Girls Adventure and Mentorship Group

For girls 9-11

The vision

This group is for girls ages 9-11, with a max group size of eight. We will meet once monthly for a full day trip to a different destination from 9am-5pm (for Cottage Grove families) and pick up and drop off in Eugene at (9:30-4:30), plus a summer camp out.

Our outings are all outdoors and something they will look forward to and feel challenged by, that deepens over time, spanning as many years of their adolescence as is wanted. This happens with good group chemistry and lots of fun.

For the greatest cohesion, we are looking for families to commit through to the end of the school year. Some days will be more rainy then others, some crafts less enjoyable for some girls, and some days they may not want to get out of bed! Its okay to miss an outing, because this is something that builds over time.

As our group gets closer, it will also be brave space where we can engage with coming of age topics like consent and boundaries, conflict resolution, body health and cycles, pleasure and sexuality, gender expression and gender oppression, substances and other addictions, divisive ways of thinking and bullying, etc.

On each monthly outing, there will be a focus on learning about ecology and our local landscape, working on earth based craft projects, building outdoor skills and social skills, with time to also just be in nature with good friends and mentors. Occasionally, challenging but age appropriate activities will be offered to help them build confidence in their physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.  

Each month a young adult, elder, community member, or mother from the group will join along, so that two adults are with the girls at all times.

Parents are also invited to participate in a seasonal meeting to support the journey of raising a teen and talk about content for the girls, as big milestones approach.

Background

Hi! I am Hosanna -

Before the pandemic, I was a co-director for Nature's Mystery Awareness School. We ran a three year coming of age mentorship journey for boys and girls 9-15 years old. The mentorship program had a highly structured framework with a contract, pre-scripted curriculum, insurance, and operating costs.

I learned a lot from my years with the school about youth development, integrating learning and play, and holding complex group dynamics as a mentor. One of the strengths I saw about myself from this time was the ease and creativity of responding to the needs of the group and individuals through games, challenges and missions.

I really enjoy the developmental journey between 9 - 15 and tend to embody what’s called a “coyote mentoring” approach, which means I look for opportunities for the youth to find their own way, challenge themselves, define their own goals, discover what’s not being said, and sometimes let them guide me!

I have a spiritual connection to the earth, but am non-religious. For me this looks like appreciating the intricate beauty of ecological systems or the unique gifts of different plants or animals. I like to incorporate little ritual acts in my time with youth. For example, taking turns talking and listening around the fire, or creating a beatiful mandala out of found materials. I feel it is important to model my connection to the earth, but will never push any particular perspective and will welcome the girls to share their own.

If you’d like to read more about me and the other things I do, you can find more info on my about me page!

Community Framework

The intention of this group of girls, parents and mentors, is to operate like a community and not a commerical program. We can collaborate and communicate about how the group can meet the developing needs of the girls. I’d like to be seen as an auntie, friend, mentor open to your ideas and feedback, while also navigating this time of maturation as a team! 

New content and difficult concepts are soon approaching, as the youth move towards high school. My philosophy as a mentor is to embrace topics as they arise, acknowleding the vilidity of their curiosity and that my perspective is only my own. I will also encourage them to seek out more people they trust to learn from a diversity of perspectices.

There are some topics (like how the body changes in puberty, consent, and boundaries as self-respect) that I will bring up through activities, crafts, and games. However, some topics like crushes, kissing, substances, etc, may be disccused if brought up by the girls. I am open to understanding any considerations or preferences parents have for their daughters about these topics.

 FAQs

  • We visit a different location every month, always outdoors - rain or shine!

    The intention is to get to know the area where we live, experiencing the diversity of the mountains, forests, riverbanks, and ocean. This includes public recreation destinations, public timberlands, as well as private farms and forests.

    A week before each outing, I will send out an email with details about the location we are headed that Saturday. Cell service will be limited at some locations.

  • Eugene: pick up at 9:30am at Fairmount Park (near the university) and drop off at 4:30pm.

    Cottage Grove:pick up at 9:00am on River Road and drop off at 5:00pm.

  • Challenges are a fun and important part of youth mentorship at this age, because the youth want to test their limits, learn about their world, and feel confident and alive. But of course, different personalities are excited by different kinds of challenges!

    Consent is very important, because we don’t want to push them too far - BUT - we also want to inspire them to try new things and discover how capable they are! There is a kind of magic that happens with new or difficult experiences when surrounded by friends.

    Some challenges that I have done in the past, include hiking a summit, starting a friction fire to cook our food, scaling fallen trees, moving without sight, and walking as a group in the dark.

  • There will always be two adult women on the outings.

    Over the course of the year, there is an opportunity for each mother to come for an outing if they wish to join. But it is not required! Additionally, elders and young women will join some months in a supporting role.

    Because of the group size, the second adult will also be a driver.

  • Our once a month day trips is $75-50 per month (sliding scale is respective of if you are a single or double income household). This will cover gas, materials, my planning times, as well as time with the group and can be paid all in advance or monthly depending on what is easier for your family. 

  • There is currently no expectation or requirement for parent participation, but there are opportunities to connect, contribute, and support.

    • Outings - Mothers are invited to participate in one outing over the course of the year.

    • Parent Councils - Two to three times a year, we will call for a council. This is in part a time to consider the group and give feedback, ask questions, generate ideas, as well as a time for parents to share in the mutual experience of raising a teen. All primary caretakers are welcome at these councils.

    • End of year camp out - The summer campout is still being shaped, but I envision families participating if schedules allow. TBD

    • Email/Phone/In-person Meetings/Dinners - I am open to getting to know you and your family. I also may be interested in reaching out to share my ideas or questions, to brainstorm for the outings, or to better understand something about your child.

Contact

Please use the contact form below to inquire about space in the group, set up a time to chat or meet in person, or ask any questions regarding this offering - thank you!