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You can help teenage girls build courage and confidence in the wilderness.
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The
Women's Wilderness Institute
1628-A Walnut Street
Boulder CO 80302
303.938.9191
Laura Tyson, Executive Director |
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Research
points to the tendency of girls to lose their confidence and
sense of self when they become teens. For girls like Anna, successfully
negotiating the challenges of contemporary female adolescence
means finding ways to be strong, bold, and "real." Anna's grateful
that TWWI's wilderness and community based programs offer 12
to 17-year-old girls a way to build courage, confidence, and
leadership in a fun, challenging, "girl-positive" environment
during these crucial teenage years.
Radiating enthusiasm, Anna explains how TWWI has helped her
know and accept herself, form strong, long-lasting bonds with
other teenage girls, and find capable, caring adult women mentors.
One of the 56% of participants on full or partial scholarship,
Anna revels in her newfound self confidence, sense of purpose,
and ability to take action.
TWWI offers a core eight-day wilderness program open to all
girls, as well as a course that helps Latina girls build confidence
and cultural pride. A 12-day leadership program develops skills
in girls with demonstrated leadership potential. And TWWI's
programs don't end there. Follow-up community service projects
and monthly activities help girls foster the positive relationships
they've built.
The vibrant people behind this program view the wilderness not
as a testing ground, but as a place that nourishes girls' relationships
with themselves, others, and nature. Whether backpacking, rock
climbing, or setting up camp, the girls expand their confidence
and capabilities, reflect on how the experiences relate to their
daily lives, and develop deep respect for the wilderness.
So what do these girls gain? They learn to move safely, confidently,
and comfortably in the wilderness. Set appropriate boundaries.
Make self-affirming decisions. Feel good about their bodies.
Take appropriate risks. Work through conflict. They learn that,
in the context of their young lives, courage is all about being
"real" in relationships, speaking up for their values and beliefs,
and stretching themselves far beyond what they previously had
believed possible. |
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