Women’s Wilderness exists to create space for girls, women, and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds to find their place, their voice, and their power in the outdoors.
We believe that access to nature is a right. We are one of the only gender-informed, social justice focused outdoor educators in the U.S, and for 25 years we've been created empowering spaces in the outdoors for women, girls, and non-binary people, particularly those who face discriminatory barriers to accessing outdoor spaces.
Programs
We offer a variety of courses and affinity spaces that feature hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, whitewater rafting and more, taught by certified woman and non-binary identified instructors. Over the past 25 years, our programming has grown to currently include a diverse, year-round offering of programs including:
• Outdoor GIRLS - free after school mental health program for newcomer middle school and high school girls who identify as immigrants, refugees and asylees
• Girls Lead for Life - free after school rock climbing, wellness and social emotional skills program for adolescent l girls from low income backgrounds
• Girls’ Wilderness Adventures - backpacking, climbing and leadership summer camp for girls ages 8-18
• Trailblazers - Donation based outings aimed at supporting the health of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) who identify as women
• Women’s fee-for-service programs - climbing, survival skills, backpacking, canoeing, retreats
Testimonials
“It's nice to be with other women who look like me. The space felt safe and I love learning from other BIPOC women.” -Trailblazers Participant
"There is a sense of trust when we are telling our stories because we are with people we can relate to who have been through something similar." -Outdoor Girl Immigrant Refugee Leadership Series Participant
"Something about the Women’s Wilderness community just makes it feel safe to be emotionally vulnerable." -Wilderness Adventure Participant
"I think I really found courage in myself that I never knew I had. I have learned to speak my mind, and not hold back because I might sound stupid. This experience has brought out the best in me." -Girls' Wilderness Adventures Participant
"I remain changed from my Women's Wilderness trip. It was incredibly challenging for me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had to pull strength from deep within me, strength I wasn't sure I possessed. I went from constantly repeating I can't, to saying 'Yes, I can.' Even two years later, when I am faced with challenges in life, I think: 'I did that backpacking trip, so I can do this, too.'" -Girls' Wilderness Adventures Participant
I'll come home with better body image definitely, more confidence on making friends, and generally less attachment to technology." -Wilderness Adventure Participant
"I have become more aware of my needs and learned how to voice them and take up space." -Wilderness Adventure Participant