Inspiring girls to explore, connect, and lead in nature.

Girls+ Outside (G+O) is an initiative facilitated by Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center in partnership with Austin ISD’s Outdoor Learning Specialists. Together, we oversee the program on behalf of 10 participating AISD schools.

Illustration of overlapping brown dill seed pods with a black background.

About Girls+ Outside

Schools are paired and take five field trips together, each with a nature and mentoring component. Participants experience multiple field trips and engage with some of the area’s leading nature education organizations.

The program creates paths of exploration that help participants see the world in new ways, grow individually and together, and find peace and balance within their G+O community. Each intentionally crafted experience draws on the wonder found in nature that sparks curiosity and encourages the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and creative thinking.

We believe creating conditions for thriving girls is vitally important.

Donate to Girls+ Outside

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Collage of children participating in outdoor and indoor activities, including classroom learning, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and nature exploration, with some children holding objects and engaged in hands-on projects.

Learning Together

Participants build relationships through hands-on activities, mentoring, and shared outdoor experiences.

A collage of photos showing young girls wearing yellow shirts with the word 'girls' in cursive, engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, exploring nature, and playing near water, suggesting a group outdoor excursion or field trip in fall.

Exploring Beyond the Classroom

Field trips introduce students to nature, recreation, science, and future pathways across Central Texas.

What We Do

Logo with three curved lines above the text 'Open Pathways for Future Opportunities'
A logo featuring a light bulb with rays around it and the text "Spark Curiosity & Hope" underneath.
Outline of a leaf with text that reads 'Foster Nature Connection & Stewardship'.
A logo featuring a simple line drawing of a tree with the text 'Close the Austin Nature Gap' beneath it.
Outline of three people above the text "Engage & Develop Mentors".
A simple outline of a heart with the text "Create Caring Communities" underneath.

  • "Girls+ Outside is valuable because of places it’s shown me."

  • "Being in Girls+ Outside changed how I learn in school because it's shown me to look beyond what's there."

    Sadler Means 7TH grader

    (2nd year in program)

  • "Having mentees made me feel fulfilled and proud to take care of people."

Our Impact

Nourishing the underserved

  • ~400 students/yr from 10 schools (K-12)

  • 82% economically disadvantaged

  • 91% students of color

  • healthy lunches at all field trips

Green circular icon with a simple line drawing of a tree with a thick trunk and rounded leafy canopy.
Icon of an apple on top of a closed book, set against a light green circular background.

Leadership development

  • High school leadership program

  • Mentorship orientation & resources

  • Career guidance

  • Custom field guides each year

  • Connections to partner organizations

Teacher support

  • Orientation retreat every year

  • Custom resources, newsletters, and training opportunities

  • Peer-to-peer relationship building

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Expanding community network

  • 30+ collaborative partnerships

  • highly engaged volunteers

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Invest in Our Youth and Future

Your support helps provide field trips, healthy meals, mentorship resources, leadership development, custom field guides, and meaningful connections to nature.

Donate to Girls+ Outside

*Specify the donation is for Girls+ Outside*