I’ve always loved following the creek as far as it would take me as a child, but my true connection with nature didn’t surface until I moved to Colorado. The aggressive crags, unexplored valleys, and thousands of miles of hiking called to me. The community in Colorado is focused on exploring and protecting the outdoors, and helped me to see the importance in both those things. I want to be an integral part of that community, encouraging others to get outside, appreciate the outdoors, and work toward protecting it for generations to come.
This September I (Roxy Harbitter of the Live Outside and Play Road Team) will be hiking around The Three Sisters in Oregon to raise money for The Cairn Project. The trail is 50 miles around three closely spaced volcanic peaks, all over 10,000 feet, that are part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, aptly named The Three Sisters. As the youngest of three sisters, and an Aunt to four nieces (and no nephews, a full family of strong women), this is an especially meaningful name and meaningful cause.
The Cairn Project works to expand outdoor access for women and young girls by supporting community-based wilderness and outdoor education groups around the country through a small grants program. Their grants support organizations that get more young women outside – biking, rock climbing, backpacking, and more. Since their launch in 2016, they’ve gifted $120K in grants to twelve different organizations.
I am hoping to raise $3,000 to support this project. If you or someone you know would be interested in donating a few dollars, please head to my fundraising page. Thank you for supporting the next generation of adventurers!
Are you interested in doing something similar? I always wanted to do something like this but I felt uneasy setting up the donation process. The Cairn Project made it really easy to do something great for the next generation of woman adventurers. They made it really easy to celebrate a milestone by “Getting Out & Giving Back” You can dedicate an adventure, big or small, to raise support for programs getting more girls outside. Sign-up at here. Want to become an Ambassador for The Cairn Project? Head over to their website to learn more about current Ambassadors (me included!) and how to apply.
This hike is supported by Big Agnes and National Geographic Maps. If you are a company that would like to get involved, please reach out to rjharbitter88@gmail.com.
