Frequently Asked Questions

About The Cairn Project

Where does the name The Cairn Project come from?

A “cairn” is a human-built trail marker made from stacked rocks. Cairns range from loose piles to intricately stacked columns, sometimes only a foot tall but occasionally towering above the route they mark. A relic of ancient cultures, cairns remain our beacons during adventures in mountains, deserts, and other wild places around the world today.

Is The Cairn Project a non-profit?

Yes! The Cairn Project is a part of the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure, an organization that connects women, girls, and gender-diverse adventurers with transformative adventure opportunities, advancing gender equity on and off the mountain.

How do I get more information/ get on the mailing list?

Email us at [email protected] or sign up for our newsletter.

Get Involved

Can I create an adventure-fundraiser in support of The Cairn Project?

You can become a Trailblazer and create an adventure-fundraiser at any time. To receive updates and information about how to create a group or individual adventure-fundraiser, sign up for our email list. See past ambassadors and fundraisers.

How do I support a fundraiser?

Visit Classy (scroll down) to make an online donation on behalf of a specific fundraiser. You can also see live fundraisers on each current ambassador’s page. You may also simply make a general contribution to The Cairn Project if there isn’t a fundraiser you wish to support.

Are there other ways to support the communtiy?

Yes! Join our book club, Grit Lit. Grit Lit is a community subscription program that elevates the stories of women outside. Quarterly offerings will include books and consumables from women adventurers and business leaders.

I’m interested in working with The Cairn Project. Are there opportunities?

We are a growing organization that’s just getting started. If you think you would make a great addition to our team, we want to hear from you. Please reach out via email at [email protected].

Does The Cairn Project have events/opportunities in my area?

Short answer, yes! To stay in the loop with news and find out about events and opportunities near you, sign up for our newsletter and stay connected with us via Facebook and Instagram.

Our Scholarship Support

What does The Cairn Project support?

The Cairn Project 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).

I want to recommend a scholarship for funding from The Cairn Project. How do I do that?

Awesome! We are always excited to hear about scholarships that might be a good fit for The Cairn Project’s funding program. Please help them out by sharing a bit more information about the group with us at [email protected].

Why girls-only programs?

Because girls are inspiring! Let’s face it, girls and boys are different. They struggle with different challenges, they encounter different expectations, and they have different needs as they develop their confidence and their sense of self. The Cairn Project applauds all programs that are working to get kids and young adults outside and on the trail. Our particular mandate is to foster opportunities where young women can set off on their own adventures, free from the social dynamics that are unavoidable in the coed context. And as an organization started by two women whose friendship is fueled by outdoor adventure, we want to help seed the unique bond and support that can grow among young women getting outside together.

Why teen and pre-teen programs?

A lifetime of adventure and stewardship is best seeded when women are still young women. The teen and pre-teen years are a crucial period for girls to discover their strengths and passions, build self-esteem, and explore their sense of place in the world. They are also years that pose tremendous pressures and challenges for young women. The Cairn Project is about affirming all of the good that can come of young women getting outdoors — for themselves, their communities, and for the planet.

Supporting The Cairn Project

How do I support a fundraiser?

Visit Classy to make an online donation on behalf of a specific fundraiser. Use the search function and simply type in the name of the individual you’d like to support. You may also make a general contribution to The Cairn Project if there isn’t a fundraiser you wish to support.

How can I donate to The Cairn Project?

We are grateful for general support donations or check. Checks can be made out to The Cairn Project and mailed to us at:

The Cairn Project
300 E 300 N UNIT I-3
KANAB, UT 84741

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, all donations to The Cairn Project are fully tax deductible. For donations of $100 or more we will issue a charitable gift receipt by mail upon request.

Can my donation to The Cairn Project be matched by my employer?

Yes, many companies offer a matching gift program that can match all or a portion of employee donations to charitable organizations. Inquiries should be made directly to your employer.