The Wilderness Is Calling
Why Girl Empowerment Programs Matter
What exactly is girl empowerment and why do programs that support it matter?
The term “empowerment” often pops up casually, especially on social media where hashtags like #womenempowerment and #girlempowerment are everywhere, But what does empowerment really entail? While definitions can vary, there is a universal understanding: it’s a cornerstone for achieving gender equality and driving progress in areas like education, finance, advocacy.
Here’s a definition that really aligns with what we’re about at Camp Two Roads:
“When women are valuing themselves and their contributions, and men are valuing women and their contributions as well.”
— Anik Gevers, prevention for violence against women researcher and consultant
Here are a few more empowerment definitions
“Autonomy.”
— Michelle Carpenter, project manager, Girl Stats
“Empowerment is enabling girls and women to develop their own solutions to the problems they face, and supporting them to transform their own lives, families, and communities.”
— Denise Raquel Dunning, founder and executive director, Rise Up
“Women empowerment is the provision of women with the means, skills, and opportunities to be independent, make their own choices and lead a life free of all sorts of violence and discrimination.”
— Nada Hamza, sexual and reproductive rights specialist, United Nations Population Fund
“Women’s ability to act in spite of their constraints to make the changes that they seek and they desire.”
Jensine Larsen, founder and CEO, World Pulse
“When a woman is in a condition where she is aware of her self-worth and values herself. With that comes the confidence and ability to make decisions for herself, her family and in other domain of her influence without being bothered about the boundaries that culture, society, and other norms have created for her.”
— Neena Joshi, director of programs, Heifer International Nepal
Programs like Camp Two Roads offer summer experiences where girls can boost their self-confidence and develop the skills they need to make a difference in the world. So, why are they crucial? Let’s dive in and find out!
As parents and educators, we often shower kids with motivational phrases like…
“Go for it! You’ve got this. The sky’s the limit!”
While these pep talks sound good, they’re missing the next crucial step: action.
So, it’s not just about pumping them up with encouraging words. It’s about pairing that motivation with real opportunities or pointing them toward where those opportunities lie. Now, instead of just saying, “You can be anything,” we’re adding, “Here’s your roadmap to get started.”
Which brings us back to girl empowerment programs like Camp Two Roads, and why these types of programs important…
Girl Empowerment at Camp Two Roads
Why is this so crucial? Because at Camp Two Roads, we champion outdoor experiences to boost awareness and foster strong friendships. Here, girls disconnect from screens and connect with nature, building self-confidence and decision-making skills. While inspiring them to aim high, we also introduce paths in traditionally male-dominated fields. Our goal? Break barriers and empower girls to excel both personally and professionally.
Here are the specifics:
We educate girls about the opportunities out there for them
Kids often stick to their comfort zones, hanging out with familiar faces in their neighborhoods. They go to school, follow the routine, play the same sports as their friends, and pick up the same hobbies.
If kids aren’t exposed to what lies beyond their familiar surroundings, how can they even aspire to explore new horizons? How can a girl realize she can pursue outdoor careers if her circle isn’t into it, or her school doesn’t highlight those paths?
This is precisely where girl empowerment programs, like those at Camp Two Roads, make a difference. They don’t just open doors; they reveal entire landscapes of opportunities beyond what many have ever considered. Whether it’s outdoor careers or other avenues, these programs broaden horizons and ignite passions.
We give girls the confidence to go out and explore opportunities
We empower girls to confidently explore new horizons rather than just recognizing they’re out there. Simply knowing about opportunities isn’t enough; enthusiasm needs a spark.
Just as diving into coding can be daunting at first, so can stepping into the expansive realm of outdoor adventure.
That’s why we guide girls through the basics of the outdoor industry, breaking down what confidence in this field truly means. They’ll get hands-on experience, exploring alongside peers and mentors who make the journey accessible and exciting.
Through this approach, we not only boost their confidence but also inspire them to pursue outdoor careers with genuine passion and expertise.
We give the world a much more balanced voice, and then some
Alright, this might sound a bit lofty, but hear me out.
The ultimate aim of girl empowerment programs is to see more of them breaking into outdoor industries. We’re talking about more girls becoming adventure guides, conservationists, forestry technicians, wildland firefighter and so on.
As girls gain traction in these traditionally male-dominated outdoor roles, it shakes up the landscape. This balance leads to a fresh perspective, sparking innovation and solutions that cater to everyone’s needs, not just a narrow slice of the population.
We create new role models and spark a valuable cycle
Track the journey: as more girls get empowered to dive into outdoor industries and succeed, their achievements become more visible. This visibility inspires others to think, “Hey, I could do that too!” That inspiration drives them to seek opportunities, leading them right to girl empowerment programs like Camp Two Roads.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Since 2019, Camp Two Roads has been on a mission to boost outdoor confidence and leadership among girls. With over 300 girl campers and more than 50 teenage counselors later, we’ve seen some serious impact. Before us, there was a gap: young girls needed a platform to build outdoor skills and leadership qualities. Now, through our various programs focused on outdoor activities, navigation skills, and leadership training, we are successfully filling that void.
Ready to join the adventure?
Secure your spot at Camp Two Roads this summer and be part of this empowering journey.
Interested in diving deeper into the stories of trailblazing women in the outdoor industry? Check out these resources:
Eager to explore outdoor career opportunities? Start your journey here:
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