programs : GUTS!
GUTS! Girls Using Their Strengths
2008 Summer Adventure Calendar & Descriptions
2008 Summer Outdoor Adventure Application
What is GUTS?
Girls Using Their Strengths (GUTS!) is a unique, community-based leadership and empowerment program designed by and for young women, ages 9 to 18. GUTS! began in 1997 as part of the Missoula non-profit Women's Voices for the Earth. Now a part of YWCA Missoula's Leadership Institute for Women & Girls, GUTS! encourages young women to explore their own personal values and discover their strengths through wilderness adventures in the summer, continuing during the school year with after school groups and community service projects.
GUTS! provides a safe and supportive environment for girls to build their confidence, explore important issues, develop strong and healthy relationships, practice their leadership skills, learn about the environment and the world, laugh, play, and have FUN!
Girls in America today are growing up in a more dangerous and sexualized culture than ever before. All too often they glean attention and positive input for their physical appearance alone. The GUTS! program works from the inside out, first encouraging girls to look at their own unique inner qualities and strengths, then learning to appreciate the strengths of the other girls and finally, discovering the opportunities and resources available in their families, schools, communities and the world! By building self-esteem and self-worth around more than their physical appearance, a new world is opened up to girls, allowing them to explore their strengths and talents in unique and creative ways. GUTS! forms a protective pocket of resistance against the destructive mixed messages that target teen and preteen girls in our society.
The Components of GUTS!
Outdoor Adventures (Summer)
Led by qualified women instructors, GUTS! girls increase their self-confidence, hone individual strengths, and cultivate their appreciation for the natural world in an environment free from societal pressures. Our outdoor adventures are designed to develop leadership skills utilizing recreation and discovery as catalysts. Summer Outdoor Adventures are generally six-day trips that incorporate several outdoor skills such as backpacking, canoeing or rock-climbing, while introducing participants to the GUTS! leadership method.
Action Groups (School Year)
Action Groups give participants the chance to learn and practice leadership skills in their homes, schools and communities. Small groups of between five and ten girls meet throughout Missoula on a weekly basis with two or three women facilitators. These groups discuss topics ranging from healthy relationships and body image to long-term goals and values. Groups develop and complete an action project each school year, providing them with the opportunity to utilize their individual skills to produce real results in their lives.
Community Adventures (All Year)
All of the Action Groups meet together once a month with women role-models to discuss topics developed by the participants, learn community change techniques, take field trips and go on mini outdoor adventures. Community Adventures give participants a chance to connect with GUTS! girls from other schools and work together to make positive change at the community level.