“I learned that strong bonds can be formed in a short amount of time. Usually, in this type of situation, I would grow closer to some people than others, but on this course I felt equally close to everyone, which was great.”
I felt more free and able to be myself on this trip than ever before!
I am a lot stronger than I thought I was, mentally and physically!
Thanks to two wonderful guides and an exceptional group of women, I had the trip of a lifetime!
The thing that I enjoyed the most out of this trip was meeting some really awesome girls. They were strong and beautiful, and I learned something from each of them.
I practiced: Go with the flow, find the good, listen to your heart! I loved this weekend, thank you!
I loved learning a new sport that I’ve been intimidated by in the past within such a supportive group of women.
I will believe in myself more, love my body, and take more risks!
I have now many new friends with whom I cherish every moment.
Courses
What You Can Expect From Us
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs and learning styles of women and girls while providing solid instruction in wilderness living, outdoor skills and backcountry safety.
What Makes Us Different.
Women’s Wilderness has created a new model of choice-based, women-specific wilderness education that effectively teaches skills crucial to building self-sufficiency, confidence and personal strength. Our courses are real-life, women-only adventures, and the excitingly unpredictable nature of an outdoor experience makes every course different.
About The Program
Women’s Wilderness is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization. We are incredibly proud that in the history of our organization, we have never turned a girl away for financial reasons. Our Girls’ Wilderness Program is the heart of Women’s Wilderness’s mission, providing one- to fourteen-day adventures for girls in a supportive ‘girl-positive’ environment.
Staff
Emily Isaacs
Emily is a teacher, outdoorswoman, therapist, and community leader who loves to befriend women who are learning to find their strength in the outdoors.
Suza Bedient
Suza‘s roots tap deeply into wild places. As an adult she broadened her explorations, including becoming a senior field instructor for the National Outdoor leadership Schools (NOLS) with over 300 weeks in wild places.
Kelly McClelland
Kelly is currently a graduate student in Naropa University’s Transpersonal Therapy program with a concentration in Wilderness therapy. Kelly received her undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Utah and has been in the industry for over 6 years.
Testimonials
“I wanted to feel competent as a beginning climber and learn technical skills. On the course, I learned to trust my body and what it can accomplish. The teamwork of the group and support of the staff helped make that happen. My expectations were exceeded!”
Anita, Women’s Rock Climbing Retreat
“The staff were really helpful because it wasn’t about them putting on a show or telling us how to climb, they let us jump right in. My hope was to overcome my fear and make rock climbing a hobby – this course helped me reach that goal!”
Ruth, Women’s Intro to Climbing Participant
“Clearly, the friendships she made were the highlight for her. She realized that other girls are facing similar challenges as she is, and can see how they’re handling them. Her self-esteem is the biggest change – she helps out at home, and seems more mature and articulate.”
Pam, Parent of Wilderness Expedition participant
“Bria really enjoyed it. The staff were super and she really liked being off on her own – no home sickness! As a parent, that is really refreshing. She carries more confidence and has an enhanced view of “the great outdoors.”
Pat, parent of Wilderness Expedition participant
“She wished the course were longer. She enjoyed making friends and loved the staff on her course. I noticed an increase in confidence; she’s much more outgoing. She seems to have increased self-confidence and trust in herself, and the mastery of camping and making friends topped it off.”
Dina, Parent of Adventure Camper
Practical lessons aside, this trip taught me lesson upon lesson about trust, friendship, sisterhood and life.
Talia, age 11, Adventure Camp
The girls were my favorite part of the course. I feel that I made friendship that will last a lifetime. And, I learned a lot from the staff about how to be a strong woman.
Rebecca, age 17, Leadership Course
I think something useful that I learned was how to have fun in the wilderness without technology.
Bestsy, age 13, Latina Girl’s Course
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