Girls and young women frequently face barriers to access, mentorship, and representation in nature-based activities. Wild Hearts Idaho aims to change that by offering free outdoor adventures—such as hiking, rock climbing, rafting, paddleboarding, and kayaking—to girls ages 12–18 in Idaho’s Treasure Valley region. Since launching in 2016, the program has empowered over 500 girls to explore the outdoors and their own potential.

Wild Hearts Idaho was born from founder Maggie Benedetti’s experiences as a social worker and her concern about the challenges facing young women. Executive Director Serena Rasmussen reflects on Maggie’s vision: “She really wanted to create a program that could be a preventative measure, that could help give girls the confidence, decision-making, and resilience to manage the conflicts in their lives before they became crises.”

From yoga in the park to multi-day rafting trips, Wild Hearts Idaho’s activities are designed for girls of all backgrounds and experience levels. “We’re trying to make sure that we’re catching the interest of different girls and expanding the idea of what being outdoorsy can be,” Serena says. “You don’t always have to go out and get super dirty, super sweaty, and do something super adrenaline-filled. You can go for a hike in our local foothills and get some of the same benefits.” To ensure accessibility, transportation and equipment are provided free of charge.

Serena recalls how formative her own time as a whitewater rafting guide during high school was, but acknowledges that many girls lack similar opportunities. As she observes, “It’s hard to get into outdoor adventure and experience the benefits if you don’t have the parents, family, or friend groups that are already going. Women are still underrepresented in the outdoors compared to men, so there are additional barriers to get women outside and to recognize that this is something that they can do and something that they can feel confident and powerful in.”

Wild Hearts Idaho’s programs are led by volunteers called Adventure Mentors, who Serena describes as an “awesome set of local women who are outdoorsy and looking to give back by getting other girls outdoors as well.” These mentors help create a supportive environment while teaching practical skills like packing backpacks, safely starting fires, and practicing Leave No Trace principles.

It’s hard to get into outdoor adventure and experience the benefits if you don’t have the parents, family, or friend groups that are already going. Women are still underrepresented in the outdoors compared to men.

Adventure Mentor Nicole Hall, who began volunteering shortly after Wild Hearts Idaho was founded, emphasizes the importance of “providing a safe place for girls to test themselves and to grow, make mistakes, learn lessons, and know that we’re with them every step of the way.”

“The ability to watch girls gain skills, grow in confidence, and see them want to come back year after year is the most rewarding for me,” Nicole shares. “Also, seeing girls who think that they aren’t outdoor girls become outdoor girls through these experiences.”

One participant, Ayla Kaltenecker, started attending Wild Hearts Idaho’s programs in sixth grade and eventually took part in activities like a backpacking trip at Imogene Lake and whitewater rafting on the Main Salmon River. In ninth grade, she became a member of the Youth Leadership Board, contributing to fundraising and recruitment efforts. Now a student at the University of Montana double majoring in Wildlife Biology and Media Arts, she credits Wild Hearts Idaho with teaching her valuable life skills and helping her form lasting friendships.

One thing that struck Ayla was how quickly participants form connections: “It’s amazing to see people go from the first day where they’re maybe a little bit nervous to speak out or they’re scared they’re going to get someone’s name wrong, to the end of the trip where they’re laughing and having so much fun. The barriers have been completely broken.”

She also points out that men continue to hold disproportionate influence in Idaho’s outdoor industry, which can make opportunities for women less visible. “I think it’s super important to showcase to young women that it’s possible to do outdoor-related activities and it’s not scary,” Ayla explains. “If you have that backbone of super strong women supporting you, you’re able to do anything.”

Recently, Wild Hearts Idaho has introduced new outings—like fly fishing and bikepacking—and is expanding efforts to reach communities of girls who may feel excluded from outdoor adventures. The organization is also planning its fifth annual Wild River Dash Duathlon in August, a family-friendly, all-ages fundraising race that combines paddling and running.

As it broadens its offerings, Wild Hearts Idaho strives to ensure that every girl, no matter her background, has the chance to explore the outdoors and discover her own strength and resilience.

Associated Case Study: Wild Hearts Idaho

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