Middle & high school girls discover independence, resilience, and leadership on the trail
There’s something truly magical about watching girls grow stronger with every step on a trail. Over the past year, I had the joy of leading 22 outstanding middle- and high-school girls—alongside my incredible co-lead, Emma Vetter—through our local Girl Scout council’s Trek Wild program. Together we laughed, learned, and embraced challenges that turned into unforgettable moments of pride.
From first-time hikers nervously strapping on their backpacks to seasoned scouts tackling advanced Sierra trails, the growth we witnessed was nothing short of inspiring. And the best part? These girls discovered that the outdoors isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to thrive.
My “Why”: Empowering Girls (Including My Own)
For me, this work is deeply personal. My daughter is now 13, and she’s been backpacking since she was 11. Watching her carry her own pack, set up camp, and lead her peers fills me with pride. I remember worrying about her self-esteem amid the social dynamics of the tween years. Fast forward, and she now shows independence, resilience, and confidence both on and off the trail—qualities I know will continue guiding her through her teen years and beyond.
And I want that for every girl. Too often, young women doubt themselves or shy away from challenge. But when they’re out in the wilderness, making decisions and solving problems, they can’t help but grow into their strength. That’s why, when Emma—an experienced Girl Scout leader—invited me to help, I poured my heart into the Trek Wild program: because every girl deserves the chance to discover how brave, capable, and powerful she truly is.
Stage 1: Baby Steps, Big Smiles
Don’t worry if your daughter is new to the outdoors—she just needs an interest in adventure. We ease in with the basics. Our Wilderness Hiking Course introduces girls to fundamentals: Leave No Trace principles, the 10 Essentials, safety, and teamwork.
It may sound serious, but we have fun too. We play trail games, sing silly songs, and learn that a carabiner can double as the funniest “clip game” ever. By the end of that first course, the girls walk taller with a new kind of confidence that comes from trying something new and succeeding.
Stage 2: Finding Courage Together
By spring, our adventures level up in the Basic Backpacking Course. We led multiple overnight backpacking trips in the local Santa Cruz mountains. Some of these girls were entirely new to camping (talk about courage!), and we even had a few moms who hadn’t hiked in years.
Watching women of all ages support each other and push beyond their comfort zones was incredible.
Stage 3: The Sierra Challenge
Once our young ladies have mastered the basics and completed a backpacking trip, they can progress to Advanced Backpacking in the Sierras! In July, Emma and I took a group of girls on their first four-night trip among Alpine lakes and starry skies. This was their moment to shine.
They carried their own packs, set up camp, and navigated tricky terrain. There were a few tears, plenty of giggles, and many “I can’t” moments that flipped into triumphant “I did it” shouts! By the end, they weren’t just backpackers—they were leaders: more confident, more capable than ever.
Why It Matters
For middle and high school girls, the trail is more than a path through the woods. It’s a classroom where real-life skills come alive. Away from the screen (which often doesn’t promote healthy mindsets), they’re immersed in an environment that builds grit, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-belief in ways you can’t teach from a book.
Every blister patched, every mountain climbed becomes proof: they are capable. They are resilient. They are ready for whatever life throws their way.
We believe these adventures create more than outdoor enthusiasts—they shape courageous young women who know their worth, trust their strength, and aren’t afraid to lead. And when my daughter and I step onto a trail together, I’m reminded: these aren’t just hikes. They are stepping stones toward independence, courage, and lifelong confidence.
What Is “Trailblazers”?
Emma and I have just incorporated the Trek Wild program into a new Trailblazer troop that serves the greater Monterey County area. And this isn’t your traditional Girl Scouts! While our Trailblazer troop focuses heavily on backpacking, it’s so much more than that.
Trailblazers means snowshoeing across sparkling winter trails, kayaking on peaceful lakes, scrambling up rocks, and exploring unique ways to connect with nature. The best part: the girls themselves shape the adventure. Whether it’s hiking, climbing, or paddling—they decide how they want to challenge themselves, making every experience uniquely theirs.
When girls blaze trails, they don’t just climb mountains—they rise to meet life with courage, confidence, and character—all while making lasting friendships rooted in adventure and laughter, a gift they’ll carry forever.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
If your daughter is in middle or high school and ready to develop strength, confidence, and leadership through outdoor adventure—then our Trailblazers troop may be the perfect fit. Learn more about membership, upcoming trips, and how you can get involved.
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