Unfortunately, there is a prevalent gender gap in camping. It is obvious in most aspects such as camping gear. Gear for women is sold at higher dollar amounts and yet, somehow, much cheaper in quality. According to a recent study by “Outside” in 2017, 60% of women do not think the selection of women’s gear is the same qualities as men’s gear." 
The perception of the outdoors as “not a woman’s place” has even been reinforced in many places. This would include institutions charged with managing public lands. At its establishment in 1916, the National Park Service listed park ranger jobs as “men’s only.” Things had not changed much by 1967 when Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall responded to a woman’s discrimination complaint by telling the public that it was “our concern and affection for girls that prevents our saddling them with the full load of ranger duties.”
Let’s change this.

• Take it slow
  Don't put too much pressure on your girl(s). This may be especially difficult for those who have always been active, but pushing kids too hard risks forming a bad connection with the outdoors. Begin with backyard adventures, then smaller hikes and work your way up to longer excursions.
• Make it fun
  Climb, jump, roll, dive, sprint, and slide are among the activities that girls enjoy. In this regard, girls and boys are identical. They're just children who enjoy playing. They don't need instruction to play just as they don't need instructions to be outdoor enthusiasts. They simply need your lead and initiative.
  Make her outdoor experience enjoyable by letting her be herself. Compared to structured play, unstructured play can make the day ten times better. According to a study done by the University of Colorado, children who engaged in more unstructured pay "had a more highly developed self-directed executive function."
  
• Sign her up for Girl Scouts!
  Unlike common beliefs, Girl Scouts goes way beyond Thin Mints. They build girls of courage, confidence, and character, and the organization is the perfect way to introduce your girl to the outdoors. Take it from a current Girl Scout of thirteen years- Girl Scouts is the best decision you could make for her. Click here to read about and join Girl Scouts!!!
  
• Keep them engaged
  Challenges, scavenger hunts, inspecting insects, and collecting fallen leaves are just some of the ways to keep girls engaged with the outdoors. Create life-long bonds to mother nature with hands-on, interactive activities.
• Learn new things
  The great outdoors is filled with a new learning experience every turn you take. Jog your memory to 5th grade science class, whip out some informative pamphlets, or scroll the web to give a lesson on millions of different aspects of Mother Nature.
  
• Acclimate them
  Don’t just throw your girl outside and expect her to know what to do. Some girls need acclimation whether that’s staying the night in a tent in your backyard, finding some simpler trails near you, or just starting small.
  
• Involve them in the planning process
  Children can benefit from participating in planning because it allows for them to have a say in decisions, acquire new skills, and have fun. Discuss future trips with your children to make them excited, develop anticipation, and set the stage for a positive experience.
  
• Invite friends-make it a party!
  The more the merrier. You can either have her invite a buddy who is also an outdoor enthusiast or someone who does not come from a family of outdoorsy types. You might be able to open up a whole new world for the buddy and create more than one green advocate.
  
• Save time for weekly outdoor excursions
  Every week, set aside a day, a morning, or an hour to spend meaningful time with your girl(s) outside. It may be any time as long as you commit and tell yourself, “Alright, no matter what, we're going out, rain or shine.” (Remember outdoors has unpredictability but beauty in it all.) No excuses!
  
• Mindfully meld technology with the great outdoors
  Technology is such a driving force today in society, but breathing fresh air and seeing new sights are something no touch screen can give you. A simple solution is to teach girls to appreciate the outdoors in a language they may understand better. Can you snap a photo of this? Can you share it on social media? Can you create a fun time-lapse or video?
  Be cautious that this does not get out of hand and the next thing you know outdoor time becomes Candy Crush time.