"Had I had a chance to find what I loved to do at a young age, it would have saved me (and my parents, teachers, coaches) a lot of trouble. I'll be fundraising for The Cairn Project by sharing my story as a teen and preteen and how I found purpose in life by spending time outdoors by riding my bicycle as I prep my mind, body, and equipment for one of the greatest endeavors of my life, the Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race."

“Building outdoor skills and resilience has been my everything. It’s my space for grounding, personal reflection and accomplishing physical and mental challenges. I believe in the importance of women-focused programs such as The Cairn Project that help to heal our communities one person at a time. Joining an organization that’s doing such impactful work gives more meaning to my own traumas and helps provide deeper personal purpose.”

"I love the idea of being an Ambassador for The Cairn Project because it offers individuals the chance to bring awareness and funds to the current lack of accessibility and diversity in the outdoors for young womxn. As a quieter person, I've often fallen victim to the false notion that I can't have a huge influence or impact. However, over the past year, I've learned how important it is to leverage your own community - no matter how big or small you think your influence might be."

“It wasn’t until I was 22 that I discovered my passion for backpacking, but I felt that learning new skills was difficult because of my age, my income, and my identity as a queer WOC. Two friends lent me their gear for my first backpacking trip, and although they couldn’t come with me, they enabled me to take my first overnight trip. I fell in love with backpacking, although I didn’t have the best gear and it didn’t fit me right. If it weren’t for these friends who gave me access to the outdoors, I may never have realized backpacking is my absolute favorite way to experience the outdoors.”

"I am excited and humbled to work towards empowering young women to get outside and pursue their dreams in the outdoors! I have learned some of my most profound lessons in life from nature. Rivers have taught me the power of fluidity and perseverance, mountains have taught me dedication and grit, and rock climbing has allowed me to confront my fears and feel supported by my community. I hope to continue to inspire and and support other women so they also find growth and confidence through the outdoors."

"There is no other feeling in the world as empowering as overcoming your personal barriers, and I want every young woman and youth to be afforded that opportunity - to take on an immeasurable feat, conquer their fears, and grow from it."

"I thrive at the intersection of adventure and empowerment. As a Cairn Project Ambassador, I hope that girls and womxn will see my authentic experiences—the metaphorical and literal highs and lows—and use it to fuel their own inspiration for adventure. We belong in the outdoors. The more we collaborate and encourage each other, the more we can step into our power as a collective."

"I grew up believing that thru-hikes are something that boys do as a gap year before they go to college because boys are strong and can survive out there. Looking forward, I'm so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to join the ever-growing number of girls on the long trails - strong and thriving."

"Because it was passed down to me naturally, by exploring my parent's farm in Puerto Rico, I never gave "passing on of outdoor adventure" much thought. Now that I live in the states, I see how a love - and therefore advocacy - for the outdoors, it in a way a type of generational wealth that many BIPOC girls and women do not get as I had thought. I want to change that."

“It is the most empowering feeling to be at home in the outdoors and confident in one's ability to be self-sufficient and travel under one's own power. I think those feelings are even more important for women and girls who have historically not always been welcomed into outdoor/adventure spaces.”

“I’m passionate about sharing the power of outdoor spaces with girls, as the outdoors changed the course of my life, and I think time outside can be everything from fun, to educational, to beneficial for mental health and body image. Together I think we can encourage the next generation to be good stewards of the land, to think critically, and to be inclusive.”

“There are so many women who feel afraid of the outdoors, I know what it’s like to have those feelings of fear. I want women, femme, trans, non binary people at any age to feel liberated and to truly feel at home wherever they find themselves; whether that be bikepacking up a pass, hiking with friends or solo camping in your backyard. I want to collaborate with young girls in helping them fight fears and feel safe in the outdoors.”

“Physical accomplishments in the outdoors and bonds with other women who have joined me in those experiences has helped me discover my strength and confidence. I’ve learned that women are so much stronger when they support one another and that they can overcome nonexistent boundaries that they thought to be true when they push their limits.”

