Boulder, Colorado

History

Mission

The Women's Wilderness Institute is dedicated to strengthening the inherent emotional, physical, and relational health of women and girls, both individually and in the context of their families and communities. The Institute provides wilderness-based experiences that serve as the foundation for participants to increase self-confidence, sense of purpose, and the ability to take action to improve the quality of their lives.

Guiding Principles:

:· that the full empowerment of women and girls is essential in building more compassionate, peaceful, and humane communities,

· that the impact of living as a girl or woman in a patriarchal culture ranges from subtle disempowerment to the debilitating consequences of extreme violence,

· that women and girls need opportunities to experience themselves as confident, effective, and connected with others, and that the development of these qualities will lead to greater social and economic well being,

· that wilderness provides an ideal environment for individuals to reconnect with their inherent strengths and sense of well being

, · that the formation of a sense of connection and respect for the natural world is crucial to both individual and collective health,

· that the ultimate intention of wilderness experiences is to bring an increased strength and vitality to our home communities,

· that people flourish in environments that welcome and respect differences, and that diversity is a crucial element in a balanced society.

Focus Populations

Types of Programs Offered

- Girlz in the Wood course is a balance between the learning, outdoor skills, and exploration of a wilderness adventure, and the friendships, fun, and individual challenges of a group expedition.

* The Eight-Day Core Course is for girls ages 14 -15 and 16 -17, or entering ninth through twelfth grades.

* Adventure Camp is a six-day program designed to introduce girls ages 12 -13, or entering seventh or eighth grades, to the outdoor skills of camping, backpacking, and climbing, while building friendships and the personal courage to be their honest, outrageous selves. Three days of camping, rock climbing, and fun activities are followed by a three day backpacking.

* The Twelve-Day Leadership Course is for girls ages 15 -17, or entering tenth through twelfth grades, who are graduates of the 8 Day Course, or who know they want a more in-depth experience.

* New in 2001 is a Six Day Course for Latina girls, ages 13 -15. This course is designed for those Latina girls who prefer to stretch themselves in the company of other Latinas. A six-day format will involve camping, climbing, and a backpacking expedition.

-Woman Ventures brings together adult women who want to build or refresh their outdoor skills while getting the boost of confidence, community, and reflective time necessary to take the next step in life's journey. Eight-day courses are held in the desert canyons of Utah in spring and fall, and the Snowy Range of southern Wyoming in the summer.

-True Nature is a wilderness recovery program designed to bring the adult survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sexual abuse back into connection with herself, others, and the natural world. Eight-day courses are held in the desert canyons of Utah in the Fall.

-.Girlz on the Rock is an after-school mentoring program that pairs experienced adult women climbers with teen girls who want in-depth instruction and mentoring in the art and technique of rock climbing. Six week sessions are held at the Boulder Rock Club during winter, spring, and fall.

-Women's Backcountry Ski Program is designed for women with previous experience on skis. This weekly program will focus on building the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills needed to enjoy the challenges of backcountry skiing.

Application Information and Costs

Employment Information/Resources

Contact Information

Website: http://www.womenswilderness.org/

Email:moreinfo@womenswilderness.org

Mail Address: The Women's Wilderness Institute

1628-A Walnut St. Boulder, CO 80302

Phone: (303)-938-9191