Outdoor Adventures for Girls

We help teen girls who are facing unique challenges in today’s fast-paced, pressure-filled world.

At blueFire, we believe in the unique power of nature and adventure to help clients of all genders rediscover their true selves, their strengths, and their interests away from the influence of algorithms, advertisements, judgmental peers, and other stressors prevalent in our modern world.

Outdoor activities help build strength, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment that is often hard to find in other settings. They allow girls to challenge their physical and mental limits, fostering a ‘can-do’ attitude that spills over into other aspects of their lives.

Why focus on outdoor adventures?

At blueFire, we offer a unique blend of adventure activities and clinical support aimed at fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and an unshakeable sense of confidence. Our approach allows girls to explore new skills and hobbies in a supportive environment that encourages authentic self-expression and mutual respect.

It’s an incredible opportunity to redirect focus from anxiety drivers like social media, peer pressures, and societal expectations. At blueFire, girls can learn what it’s like to be themselves without the need to ‘show up’ in a performative way to gain ‘likes’ or fit into a clique. It’s a healing, growth-focused community where clients can learn more about themselves and their strengths while discovering new, healthy hobbies.

Simply put, clinical therapy that combines mental, emotional, and physical efforts has better outcomes.

With summer just around the corner, we have an exciting lineup of activities designed for every individual and skill level:

Whitewater rafting builds leadership, teamwork, and confidence. Navigating the rapids brings focus and joy, empowering girls to face life’s challenges head-on.

Bouldering and rock climbing builds trust in yourself and your belayer, patience, and problem-solving skills. This is an outdoor activity that’s easy to turn into a healthy hobby and community. Indoor climbing gyms are accessible in many cities, and stunning outdoor locations bring climbing communities together.

Mountain biking lets teens explore the wilderness at a thrilling pace while building endurance, balance, and coordination. This sport not only strengthens the body but also alleviates stress and enhances mood, preparing clients for future challenges while providing a healthy thrill.

Hiking lets teens experience the tranquility of nature and engage in mindful practices that support emotional and mental well-being. Hiking offers a chance to process emotions in a calm, introspective space.

Backpacking and camping give opportunities to gain confidence in outdoor skills while enjoying nature’s beauty. These activities support mindfulness, team bonding, and self-reliance, essential traits for personal growth.

Finding enjoyment in outdoor adventures can counteract the sedentary lifestyle that many teens fall into, improving not only physical health but also mental clarity and emotional stability. By overcoming natural obstacles and achieving tangible goals in the outdoors, girls learn to trust themselves, work cohesively in teams, and navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and confidence.

 

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Kathy Rex

As long as I can remember the outdoors has been a place that fills my soul with happiness, clarity, peace, inspiration, and connections. Connecting with Mother Nature is powerful and never disappoints, even when hardships are a part of that process. Sitting peacefully in any outdoor setting witnessing even the slightest hint of survival (think of that lone flower that grows out of a rock in the middle of a desert) is my life source and reminds me how precious and our lives are, and how resilient we can be. Having shared experiences with others in the outdoors brings me such joy! My introduction to Wilderness Therapy came at a time when I, myself, was at a crossroads in life. Being witness to the reunification of children with their parents after being apart for several weeks was hands down the most miraculous thing I had ever witnessed. Weeks later, after packing my car with all my belongings, and my then 2 year old son, we ventured out to the deserts of southcentral Idaho to embark on a journey that I have never looked back from. The power and value of that parent-child connection has always been at the core of what has driven me in my home and in my work. My children and grandchildren are pretty remarkable too. What I learned early on, and continue to learn, is that change is hard…..and necessary. We have to be able to be honest with ourselves, listen to others, communicate effectively, and continually make decisions which are based on the best information available to us at the time. One cannot hide from themselves for long when they learn to sit still, observe, and then take action. Trust, Reliance, Vulnerability, Humility, Sacrifice, Acceptance, Confidence, Honesty, etc. The list goes on and on as far as what one is capable of experiencing in a wilderness setting. Since 1989 I have had many wonderful opportunities to be able to guide young people on their own journeys while enjoying the outdoors. Seeing the joy and eye-popping realization of one’s own value and capabilities is what drives me to stay involved in the work I do on a daily basis. Families embarking on this journey together is miraculous and inspiring. SouthCentral Idaho provides the perfect landscape for this amazing opportunity. Wilderness Therapy is my calling.