As an artist, educator, and avid outdoor enthusiast, I find power and purpose in outdoor pursuits and use art to express this. I am passionate about environmentalism and see the equity and inclusion movement as going hand in hand with environmental issues. My outdoor adventures are a way for me to connect with nature and remember the importance of protecting wild places and advocating for others to share in these experiences in a conscious ethical way.”

"The Cairn Project is important to me because I believe in the lifelong benefits of empowering children in the outdoors at a young age. At nearly 28 years old, I have built a career in the outdoors and am focusing on providing opportunities for young girls to experience nature and outdoor leadership."

"The Cairn Project is important to me because I believe in the lifelong benefits of empowering children in the outdoors at a young age. At nearly 28 years old, I have built a career in the outdoors and am focusing on providing opportunities for young girls to experience nature and outdoor leadership."

“I always try to inspire other women to trust in themselves, to believe in what they do, and to put all their strength in completing their dreams. My pursuit is to build and create my own life, to live my dreams and to trust in myself and my deepest inner voice. I really want to share this way of life with other great women.”

“In our current society where younger generations are seeing picture perfect influencers in far off destinations, I think it is very important that we show them that they too can attain something if they put their mind to it. I'm really interested in showing the younger generation all the outdoor activities that are possible--and many are free!”

“The outdoors continues to build me, calm me, and help me through my toughest times and losses. I believe everyone should have access to all the benefits of wild spaces and i know that a certain amount of confidence and knowledge is needed first. I had support to get started, and I'd love to help give others a hand up and get going. I feel that often the people who might benefit most are those with the least chances, and the programs The Cairn Project supports are helping to adjust the balance. Whilst the outdoors and sport are not a cure for mental health issues, I feel like they are a valuable tool, and with a rise in issues in young women, the more who have the tools the better!”

“Any adventure—embracing our own independence as well as “the unknown”—holds the purpose of deep self-connection and empowerment, and I want to be a part of spreading that message of purpose and discovery to young girls. I have a passion for pushing myself physically and mentally. This passion is inherently rooted in my desire to grow and create. When I adventure: I find myself; I feel whole; I feel connected; I understand my power and the ways in which I am supported.”

“I have recognized my privilege as a white woman from the upper/middle class and I have decided that I want to be able to use that as a tool to help others. Being in a position of privilege allows me to make other voices heard or use my connections to help other people. I was an athlete for all of my childhood and up through college. I strongly believe in the benefits of sports and generally being active, for women specifically, and how building physical strength can also build emotional confidence.”

“A passion for the outdoors fuels a passion for a life lived in service to our public spaces and the ecosystems that keep us all alive. The more young womxn we can get in the outdoors, the better off we will ALL be — as naturalists, stewards, farmers, guides, educators, and lovers. As a queer farmer, I believe I have an obligation to young womxn everywhere — spread the peace and empowerment that can only be found in the outdoors.”

“I believe the connection between women and the natural environment is one of the most powerful, visceral connections there is- it can bring peace in times of deep pain and stress, while forcing you to tap into your grit and test your physical, mental, and emotional edges. This balance of peace and challenge will force you to explore yourself and your surroundings, growing in love for both at the same time.”

“Being outside has given me so much more gratitude for what my body can do, and has taken away the pressure to look perfect. This has been such a gift. But in order to truly heal we must have the courage to face our past, and our fears--rather than distract ourselves and run from them. What I have learned is that the outdoors provides us enough space to process and the earth is strong enough to hold our emotions."

“When I race my bike on gravel, I’m part of a group that is only 10-15% women. I want it to be common to see female outdoor adventurers and leaders. I want women to be treated and paid equally and have the same opportunities as men. I want women to be as confident as men. Encouraging the next generation of girls to go outside and have fun in the dirt is a great first step that can lead to bigger dreams.”⠀

“I know how transformative it can be when you try something new. When it feels right and you know you found something you were made for. I’ve felt this way a handful of times: hiking the Appalachian Trail, training for a marathon, and getting lost in scribbling words on the page. It just takes one opportunity to spark passion, and I hope that sharing my journey inspires other women to go out and accomplish whatever goals they have.”

