremony and crafts. Summer camps and school year programs that
help girls build connection with nature, their authentic selves, and a community
of female mentors and role models. Programs and training for women are also
available.
WEST/PACIFIC WEST
Alpengirl Adventure Camp ~ "Girls with Altitude"
Alissa Farley, Director
PO Box 1138
Manhattan, MT 59741
Ph. 406-570-6312
info@AlpengirlCamp.com
www.AlpengirlCamp.com
Note: Alpengirl offers 1 or 2 week overnight multi-sport outdoor adventure camps to teen and pre-teen girls ages 11-16 in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Washington. Backpacking, yoga, horseback riding, surfing, rock climbing, rafting. Alpengirl offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, organic fitness and genuine friendship allowing each camper to blossom.
Alpengirl W
ashington Girls Camp
Alpengirl Adventure Camp for Girls
GirlVentures
Taara Hoffman, Executive Director
Cori Coccia, Program Director
c/o The Women's Building
3543 18th Street #18
San Francisco, CA 94110
Ph. 415-864-0780
Fax 415-861-3464
info@girlventures.org
www.girlventures.org
Note: GirlVentures empowers adolescent girls to develop and express their strengths through outdoor adventure and leadership activities, GirlVentures’ courses help girls Live Healthy, Relate Wisely, and Lead Confidently through after-school mentored rock climbing courses and 7-14 day summer expeditions in wilderness areas where professional experiential educators guide girls in rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking as well as activities around social justice, identity and leadership.
Outervention
Erica Cicero, Executive Director
165 Garcia
San Francisco, CA 94127
Ph. 415-681-9426
ecicero@sbcglobal.net
www.outervention.com/index.html
Note: This program offers wilderness experiences to strengthen
relationships between adolescent girls and their parents
Maui Surfer Girls
Dustin Tester, Camp Founder
P.O. Box 1158
Puunene, HI 96784
Ph. 866-674-2002
dustin@mauisurfergirls.com
www.mauisurfergirls.com
Note: The mission is to empower girls through the sport of surfing
and Maui adventure. Whether it be learning how to catch the warm waves of Maui or
hiking through the beautiful West Maui Mountains, girls gain an enriched summer
experience and sense of self at camp. They offer the smallest student to teacher
ratio's (3:1) in the industry, to foster bonding, mentorship, and self-awareness
at their surf camp. Be a part of the growing o'hana (family)!
Womanhood Inspirations
Rite of Passage Program for Girls
Bernadine Rosso & Terry Nail-Williams, Co-Founders
Ph. 831-345-9885
womanhoodinspirations@gmail.com
http://womanhoodinspirations.org/
Note: Programs support teen girls, ages 13-17 years old, and their mothers, in the transition from young woman to woman. Through conversation and experiential education they explore the many changes that occur in adolescence and apply conversation and experiential education to what it means to be a healthy and balanced woman. Whether there are lifetime goals and dreams to integrate or by simply seeking a lifestyle to support a fulfilling life, the tools and activities incorporated fuel the passion and inspiration already present or bring to the surface what may be buried underneath waiting to be discovered.
Beckwourth Outdoor Education Center
"Girl Bonding"~ Rocky Mountain National Park
(Photo: Nina Roberts)
********** A Few Related Resources **********
Alliance For Girls (AFG)
Emma Mayerson, Executive Director
Ph. 510-629-9464
emma@alliance4girls.org
(Location: offices of Girls Inc. of Alameda County)
510 16th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94612
www.alliance4girls.org
Note: AFG champions the leaders and organizations that empower and support Bay Area girls through advocacy, research, professional development and collaboration. AFG is an association of 100+ Bay Area organizations and leaders serving 216,000 girls, and serves as convener, educator and advocate for girls and the organizational leaders that serve them. We envision a world where a girl's worth is determined by her mind and spirit, her body is safe and a source of joy, and the sky is her limit
Girls Equitable Treatment Coalition
899 Logan Street Suite 600
Denver, CO 80203
Ph. 970-221-3676
Note: Part of the CO Division of Criminal Justice, GET advocates for girls in the juvenile justice
system. They provide training and programming appropriate to female youth.
Girls Inc. ~
National Resource Center
441 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3233
Ph. 1-800-374-4475
www.girlsinc.org
Note: A national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to
inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Research and evaluation
conducted by the NRC provide the foundation for Girls Inc. programs.
