Since 1998, the Girls’ Wilderness Program has been providing girls with high quality outdoor adventure, and the inspiration to lead bigger, bolder lives. Our courses are fun, creative, adventurous, and designed specifically for girls. That means lots of laughter, strong and real friendships, challenge at just the right level, and the kind of experience that draws your full self forward.

Why just girls, and why the outdoors?
Girls are different! Our ‘girl-positive’ program recognizes girls’ unique strengths and needs, and balance physical challenge with the development of the healthy relationships that are crucial for girls’ confidence and self-esteem. On GWP courses, girls to learn to speak up for their values and beliefs, to honor their bodies, and to take the appropriate risks that lead to success. On an all-girl expedition, girls are more likely to take leadership, to fully own their experience, and to discover themselves as strong, playful, and capable. And, as a result, to have more fun!

What kind of girl comes to the Girls’ Wilderness Program?
All kinds! Our courses are designed for any girl who wants to give it a try- outdoorsy or not, artistic or not, quiet or bubbly, confident or uncertain. Good health, basic fitness, and the willingness to give it 100% are important, but no previous backpacking experience is necessary, except for the Leadership Course.

Girls’ Wilderness Program Schedule includes:

ADVENTURE CAMP for girls age 12-13 (or entering 7th and 8th grades). Six-day wilderness sampler courses for middle school girls include rock climbing, a three-night backpacking trip, art projects, and an optional peak climb.

ADVENTURE DAYS for girls age 9-11 (or entering 5th and 6th grades). Five consecutive one-day adventures offer a great introduction to hiking, rock climbing, expressive arts and the wilderness. Last night includes an overnight.

LATINA GIRLS ADVENTURE DAYS for girls age 13-16 (or entering 8th-11th grades). Five consecutive one-day adventures that focus on outdoor experiences with other Latina girls including rock climbing, art projects, and includes an overnight on the last day.

WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS for girls age 14-17 (or entering 9th-12th grades). Eight-day backpacking courses include a wide range of outdoor skills, introduction to leadership, and the chance to climb a peak. Includes a service project.

WILD ART for girls age 13-16 (or entering 8th-11th grades). Six-day backpacking trip focusing on self-expression through a variety of creative activities, including art projects, rock-climbing, outdoor skills, focusing on making friends and having a blast.

ROCK CLIMBING CAMP for girls age 13-15 AND 15-17. five-day rock climbing, camping and outdoor skills course at Vedauwoo, a renowned climbing site in southern Wyoming.

LEADERSHIP COURSE for girls age 15-18 (or entering 10th-12th grades). This fourteen-day expedition provides a more advanced backcountry experience with a focus on sharpening leadership skills. Includes rock climbing and an extended backpacking trip. Includes a service project

DAUGHTER-PARENT ADVENTURES for girls ages 8+. Girls have an opportunity to share and strengthen the relationship with a parent or adult mentor. Learn outdoor skills for adventures together while exploring and sharing stories with other girl-mentor pairs.

More info including dates and prices found on website. Tuition includes all gear, clothing and food. Generous full and partial scholarships are available. Mature female staff with safety focus and extensive experience working with teen girls. Courses begin in Boulder, and take place in Colorado and Southern Wyoming. AEE accredited.