How to Start Your Own Local Girls Adventure Club (GAC)
Starting a local Girls Adventure Club (GAC) can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Whether you're looking to create a tight-knit community, bond with like-minded families, or encourage outdoor adventures, this guide will help you get started! Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your GAC is successful and enjoyable for everyone involved.
1. Determine Your "Why"
The first step in starting a Girls Adventure Club is identifying your “why.” What is your main goal for creating the group? Is it about fostering community, building friendships, or providing new experiences for girls? Understanding your "why" will help guide your activities and ensure the group stays true to its purpose.
For me, the reason for starting a GAC was simple: I wanted to get outside with my kids, try new activities, and—most importantly—build a sense of community. I hoped to form lasting friendships with other families who shared our love of adventure. Above all, I prioritize relationships over activities, ensuring that there’s ample time for the girls and their moms to connect. While exploring and trying new things is exciting, the real magic happens during those quieter moments when friendships are strengthened, and a true sense of community is developed.
2. Choose an Age Range
Next, decide on the age range for your group. It’s helpful to narrow this down, as younger children and older kids often have different needs and capabilities. That being said, you can always adapt activities to accommodate any age group.
I recommend choosing an age range that feels comfortable for you and the group, while also considering what kinds of activities will best suit your participants. Whether it's toddlers or teens, there's plenty of room for adventure at every stage!
3. Set a Consistent Meeting Time
To ensure good attendance and build a routine, choose a consistent meeting day and time. In my experience, consistency helps families plan around your meet-ups and encourages participation. Mondays have worked well for our local GAC, especially since there are fewer other events or group activities scheduled in the area.
While Mondays can be a challenging adjustment from the weekend, getting outside with friends at the start of the week has been the perfect remedy to shake off any lingering post-weekend transition.
4. Frequency of Meetups
How often you meet depends on the needs of your group. After experimenting with different days and frequencies, I’ve found that meeting every other Monday around 10:00 AM works best for our tween/teen group. This timing allows everyone to arrive by 10:30 for the event or activity and leaves plenty of space for extra meet-ups or last-minute plans.
This bi-weekly schedule is a great balance, ensuring that no one feels overwhelmed by too many activities. Plus, it accommodates the busy lives of kids who are balancing academics, sports, music, and other personal interests. This also leaves space for impromptu meet-ups to be added throughout the year.
6. Allow for Buffer Time
It’s always a good idea to build some buffer time into your meeting schedule. I recommend setting the official start time for your activities 15 to 30 minutes earlier than the event actually begins. This gives everyone time to arrive, settle in, use the bathroom, and get comfortable before the activity starts.
5. Plan for the Entire Year
It’s helpful to plan your GAC activities in advance. I like to schedule our events from September to May and also offer a summer session from June to August. By collecting funds up front for each session, I can manage payments for guides and activity leaders efficiently.
I recommend using an app like a private Facebook group, Band, or The Jump to organize your group. These platforms help keep all communication and the event calendar in one convenient place and will also send out reminders and provide space for RSVPs.
7. Incorporate Free Time
One of the best ways to build a sense of community is by allowing for plenty of free time after each activity. I encourage families to pack a lunch and stick around to hang out and play. This unstructured time often leads to the most memorable moments, where friendships are strengthened and connections are deepened.
8. Consider Moms’ Nights Out
To foster deeper bonds and create a supportive community for moms, I highly recommend organizing “Moms’ Nights Out.” These social gatherings provide a chance for moms to relax, unwind, and share experiences in a supportive environment, while strengthening the friendships that benefit the entire group.
9. Need More Ideas?
If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on starting your own GAC, you can purchase a comprehensive digital guide that includes:
In-depth detail on how I run our local GAC
Meetup ideas for various age ranges
Adventure excursion ideas
GAC overnight suggestions
Moms’ night out activities
Tried and true ways to promote connection & friendship within the group & more!
Starting your own Girls Adventure Club can be a deeply rewarding experience for both you and the families involved. Whether it’s exploring new activities or building lasting friendships, it’s all about creating meaningful connections and adventures that last a lifetime.
Why Girls Only?
Creating a girls-only adventure group can have several meaningful benefits, depending on the goals and intentions of the group. Here are a few reasons why we think it’s a great idea:
Empowerment and Confidence: Many girls and women often face societal pressures or stereotypes about what they can or cannot do. An all-girls adventure group can provide a safe, supportive environment where members can push boundaries, try new things, and build self-confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Support and Encouragement: In an all-girls setting, participants may feel more comfortable being themselves and stepping out of their comfort zones. The camaraderie and support from fellow girls can make the experience more enriching and enjoyable, especially if they are navigating challenges together.
Overcoming Gender Norms: Adventure activities are often associated with masculine energy, but creating a girls-only space helps break those stereotypes. It allows young girls or women to feel empowered to pursue activities that may have previously felt off-limits or intimidating.
Safe Space: For some, participating in outdoor adventures or physical activities may feel intimidating, particularly if they've had negative experiences in mixed-gender groups. A girls-only group can create a more relaxed and less judgmental atmosphere, promoting equality and comfort.
Building Friendships: Adventure groups can help foster deep connections and friendships that extend beyond the activity itself. When you share memorable, adrenaline-pumping experiences, the bonds between participants grow stronger, and an all-girls group can help form lasting relationships based on shared experiences and interests.
Inspiring Future Generations: When girls see other girls participating in exciting adventures, they may feel inspired to get involved as well. This can help inspire a future generation of young women who aren't afraid to challenge societal expectations and pursue their passions.
Creating Role Models: An all-girls adventure group can create opportunities for girls to serve as role models for one another. They can learn from each other’s strengths, inspire leadership, and promote self-reliance.
In summary, a girls-only adventure group can be a great way to build confidence, foster strong connections, and create a positive, supportive space for girls to challenge themselves and succeed.
