Uplifting After School Activities for Girls

Spring Into Action With Outdoor Sports!

APRIL 6TH, 2021

Spring is in the air! The birds are chirping, snow is thawing, and buds are just starting to bloom across the country. It’s the perfect time of year to build girls up by taking them on an outdoor adventure.

Just about all sports are great for girls, but outdoor sports hold a special place in our hearts because of the adventure factor. Nature adds an element of daring and surprise to any outing, so it’s perfect for teaching girls to be courageous and bold. Here are a few of our favorite spring adventures for girls.

1) Cycling

Cycling is great for girls because you can travel long distances relatively easily. For a spring challenge, try road biking to a destination for a picnic lunch (via a route that feels safe to you, of course), or doing some light mountain biking to a vista point. For more info about biking with girls, check out our guide.

2) Kayaking

Most people think of kayaking as a summer sport, but it doesn’t have to be. Kayaking feels a bit more adventurous in the spring and can be a lot of fun even when it isn’t hot out. Just bundle up in quick drying clothes and a life jacket, and head to a lake near you. Learn more here.

3) Hiking

Hiking makes every list we ever make because it’s fun, inexpensive and accessible. If you’re looking for a truly adventurous hike, consider going out in the rain instead of avoiding it. Just don some rain gear, find a trail that isn’t too muddy and go for it! Check out our site for more info about taking girls hiking.

Spring weather can be unpredictable and there’s an element of risk in every outdoor sport, so always check conditions and talk to local experts to make sure things are safe before heading out.

See you on the trail!

Uplifting After School Activities for Girls

AUG 17TH, 2021

It’s time for girls to head back to school. (Hooray!) For many families, things will be a little different this year as Covid wreaked havoc on many of our tried and true routines, including after school care and activities. Why not use this as an opportunity to take a fresh look at after school plans and focus on programs that encourage things like strength, leadership and determination?

So today, we’re sharing some of our favorite athletic, leadership and STEM after school and weekend activities that lift girls up.

Athletics

Sports are an obvious choice for building confidence and showing girls how strong they can be. But there’s more than just soccer and dance available for girls these days. We love the mission of Girls on the Run. It’s a nationwide nonprofit organization that is “about so much more than running.” Their programs for 3rd through 8th grade girls teach girls to understand themselves, value relationships and teamwork, and recognize how they can “shape the world at large”. All with a focus on physical activity.

We also love the idea of indoor rock climbing for girls. Rock climbing is a great way for more timid girls to learn to find their footing and soar high (by literally climbing high) all in a very safe and nurturing environment. Most indoor rock climbing gyms have programs for kids so check your local gym for classes and clubs.

Leadership

Getting girls comfortable with leadership is an incredible way to bolster their future and work towards a tomorrow with more women in positions of power. One of the best organizations for introducing leadership to girls in a fun way is the Girls Scouts of America. It’s not just selling delicious cookies. The organization is led by women (modeling leadership for girls) and "unleashes the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ in every girl, preparing her for a lifetime of leadership."

Entrepreneurship is another amazing way to teach girls leadership skills because they can learn what it feels like to take ownership of something big and make key decisions on their own. (Yes, lemonade stands are great learning opportunities!) More and more, entrepreneurship programs for kids are popping up around the country. Try a quick Google search to see what’s available in your local area.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

We alway like to mention STEM programs because in the past, girls and women have been underrepresented in these fields. This is a real shame because STEM jobs tend to be high paying and can be very influential to society. Girls Who Code is an organization that prides itself on “building the world’s largest pipeline of future female engineers.” The organization has over 8,500 programs around the world for 3rd through 12th graders. Another option is the Coder School, which has programs for kids throughout the US.