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Becoming an Outdoors Girl

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Welcome to the outdoors!

We offer the opportunity for girls to learn new skills associated with outdoor activities in a safe environment. This free program is geared toward girls in 6th through 12th grade. All activities are outside. Low-income and minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Dates & Locations

  • FULL December 7, 2024, at Sheldon Lake State Park
  • March 1, 2025, at UH-Clear Lake
  • All Sessions: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

  • Lunch included

Register Today!

Please only register for one Becoming an Outdoors Girl session, as multiple registrations will be deleted. If you need to transfer your registration to another date, email Debbie Bush at bush@uhcl.edu, and the transfer will be processed, provided the session is not full.

Questions? Rowena McDermidd at McDermid@uhcl.edu.

Class Descriptions

Class Name Class Description
Aquatics Participants will dip net for aquatic invertebrates in a pond or stream. Equipment will be provided.
Archery Students will be taught how to safely use basic archery equipment, focusing on Olympic style target archery which includes proper stance, nocking an arrow, targeting, and release techniques. Students will learn the "11 Steps to Archery Success" that can be applied across all disciplines of archery. Equipment will be provided.
Birding Participants will learn how to use binoculars and field guides and go on a short birdwatching hike. Bird identification, habitat requirements, techniques, tips, and places to go birdwatching will be covered. Equipment will be provided.
Fishing Never been fishing before but always wanted to try it? This is a class for novices to learn the basics about fish habitat, baiting a hook, casting and retrieval techniques, catch and release, and removing hooks. Equipment will be provided.
Geocaching A popular outdoor adventure appropriate for every person no matter your outdoor skill level. Geocaching uses a GPS unit to go on a treasure hunt of sorts. This class will focus on how geocaches work, where to find resources for the sport and you will have an opportunity to join the fun. Equipment will be provided.
iNaturalist Bioblitz This popular app helps you identify the plants and animals around you, and connects you to an expansive community of scientists and naturalists around the globe. Equipment will be provided.
Mammals & Tracks Learn about Texas mammals! Participants will learn to identify animals by their skins, skulls, tracks, and scat. Activities will include games, a hike, and making your own track casting to take home with you.
Nature Journaling Learn how to document your experiences in nature, noting details like plants, animals, weather, and landscapes. Nature journaling encourages mindfulness and deepens understanding of the environment, while also helping to develop skills in observation, artistic expression, and scientific inquiry.
Scavenger Hunt A fun team activity. Take photographs of the outdoor and nature items on the list while exploring campus with your smart phone. Participants will need to bring their own phones (one per team). Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
Note: Classes are subject to change.

Special Accommodations

Any individual requiring an accommodation in order to participate in this event or utilize these services will need to contact the Environmental Institute of Houston at eih@uhcl.edu in advance.

Becoming an Outdoors Girl is offered at no cost, thanks to the generous support of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

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