July 14, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

New National Park Service Program Introduces High School Girls to the Outdoors and Camping

Los Angeles Unified School District will provide bus transportation from South Los Angeles and Valley schools

A new National Park Service (NPS) pilot initiative will introduce almost 35 girls attending Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) high schools to the outdoors and camping for their first time.

The pilot program, called “Girls Outside,” is funded by the National Park Foundation with in-kind support from the LAUSD Beyond the Bell Expanded Learning and Enrichment Programs Branch.

It consists of two 3-day camping trips at the Circle X Ranch group campground in the western Santa Monica Mountains, a site managed by Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA).

“The National Park Foundation’s ParkVentures program helps people create and strengthen life-long relationships with national parks,” said Lisa McClure, Senior Program Manager. “The Foundation is investing in leaders and organizations who are removing barriers and bringing people together for joy-filled and meaningful experiences outdoors.  

The two trips will host up to 20 high school girls each participating in various outdoor activities in a remote area of the Santa Monica Mountains. LAUSD’s Beyond the Bell High School Unit and the Office of Outdoor & Environmental Education will provide transportation from South Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

“We hope the campouts will inspire these adventurous young women to become future stewards of their public lands,” said David Szymanski, superintendent of SMMNRA. “Participants will not only get a chance to camp outdoors, but they will also receive mentorship from local women leaders in conservation.”

Participation is free, and transportation and food will be provided at no cost to the participants. Transportation for a day trip to visit the tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Beach will also be provided by LAUSD. Site coordinators from LAUSD after school programs recruited “Take Action Campaign” (TAC) Program participants from John C. Fremont High School, Diego Rivera Learning Complex, Esteban Torres High School, John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, John F. Kennedy High School, James Monroe High School, and Ulysses S. Grant High School.

The TAC program’s objective is to develop high school students’ leadership/goal setting capacity while cultivating their communication, community building and team building skills.

“More than ever, kids need these experiences to restore their personal balance in a manner that only the natural world can provide,” said Gerardo Salazar, administrator for the Office of Outdoor and Environmental Education for LAUSD. “After all, they won’t miss or rely on a world they have never experienced.”

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SMMF), the park’s official non-profit partner, supported the effort by hiring two trip leaders that will lead each camping trip. Trip leaders will lead and facilitate group activities that engage participants in dialogue, introspection, and group bonding. There will be opportunities for leadership development through activity-based learning.

In addition to learning basic camping, hiking, and outdoor principles from the trip leaders, the young women will participate in a short, 3-mile hike. They will become educated about the natural and cultural resources of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Szymanski, the park superintendent, says the goal is to build on the pilot Girls Outside initiative and make it a permanent program at SMMNRA.

Related Posts

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Holmby Hills Parcel Once Owned by Pioneering Film Director Lists for $25.5M

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The lot is situated across from the Playboy Mansion and just moments from The Spelling Manor A 1.66-acre parcel of...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Billy Wilder Theater to Screen Housing Struggle Short Films with Q&A

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The program includes works by community organizers and filmmakers addressing housing struggles from LA to D.C. A free film screening...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...