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Girls in the Wild is a
program under

About Our Program

What Parents are saying about GITW

Mother-Daughter


Drumming

wall

Climbing

1

Camping

2

Yoga

cartwheel

Girls in the Wild is an innovative summer program for teen girls ages 11 – 18.  The teen years mark a “rite of passage” from childhood to womanhood which tribal cultures have celebrated for centuries. We offer this transformative program to the young women in our communities so that they can emerge from their Girls in the Wild journey stronger than they were before. Stronger means:  self-confident, informed, courageous, intuitive, and empowered with the ability to make wise decisions for themselves.  A staff to participant ratio of 1 to 3 ensures that every girl is heard, cared for, and included.

So...what happens on a Girls in the Wild retreat?

    • We build a positive community in nature
    • We teach assertiveness and self-defense skills
    • We make friends
    • We star-gaze
    • We camp in the wilderness, run down dunes, and watch the sun set over Lake Michigan
    • We provide cutting-edge comprehensive health education
    • We rock climb and experience challenge courses
    • We are safe and inclusive
    • We create art
    • We drum
    • We talk
    • We laugh
    • We ask questions
    • We learn
    • We discover our own strengths, and recognize the strengths in each other
    • We learn how to make healthy choices according to our own personal values
    • We appreciate our bodies
    • We appreciate our diversity
    • We swim
    • We do yoga
    • We have solo time
    • We envision our futures
    • We become powerful together

    No experience necessary — just a willingness to
    learn, live outdoors, and have fun!

dunes at night

The Rite of Passage Framework:

1) Rite of Separation, in which the girls leave their familiar lives to enter a new community of other girls and women. We begin our journey getting to know each other, experiencing challenge courses, and learning the basics of wilderness camping. Then we move on to an adventure up north on the dunes and waters of Lake Michigan.

2) Journey to Understanding, in which the girls gain knowledge and skills in assertiveness & self-defense, sexuality, building strong friendships & relationships, and healthy body image. Through experiential activities, hiking and camping, the girls overcome obstacles, discover inner and outer strength, and challenge themselves to accomplish more than they had previously believed possible.

3) Rite of Incorporation, in which the girls return from their journey. Their growth and independence are acknowledged with mothers and mentors through a final celebration, and strengthens the foundation for open communication between mothers and daughters.  Reunions, monthly activities, parent workshops, and service projects throughout the year build upon their experience, deepen their relationships, and expand their knowledge.

Red Tent/Girls in the Wild and the Kalamazoo Nature Center share the same mission to inspire, care for the environment and provide experiences that lead young people to a life long understanding of their connection to nature.