• Exposure to natural resource careers
• Knowledge about environmental land ethics
• Participation in an outdoor community service project
• Exposure to outdoor technology
• Learning the natural history and geology of the Sierra Nevada
• Exploring the interrelationship between humans and nature
• Experiencing the wilderness.
• Growing stronger in mind, body and spirit in an outdoor environment.

Girls were given a special in-depth experience educating them beyond the surface beauty of Yosemite. Collaborators were an essential part of our project. The USDA Forest Service provided the foundation for this project three years ago. The USDA Forest Service was instrumental in providing ten women for career exploration in different fields and departments. They also involved us with Wild Link and the California Horsepackers association, through Barbara Miranda who became instrumental in connecting us to the
right people to get feedback on logistics, enriched resources of the park, and our risk management plan for the project.

Although this Opportunity was planned to have a maximum impact on 100 girls, our experience found that families and volunteers came away with a greater knowledge and sensitivity. Because of this project, they will spread the
message of protecting our fragile environment, most especially the precious water resources here in Northern California. Also, adults involved in the project had the opportunity to mentor a young girl. The benefits of mentoring became very rewarding for both girl and adult. Through volunteers, trainers, career professionals, and host
families, Valleys, Vistas, and Visions: Discover Yosemite! Wider Opportunity participants were all are exposed to caring, competent adults who helped them develop the character needed for leadership. From journaling that is posted on this website, to sharing a path with bears and horses, every Girl
Scout has a story to tell that will fashion her dreams for the future.

Shawna Thompson
Wider Opportunity Program
Girl Scout Scouts of America