“As the adventure and outdoor culture shifts to reflect the reality of who actually plays/works/recreates/enjoys the outdoors, I’m excited to be one of the many faces. I have worked on backcountry trail crews and as an outdoor educator for the last two decades. At this point in my career - and my life - I feel driven to demonstrate that people of all identities spend time in the out of doors world.”

“I work in adventure education where I facilitate climbing, backpacking, whitewater rafting and mountaineering experiences for young people and adults. I do it because I believe that when we allow ourselves to be truly be in wild places, we uncover parts of ourselves that lay dormant. We face our fears, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we see what we are capable of and as women this is the stuff we for so long been told not to see. I witness this in myself and I witness it in others. I am inspired by our human potential!”

“I share the vision and mission of the Cairn Project; it is through my platform as an athlete and educator that I strive to empower women and girls to believe they are limitless and to inspire a life of adventure, challenge, and growth.”

“My dad made sure to introduce me to badass women of the northeast and growing up he put me in women's ice climbing clinics while he guided, which meant I had a phenomenal group of women to look up to who guided ice, owned climbing gyms, instructed and guided. It was because of these women I was able to feel comfortable, fearless and vulnerable while exploring my limits in the outdoors, but I still had moments of feeling like I didn't belong. Every gal should feel like they belong in the outdoors.”

“Spending time outdoors has led me to be more secure in my understanding of self and push the boundaries of my own perceived limitations. I am a fierce believer in women-supporting-women. We must champion and learn from the brave women in our lives so that we may all feel more brave, confident, and beautiful inside and out.”

“Going on a long adventure is undeniably exciting. But there is also an undeniable thrill in pursuing and planning that adventure -- in the time spent looking at maps, writing lists, and making gear selections. It is that joy, the joy I get in dreaming about what can be, what hopefully will be, that I hope to pass along to girls and young women as an Ambassador for The Cairn Project. I have put my adventuring on hold for the past couple years, prioritizing my family and my young daughter. However, I want to show myself, and her, that I can be a good mom and still go adventuring.”

“As a part of the generation sometimes written off as disengaged and technology-centered, it’s important to me to change this perception and empower others in my life to engage with the outdoors in positive ways. It's critical to me that this work is intersectional and inclusive, that it recognizes the history of people on the land we traverse and honors the ecosystems which we call upon to find our voices and inner peace through.”

“My hands-on work in environmental conservation has been a huge motivator for taking a deeper plunge into enjoying outdoor recreation. This work has made me feel more connected to the landscapes I recreate in and has given me a sense of purpose in being a steward to protect these landscapes. My biggest hope going forward is that young women (and everyone!) who are able to experience the enjoyment of outdoor recreation, will also feel the love and passion for protecting these places where we spend our time.”

“It is so important to help amplify the voices of women who haven't always been visible in outdoor spaces, to ensure that they are welcome and safe, and to use our privileges and skills to share the wonder of being outside. I wish I had learned when I was much younger just how strong I could be - but anytime is better than never, and I would like to be a part of an effort to open that opportunity for other women.”

“I am excited to support other young women in having experiences in nature that both empower them, and lead them to become better stewards of the wild. I believe that direct experiences in nature are the best way to help people experience why these places need protecting.”

“The lessons I’ve learned from being in the outdoors, especially on my own, have been life changing. If I can pass that on to just one other person, I’d be happy. But to pass it on to the masses, I’d be ecstatic. The first step is the most difficult - once you realize what you’re capable of, the options are endless.”

“I see how our world is rapidly changing, especially with technology, and there is nothing more important in my mind than encouraging our youth to understand, play, and to learn more about our natural world. To support other organizations that encourage young woman to get outside is invaluable to me.”

