SHE JUMPS: EMPOWERING ALL WOMEN THROUGH OUTDOOR PLAY
Empowering Women & Girls Through Outdoor Play
What if you could build community, grow your confidence, and develop lifelong skills—all while connecting with like-minded people in the great outdoors?
That’s the inspiration behind SheJumps, a national nonprofit that works to empower women and girls—cisgender, transgender, as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community—through supportive experiences in nature. The organization was born out of the idea to create a team sport in the outdoors. No matter where you are from or what your experience is, SheJumps whole-heartedly believes you can lead an adventurous and fun life.
“We saw that overcoming fear and feeling encouraged by peers in the outdoors is a fast-track to self-confidence and empowerment,” shares Claire Smallwood, SheJumps Co-Founder & Executive Director. “Accomplishing these goals with other women and girls inspires an ‘if she can do it, so can I’ attitude.”
SheJumps ethos is centered around “outdoor play that transforms.” Their programs offer activities for all skill levels and ages, starting at age 6. There are beginner classes like hiking 101 and Intro to Outdoor Watercoloring, as well as more advanced options like AAI Avalanche Rescue and Alpine Rock Climbing. With active groups in states from Washington to Massachusetts, SheJumps strives to meet the needs of each community they serve.
With a lean team, SheJumps is able to accomplish its nationwide mission with limited resources by pulling from the energy and passion of regional volunteers. Many of their events, classes, and programs are led solely by these dedicated volunteers. And the demand for their programs is increasing as more people venture outdoors.
“From hiking to biking and camping, there are a lot of new people outside experiencing these activities for the first time,” shares Claire. “The mission of SheJumps is critical to providing foundational knowledge that allows people to have fun in a safe way. We teach skills that contribute to responsible recreation, which in turn, contributes to overall environmental stewardship.”
SheJumps brings a light-hearted attitude to their mission, best represented by their iconic “Girafficorn” mascot. The Girafficorn is a reminder to keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds, above the chaos and drama.
“Women and girls are often told what to do, how to dress, how to act, and what to say,” says Claire. “It’s ingrained in us from an early age that there is a narrative to success that is rooted in Eurocentric beauty standards and the idea that you are not enough. Many of the magazines we see in the grocery store are talking to us in a way that underlines that idea: you will be happy when you lose 10 pounds, have ‘perfect’ skin, etc. When you’re outside, you’re able to ignore those messages and truly be yourself. When you share that experience with others, both new and old friends, you are building strong lifelong bonds that support and lift you up—reminding you that you can do anything!”
Since SheJumps’ founding in 2007, they’ve impacted more than 36,000 individuals. Last year, the organization pivoted to offer programs, support, and community through the pandemic with online opportunities. They were able to connect with 10,074 women and girls through virtual and guide-led events during a time when many of us felt disconnected and isolated from our communities.
The organization works to bridge the gap for women and girls in the outdoors. They walk the walk when it comes to equitable inclusion by creating a space of belonging for all women and girls. The nonprofit offers as many free and donation-based events as possible to ensure that more people have access to the outdoors. SheJumps also invests in scholarships that impact Black, Indigenous, Women of Color.
“Unfortunately, access to the outdoors is not equal and has been restricted at an institutional level since the beginning of colonization,” shares Claire. “Women’s equality is important in this regard because the future of outdoor recreation depends on our commitment to equity and inclusion efforts from an economic, social, and environmental justice standpoint. Women are poised to lead this charge, and the bonds created through outdoor activities strengthen communities to tackle these challenges.”
SheJumps hopes to be able to increase operational support and staff to bring their life-changing programs to more women and girls in more communities across the country. There’s a lot of reinforcement that creating safe, educational outdoor experiences for girls and women nurtures growth and transformation.
“SheJumps provided me with a safe space and a constantly supportive community that has helped me navigate the outdoor industry as a brown woman,” shares SheJumps participant Dioné Rodriguez. “They have made me feel welcome and I want to show others how we do belong despite our background and how we look. WE ALL BELONG IN THE OUTDOORS!”
We’re incredibly proud to elevate SheJumps mission through our Ode to Women campaign. When you purchase a mug, tote, tee—or all three—featuring Peace Vans-inspired art from Sarah Robbins, Becca Fuhrman, and Gabrielle Abbott (three amazingly talented Seattle artists) proceeds directly benefit SheJumps.
Learn more about SheJumps and additional ways to support their mission at shejumps.org.