GRO girl GRO!

Gathering and Recreating Outdoors, girl(s) learn to Give back, be Responsible, and take Ownership

Following in step with the Arizona Trail Gear Girls program located in Flagstaff, AZ, GRO girl GRO was created to address the need we saw in our Tucson community for female-only instruction, support, and encouragement within the outdoor community.

We work diligently to ensure that young women are seen as capable athletes and outdoor leaders.

In co-ed groups of youth, girls tend to “shrink” and abdicate to the boys or they simply don’t show up at all. In collaboration with numerous community partners, GRO girl GRO knew we could do better.

So here we are, DOING better. 

Mission and Vision of GRO girl GRO

The mission of GRO girl GRO is to create space for girls in 4th – 8th grade to give back to the community, demonstrate responsibility, and take ownership by gathering and recreating outdoors. This will be accomplished through a variety of activities including: mountain biking; hiking and/or trail running; trail advocacy and stewardship; and active reflection. GRO girl GRO will increase the number of girls in 4th – 8th grades in Tucson and surrounding areas who wish to become athletes and outdoor leaders.

Values

Two core values drive the work of GRO girl GRO–-Inclusion and Diversity–and the concept of Making, Creating, and Taking Space. Within GRO girl GRO, all girls are welcomed and valued in outdoor (and all) spaces. We recognize society dictates the place and space in which girls “should” express themselves and will support girls to explore and amplify their voices.


GRO girl GRO LAUNCHED!

We launched GRO girl GRO Programming in March 2023! We had 10 girls participate in adventures over 8 weeks. We biked, hiked, completed trail work, visited community partners and businesses… so much fun was had!


SHINE girl SHINE

Yes, it is toasty in Tucson, but that doesn’t stop us! Summer 2023, as part of GRO girl GRO, we launched a special program – SHINE girl SHINE: An Introduction to Night Mountain Bike Riding! Groups of 4 girls will meet for 4 weeks (one session in June and the other in July) — we worked on skills and then headed out for some night riding!


FALL 2023

We enjoyed two 6-week sessions filled with 8 adventures including AZT in a Day and volunteering at the Colossal Cave/Vail 50 50 Trail Run! Countless miles were ridden, hiked, worked on. Cupcakes and snacks were had. Leadership and volunteer opportunities presented. Stories were shared, laughs were had, friendships formed and/or strengthened. So. Much. Goodness!


Winter 2024

For our Winter 2024 Sessions, we are “splitting up” Elementary and Middle School girls. Our Elementary cohort will include 3rd (new!) – 5th grade girls with a focus on MTB skills. Our Middle School cohort will focus on mentoring and leadership with time spent at Myers-Ganoung Elementary connecting with 5th grade girls after school! Both cohorts will have a trail maintenance day + a Saturday hike the AZT on Lemmon Day!

Session Dates:

Middle School // WEDNESDAYS // January 24th – February 28th (3:30 – 6:30 PM) + SATURDAY March 2 (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Elementary School // THURSDAYS // January 25th – February 29th (3:30 – 6:30 PM) + SATURDAY March 2 (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)


Spring 2024

Session Dates: 

Elementary // WEDNESDAYS // March 27th – May 1st (3:30 – 6:30 PM) + SATURDAY May 4th (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Middle School // THURSDAYS // March 28th – May 2nd (3:30 – 6:30 PM) + SATURDAY May 4th (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)


For more information about GRO girl GRO, please contact Jody Bartz: jody@aztrail.org


To make a donation to support this important program, use the form below or mail a check to Arizona Trail Association: 738 N 5th Avenue, Suite 201, Tucson, Arizona 85705.