GRO girl GRO!
Gathering and Recreating Outdoors, girl(s) learn how 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 will 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 are launching 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 will work on skills and then head out for some night riding! So stoked!
FALL 2023 Programming
Fall 2023 Programming will begin on August 29, 2023. We will have two 6-week sessions filled with 8 adventures including AZT in a Day! More to come.
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.
