The Cairn Project supports outdoor learning & leadership for girls+ around the US.

The Cairn Project supports outdoor learning & leadership for girls+ around the US.

Outside is where community and leadership take root for girls+.

At The Cairn Project, we know that connection to the outdoors fosters transformative growth and learning for girls+: seeding tenacity, strength, and the willingness to face the unexpected. 

But for too many families, this opportunity for their girls remains out of reach. Our program supports widened access to nature-based learning around the US by funding scholarships that increase accessibility for young women from ALL backgrounds. Read about our merger with The Summit Scholarship Foundation to form the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure (GEA Alliance).

What is girls+?
Taking cues from our past grantee partners, The Cairn Project uses the word “girl” as reference to gender-expansive youth (cis girls, trans girls, trans boys, non-binary youth, and any girl-identified youth). People of marginalized gender identities face unique challenges to equal access and participation outside. We are committed to learning from and with our partners as our collective action and programs continue to evolve.

A Cairn Project ambassador pumps up a red inflatable kayak with an alpine lake and mountain peak behind her
Five women mountaineers walk up a snow-covered mountain ridge holding ice axes and wearing harnesses; a sea of clouds is behind and below them in the background

How We Expand Outdoor Access

01

Getting Out & Giving Back

We mobilize a broad community of support under the mandate of “More Girls Outside.” Our adventure-driven crowdfunding Trailblazer Program supports scholarships that increase accessibility for young women from all backgrounds.

02

Community & Connection

We bring together a wide group of women+ who want to catalyze outdoor passion into a force for good, share learning and stories, and raise the profile of women and girls in outdoor adventure.

03

Telling Stories

We believe that the personal stories of our adventurers highlight the transformative power of the outdoors and inspire lasting change in the quest for gender equity. Through these stories, we will uplift voices, drive action, and create opportunities for all.

Get Involved with The Cairn Project

The Cairn Project raises money by equipping passionate outdoor enthusiasts with the tools and support they need to elevate their next great adventure into an inspired fundraiser.

Donations fund scholarships that are empowering young women through transformative outdoor experiences.

A Cairn Project ambassador poses for a photo standing on a rock outcropping wearing a backpack, hiking clothes, and a bandana

Meet Our Trailblazers & See Their Adventures

Our Trailbazer community brings together folks who are dedicating time to supporting each other and our mission to expand outdoor access for girls and young women. Through adventure fundraisers and storytelling, our volunteer Trailblazers raise awareness of the critical importance of girls-only outdoor programs. And among the crew of Trailblazers, there’s sharing and learning that builds our bond as a “Get Out, Give Back” team.

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