(Headquarters in New York)
Girls Leadership
Simone Marean, Co-Founder & Executive Director
111 Myrtle Street, Suite 101
Oakland, CA 94607
Ph. 866-744-9102
Fax 410-558-6673
http://girlsleadership.org
Note: Co-founded by bestselling author and girl-expert Rachel Simmons and dynamic speaker Simone Marean. This nat'l organization inspires girls to be true to themselves. By teaching the practices of emotional intelligence, assertive self-expression and healthy relationships, GLI give girls the skills and confidence to live as leaders. Programs include Summer Camps (day and residential, grades 5-12) and Parent/Daughter Workshops (for grades K-8) in CA, NJ, NY, and CO. All courses use interactive, hands-on lessons and are progressive, following girls’ developmental needs from grade school through H.S.
Girls Leadership Photo Archives 2014: Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA
Girls Leadership Worldwide
PO Box 255
Hyde Park, NY 12538
845-229-5302
Glw@ervk.org
www.ervk.org/gl
Note: Girls’ Leadership Worldwide (GLW)—the 9-day transformational program that empowers high-school girls to make a difference in their own lives, communities, and the world! Using Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and legacy as a model, the program brings girls diverse in culture and geography together and transforms them into principled and socially conscious leaders. Participants stay together at Vassar College and experience interactive workshops, inspiring speakers, and field trips to New York City all while building supportive and lasting relationships with mentors and peers.
Girls on the Run International
500 East Morehead Street,
Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28202
Ph. 800-901-9965/704-376-9817
Fax 704-376-1039
info@girlsontherun.org
www.girlsontherun.org/
Note: Non-competitive, after school program that is ten
weeks in length, combining physical activity (running) a experiential learning
through a psychology based curriculum to teach very specific and well-defined
social and personal (character development) skills.
Girl Scouts of the USA
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018-2798
Ph. (800) 478-7248 or (212) 852-8000
www.girlscouts.org
GO! Girls Outdoors
Marjorie Morgan
Ph. +61429708134 (Australia)
marjorie@girlsoutdoors.org
www.girlsoutdoors.org/
Note: A resource for women in outdoor
education and recreation. This oustanding resource
is for women who work and/or participate
in outdoor adventure activities. It features
a series of profiles of inspirational outdoor
women, organisations that cater to women,
trips and events, a discussion forum, lists
of resources and a blog. The site is
regularly updated.
National Council for Research on Women
11 Hanover Square, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Ph.212.785.7335
ncrw@ncrw.org
http://smtp.ncrw.org
Note: Visit their page for "Links to Websites about Women and Girls Leadership"
Nurture Through Nature Green Retreat Center
Women's Holistic Canoe Trips, Eco-Cabin Rentals, Holistic Nature Retreats, Custom Getaways
Jen Deraspe, Owner
Ph. 207-452-2929
www.ntnretreats.com
Note: Opportunities for women to
rejuvenate and reflect. We offer
mindfulness practices to clear the mind
through: Yoga, the Work of Byron Katie,
and guided meditations woven into unique
retreats and gentle nature explorations
incorporated to integrate body and spirit.
Wilderness Maine Guide services on site
including guided canoeing, kayaking,
snowshoeing and hiking. Safe space
offered for reflection and restoration in the
natural world, deepening connection to the
living earth and all of its dependents,
including ourselves. Custom retreats
available for teens, mothers and daughters,
friend circles and more.
Northwest Girls Coalition
P.O. Box 9525
Seattle, WA 98109-9525
info@nwgirlscoalition.org
www.nwgirlscoalition.org
Note: The organizational vision is to ensure a healthy, supportive
environment for all girls to realize their full potential. Our mission is to
strengthen the girl-serving community by fostering education and collaboration in
the Puget Sound region.
Kayaking on Tomales Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore
(Photo: Nina Roberts)
Oasis For Girls, a project of The Tides Center
Jessica Van Tuyl, Executive Director
1091 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Ph. 415-701-7991
Fax 415-701-0131
http://www.sfoasis.org/
Note: Founded in 1999, the mission of Oasis For Girls is to partner with girls and young women of color from under-resourced communities in San Francisco to help them cultivate the skills, knowledge, and confidence to discover their dreams and build strong futures.
