Community & Culture
Rock climbing? Check. Mountain biking? Check. Ski patrol? Check. These are just a handful of the adrenaline-pumping adventures offered by SheJumps – a US-based non-profit inspiring women, girls, and non-binary folks to connect with the outdoors, challenge their limits, and unlock their full potential.
“We believe in the transformative power of being outdoors,” the SheJumps crew say. “Whether trying a new activity, or an old favorite with new people, we love being part of that growth and connection.”
Since its 2007 launch, SheJumps has served over 50,000 participants through thousands of events, the majority of which are free or low–cost.
“While success is not all about big numbers, we know these opportunities have helped to shrink the gender gap in the outdoors,” says Development Director Vivian Robbins.
“While success is not all about big numbers, we know these opportunities have helped to shrink the gender gap in the outdoors,” says Development Director Vivian Robbins.
“There are more men in ski patrol than women, so it’s inspiring to see young girls look up to female patrollers and know they can see themselves in that profession,” Robyn says.
This visibility was one of the driving factors behind executive director Claire Smallwood co-founding SheJumps.
“Skiing was a way I could feel in tune with myself, but I didn't see any other girls my age doing outdoor things,” she explains. “For my two co-founders, being on team sports was an incredible way to feel connected with others, but when it came to the outdoors it always felt very individual.
“Our combined experiences helped us connect with the need to direct resources to support more girls and women to experience community, and empowerment through the outdoors.”
