It all began with a question: "What if there was a way to bring even more adventure to Girl Scouts?" In the chilly spring of 2022, three women found themselves at a Small Craft Safety certification course, dreaming up new possibilities for outdoor experiences. As they shared ideas, they realized they were the perfect team to bring these adventures to life for their council. They quickly connected with like-minded volunteers across the council and at INSPO, gathering for the first official HAM meeting in January 2023.
That meeting sparked the creation of the very first Wilderness Hiking Course, and since then, we've lost count of how many we've led for adult leaders, Seniors, and Ambassadors! We've since added Basic Backpacking courses and trips, and this past year held our first Wilderness Wanderers Backpacking Camp. Our paddling progression events and yearly adult weekend paddle on the Willamette were a hit, and we look forward to hosting those again.
Looking ahead, we're excited to plan a backcountry skills weekend, level 4 stewardship for paddling, and give more volunteers and scouts confidence in the outdoors!
Meet our High Adventure Mentors! Each of us brings unique skills and a passion for the outdoors to inspire and empower both Girl Scouts and their leaders. From backpacking to paddling to snow camping, our team is ready to guide Scouts, and support troop leaders, as they embark on unforgettable adventures. Click on any mentor’s picture to learn more about their expertise and experiences!