Culminating a great week together on the Green River
Moab, UT
(Photo: Courtesy of "Nurture through Nature")
Outdoor Girl Products
Genevieve Marchand
Ph. 970-531-0223
genmarch@yahoo.com
www.outdoorgirlproducts.com
Note: The idea behind Outdoor Girl Products started during the
summer of 2004. Genevieve wanted to offer her female friends the possibility of
telling the world about their passion for the outdoors. Bumper stickers were the
only item available at first, but with lots of pressure from those friends, the
Outdoor Girl T-shirt is now available for all to purchase!
Outdoor Industry Foundation
4909 Pearl East Circle, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80301
Ph. 303-444-3353
info@outdoorindustry.org
www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org/women.html
Note: The OIF is a non-profit foundation established by Outdoor
Industry Association to encourage active outdoor recreation for all Americans.
OIF's charter is to increase participation in outdoor recreation and to encourage
and support healthier, more active lifestyles through education, partnerships,
programs & advocacy. Make a long term commitment to the health of our
industry, our public lands, and our nation. The Getting Women Active campaign is
designed to help the outdoor community reach out and engage women and girls in
outdoor recreation activities and programs.
Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition
P.O. Box 36261
Cincinnati, OH
info@oiwc.org
www.oiwc.org
Note: Membership community of
professionals in the outdoor industries
united to provide power, influence and
opportunity for women in outdoor-related
businesses and to generate champions to
inspire other women. Join a network of
women who have pledged to open their
minds, experiences and wisdom to each
other. Women in OIWC are professional,
passionate, active in the outdoors,
authentic, and focused. OIWC members are
women you can relate to and learn from,
whether you have a question about your
advancing your career.
SHARANYA / Daughters of Kali
Chandra Alexandre, Executive Director
270 Upland Drive
San Francisco, CA 94127
Ph. 415-505-6840
Fax 415-723-7299
info@sharanya.org
www.sharanya.org
Note: Helps younger women deal with the
socio-cultural realities of becoming a
woman in today's world by providing elder
guidance and mentorship in conjunction
with rites of passage ceremonies at
menarche. This program also provides
menstrual rituals for teenage and adult
women who wish to affirm their
relationship to their menstrual cycle at a
later point in life.
Strozzi Institute
Center for Leadership and Mastery
Susan Nichols, Strozzi Associate
4101 Middle Two Rock Rd.
Petaluma CA, 94952
Ph. 707-778-6505
susienic@earthlink.net
www.strozziinstitute.com
Note: Specially designed program for young women, 15-18 years of
age, during summer months. This School of Embodied Leadership Training focuses on
increasing girls' awareness of their somatic self (internal sensing/whole self)
and connecting physical practices with the development of self and their ability
to take effective action in the world to produce the results they intend.
Student Conservation Association
High School Conservation Crews
Recruitment Department
P.O. Box 550
Charlestown, NH 03603
Ph. 603-543-1700
Fax 603-543-1828
admissions@thesca.org
http://thesca.org/serve/youth-programs
Note: SCA works with high school girls (ages 15-19) through
co-educational crew opportunities. Students gain wilderness skills, enjoy outdoor
adventures, build hiking trails, and restore habitats back to their natural
states. It's time for real adventures, real challenges, and making a real
difference. Crew members live and serve in national parks, forests, and other
public lands for a 4-5 week summer program. Develop leadership skills and get
real experience for your future!
Women’s Adventure magazine
Michelle Theall, Founder
Jennifer Olson, Editor-In-Chief
P.O. Box 888
Telluride, CO 81435
info@womensadventuremagazine.com www.womensadventuremagazine.com
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Fishing trip, The Isle of Palms, South Carolina
The intercoastal waterway (Photo: Alyssa Roberts)
Women's Funding Alliance
603 Stewart, Suite 207
Seattle, WA 98101-1229
Ph/TTY: 206-467-6733
Fax: 206-467-7537
www.wfalliance.org
Note: The Alliance is the only Puget Sound organization focused on
supporting and developing agencies that work with women and girls. The Women's
Funding Alliance provides solutions to the critical issues women and girls still
face, and promotes a healthier community for us all.
Women, Girls, and Education
Women's Studies Links of the Association
of College and Research Libraries
www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/WomensStudies/womened.htm
Note: Links for curriculum, pedagogy, research, periodicals,
funding, issues, discussion lists, and more.