Building Community In Bay Area Schools
GirlVentures’ offers custom-designed adventures for groups looking to enhance their community through outdoor adventure-based activities. These Community Courses provide our clients the opportunity to co-create outdoor experiences that meet the needs and goals of their community. Our programs operate throughout the fall, winter and spring utilizing the vast and inspiring public lands, preserves and local parks of California.
Last month we hosted a Community Course for 6th grade girls from a local middle school in Pinnacles National Monument. The four-day adventure included camping, rock climbing, reflective moments, and a bunch of fun team building activities. One of our Course Instructors sums up the trip with these words:
“All of the elements for alchemy and magic seemed to gather with the amazing staff, the fresh air, and the sweet sixth grade girls…I am finding myself in sync today.”
Our courses allow girls to develop a new perspective on the environment, herself, and the community around her. Aside from the technical climbing skills, students learn more about themselves and how to relate wisely to others. One student says,
“I learned to look at people from a different view to understand their actions and accept them more.”
And when these girls return home to school and their families there is a noticeable difference. A few of the parents commented on how the experience affected their daughters.
“[My daughter] came home raving about her renewed (and even stronger now) love of outdoor climbing. We’ve signed her up for a climbing camp as a result of her magical climbing experiences on the trip. I’ve never seen her so excited about anything physical/athletic.”
“[My daughter] absolutely loved the trip. The climbing was challenging and great. It sounds like they were pushed beyond their comfort zones just the perfect amount and were really proud of their accomplishments. “
For all of our Community Courses, GirlVentures handles the logistics and risk management protocols. We also provide group gear, technical equipment and experienced, professional outdoor educators. For 15 years we’ve been operating these courses throughout the Bay Area. Sign up for a Community Course online or call Robyn at 415.864.0780 x307
World Health Day – Saturday, April 7th
The World Health Organization is inviting everyone – from global leaders to the public in all countries – to focus on a single health challenge with global impact. This year the theme is…
“Good health adds life to years.”
While the majority of the content focuses on the needs of aging adults, there is a core message for our youth -
“Healthy ageing starts with healthy behaviors in earlier stages of life.”
These include what we eat, how physically active we are and our levels of exposure to health risks. By starting good habits in your teenage years, you can help set the stage for living healthy throughout your life. And for those of us who are well past our adolescent years, it’s never too late to start adding life to our years.
Here are few ways to celebrate World Health Day this weekend:
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Encourage a rising 7th, 8th, or 9th grade girl in the Bay Area to apply for a GirlVentures 1-2 week summer adventure, where she will learn how to make smart choices for healthy living. There are only a few spots left!
