Preparing young women to lead
Girls in Recreational Leadership
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Ages 12-14
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One Week: $1,920
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Focus: Leadership development, outdoor skills, confidence
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Experience: Prior outdoor experience helpful but not required
G.I.R.L. (Girls in Recreational Leadership) is an all-girls outdoor leadership experience designed for young women ready to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and discover their leadership potential.
This program creates a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment where girls learn through adventure, shared experience, and reflection. It’s about stepping outside comfort zones, supporting one another, and learning what leadership looks like in real situations.
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Challenge yourself, support each other, grow together.
Daily adventure and leadership development
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Rock climbing
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Canoeing & Kayaking
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Caving and exploration
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Shelter building
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Swimming
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Ropes course challenges
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Fire building & camp cooking
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Navigation, outdoor education & Leave No Trace
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Group leadership & shared decision making
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Optional off-site expeditions
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Group discussions, reflection, mentorship
G.I.R.L. is more than a traditional camp—it’s a leadership-focused expedition experience rooted in the outdoors. Campers take on real challenges while learning outdoor skills and leadership practices that translate far beyond camp.
The wilderness becomes the classroom, where teamwork, communication, and self-reliance are learned by doing.
Community, reflection, & mentorship
Leadership grows in connection
Evenings create space for reflection, conversation, and mentorship. Campers share experiences, support one another, and learn from both peers and instructors in a positive, encouraging setting.
These moments help campers process challenges, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships grounded in trust and respect.
For over 30 years, Wilderness Adventure has been guided by four core values:
Respect · Attitude · Work Ethic · Communication (RAWC)
G.I.R.L. Camp brings these values to life by empowering young women to lead with confidence, compassion, and strength—on the trail and beyond.
Our staff is WA-some
Safety & Supervision
Safety comes first—always. Every activity is led by dedicated experts hired for their experience and expertise, and all staff are Wilderness First Aid–certified. Campers receive a thorough safety orientation at the start of their session, and every activity is age-appropriate and supported by proper safety equipment.
An on-site infirmary and attentive supervision throughout the day ensure campers are supported as they challenge themselves and have fun.
A Week of G.I.R.L Camp
Sample Itinerary
*This is an example itinerary based on past years' trips. For exact information on this year's itinerary, please contact us!
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Arrival & Welcome
Campers arrive, get geared up, and meet their group before a warm WAEL welcome. After a quick stop at the camp store, the group backpacks to their first campsite and settles in together. The evening focuses on learning how to cook dinner, setting group expectations, and starting conversations about leadership, teamwork, and life in the outdoors.
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Challenge Together
The day begins with high ropes, where campers support each other through trust-based challenges and push past comfort zones together. In the afternoon, low ropes elements reinforce communication and problem-solving. The group ends the day hiking to a new campsite, building confidence through shared effort and accomplishment.
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Lead on the Water
Campers spend the day traveling by canoe and kayak, making group decisions along the way and learning how leadership shows up on the water. Whether navigating calm stretches or working through challenges together, the focus is on teamwork, adaptability, and mutual support. The evening brings reflection and connection at camp.
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Big Adventures & Big Views
Midweek brings a mix of classic Wilderness Adventure highlights. Campers canoe back toward Basecamp before heading out to rock climb at an off-site location, testing strength, focus, and trust. The afternoon may include waterfall hikes or time to cool off in natural swimming areas before heading to a new campsite for the night.
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Expedition Mindset
This day emphasizes independence and leadership on the trail. Campers backpack between campsites, manage group responsibilities, and make decisions together as a team. Along the way, they continue building confidence, resilience, and self-reliance—key elements of strong leadership.
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Celebrate & Reflect
Campers take on the giant swing, cheering one another on at every step. Later, the whole camp comes together for the WA-Olympics - where teamwork matters more than winning. The day wraps up with a huge spaghetti dinner and a closing campfire featuring skits, plenty of applause, and a whole lot of memories made.
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See You Next Year!
The final morning is about soaking it all in. Campers replay favorite activities, reflect on their week, and celebrate everything they’ve accomplished. Hugs, high-fives, and proud goodbyes wrap up a week full of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories. It's not goodbye, it's "see you next year!"
Is my camper ready?
More info on G.I.R.L Camp
G.I.R.L Camp is a great fit for campers who:
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Enjoy outdoor adventure and want to grow as leaders
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Thrive in a supportive, all-girls environment
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Are ready to challenge themselves physically and mentally
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Want to build confidence, independence, and strong friendships
Challenge/fitness level
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Campers are supported at every step—no expert skills required
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Activities are scaled to ability and comfort level
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Challenge by choice: campers are never required to participate in an activity they’re uncomfortable with
Included in tuition (no hidden fees here):
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All lodging and meals
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Guided activities
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All equipment and activity gear
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Transportation throughout the program
Not included in tuition:
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Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled campers)
Let's find your adventure.
Got questions or ready to dive in? The WAEL team is here to help - you're in good hands.