“The time I’ve spent on outdoor pursuits has given me more confidence than any other endeavor. The fear I’ve felt alone in the woods, or atop a steep snowy slope, or right below a bolt with sweaty fingers, has forced me to be vulnerable and brave. The solitude I’ve found in these places has healed me from the most difficult places my life has taken me. Because the outdoors has done so much for me, I feel strongly about the need to address some of the gender constructs and economic disparities that obstruct all girls from having the opportunity to have a relationship with the natural environment around them.”

“I am a strong believer in the power of the outdoors and that everyone should have the ability to access that. I’m inspired by female power on a daily basis, and believe that there is a lot we can learn from the rising generation of young women. In that, I think it is up to us to pass on what knowledge and adventure we can, just like the women before us. Let's continue to build our collective voices and to empower those women around us. When we do, amazing things happen!”

“My whole life, I've loved the outdoors and was called a tom boy. As I got older and went to university for outdoor recreation, I heard it called "a boys club". Now, I am part of an all female administrative team at a major outdoor company. I am so, so excited to be able to represent women outside. To show young girls that they aren't a tomboy, they're just tough. There's space for all of us out here.”

“Backpacking and biking and fishing are what make me feel most like myself. They have also brought me some of the greatest experiences and friendships of my life. I was fortunate to find a community that made me feel welcome in the outdoors and love to pass that gift on to others. I believe in the types of programs that The Cairn Project supports, and wish that they had been more common when I was a kid!”

“As a passionate outdoorswoman, I have experienced first-hand the extraordinary power of time spent experimenting, growing, and thinking in the outdoors. Seeing my own personal evolution through snowboarding, backpacking, mountaineering, and trying a wide variety of outdoor sports, I realized very quickly the essential role these kinds of activities had in shaping my self confidence, enhancing my intuition, and navigating my place in this world."

“Adventuring in nature is the therapist I didn’t know I needed. I’ve gained confidence, health, peace of mind, and awkward tan lines. I’m so excited and grateful to be helping young women get outdoors where they can build confidence that will last a lifetime. With that confidence comes more well rounded, genuinely grounded women, ready to take on (and save) the world.”

“My interest and deep love for the outdoors was stoked by my fourth grade teacher taking the time to get us outside doing citizen science. I learned through all those activities that the outdoors is everywhere, anytime you go outside you can be observing and exploring and adventuring in nature! I want to be able to share and spread that joy to more young people!”

“I’m stoked to help other young women create skill sets and explore their passions while being supported and led by other women. I think it’s really important that we continue to move past perceived gender roles and limitations.”

Check out our blog post about Lindsay and her adventure.

“Nature is the best classroom to build self-confidence, leadership skills, and an appreciation for the outdoors. I find that my female students really come out of their shells when there are NO BOYS around. They can't let the boys build the fires and steer the canoes - it's on them to take care of surviving out there - on their own or as a team. It is important for women to learn these adventure skills of independence and decision-making because they translate into the professional world and everyday life. Our society needs women to step up and take the lead - and the outdoors is a great place to start.”

“I want other young females to get the same life lessons I did out of the outdoors- those especially around confidence and perseverance. I’m entering a phase of life where now it is possible for me to give back, and I want to be an example to young women.”

“Being outside is my re-centering. I find my way back onto my path whenever I stray from it by walking outside. It takes the form of swimming, diving, running, hiking, camping and so on. My primary dream in life is to bring people outside to see how I love it and in doing so show them how to love it too.”

“I have been inspired by my time in the outdoors and in wilderness to be more passionate about conservation, and I can only hope that getting girls out into our public lands for recreation will spark the same passion in them. I believe that women have the heart, the strength, and the compassion to change the world, and this next generation of young women will be crucial to protecting our environment as we know it.”

"I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had throughout my life, both in terms of the quality of my female mentors as well as my exposure to the outdoors. As I’ve grown into my adult years, I’ve been able to appreciate how important outdoor pursuits and strong female mentorship was in developing my self-confidence. I’m committed to helping other girls and young women gain both physical and mental strength as well as a stronger sense of place and environmental ethic through outdoor education."