Exploring, Empowering, and Connecting: What Women Who Explore Chapters Actually Do
Discover how Women Who Explore ambassadors Denise Taylor (Vancouver) and Kelsie Wild (South Dakota) are creating inclusive outdoor communities for women across North America.
Kelsie's Story: From Searching for Community to Building One in North Dakota
Q: How did you discover Women Who Explore?
Kelsie: When I first discovered Women Who Explore, it was after a conversation with a friend and hiking buddy about our craving for connection with other outdoorsy women in our region of North Dakota. That conversation sent us down a rabbit hole, searching for a community that was both active and welcoming—a space where two moms who simply wanted to get outside and connect could feel at home. That's when we stumbled upon our Women Who Explore North Dakota chapter!
My first event was an Intro to Geocaching hike at a nearby state park, which was right up my alley as a local geocacher and volunteer at that state park. I became fast friends with these women, some from other parts of North Dakota but also local women who I continued to explore with once I became an ambassador myself.
Denise's Journey: Using Adventure to Achieve Wellness Goals
Q: What inspired you to become a Women Who Explore ambassador?
Denise: I first discovered Women Who Explore when I was doing a project management course and I was project managing my "journey to wellness" for an assignment. During a brainstorming session I came up with the idea that if I wanted to be more active I should surround myself with active people, so I went searching for groups to join. When I joined the WWE Vancouver group there weren't many events happening, so it was easy for me to remain sedentary but also pat myself on the back for "joining" a group of active people.
A few months after I joined they put a call out for ambassadors and I thought if I applied and got the position then it would force me to be more active. Since event planning was one of my favourite things to do, I thought it was the perfect gig for me—and I was right! I've hosted a variety of different events in our group like beach days, paddleboarding, kayaking, white water rafting, dinners out, movie night, hikes, walks in the park, local festivals, and even some book swaps.
The Vancouver group now has multiple ambassadors and each of us host events that appeal to our personalities, interests, and abilities, so there is definitely something for everyone to be found.
Your Women Who Explore Questions Answered
Can Anyone Join Women Who Explore?
Denise: Absolutely! Any adult woman can join, and you can join as many groups as you want, which is part of the beauty of Women Who Explore. I was recently in Las Vegas for a convention and was bummed that I couldn't run an International Women's Day event in my group because I would be away, so I joined the Las Vegas chapter for two of their events! What better way to celebrate than to spend it with some badass women in another country!
What Happens in the Women Who Explore Facebook Groups?
Kelsie: In your local chapter, you'll find all the latest happenings in your area! Some women share their outdoor adventures, letting you live vicariously through their experiences, while others seek tips and recommendations for their next destination. You'll also see your ambassadors sparking conversation with engaging questions, sharing upcoming chapter events, and sharing highlights from past events.
So don't be afraid to like, comment, and engage to keep the momentum going! The more you interact, the more our incredible Facebook community thrives, creating a welcoming and inspiring space for women to connect.
Wait, ambassadors host free events? What kind?
Kelsie: You bet they do! As an ambassador, I get to host a variety of events that bring women together - both outside and within our local communities. If you join a chapter, you can expect to see:
Outdoor Adventure Events:
Hikes and camping trips – From beginner-friendly walks and hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures
Water sports – Paddleboarding, kayaking, white water rafting
Winter activities – Snowshoeing and ice skating
Recreational activities – Axe throwing, bowling, and more
Social & Educational Gatherings:
Foodie nights, meet and greets, and book clubs – Because good food and great conversation bring people together!
Introductory skill workshops – Backpacking basics, bike maintenance, wilderness first aid, and even rock climbing
Swaps – Book swaps and outdoor gear swaps are a common and sustainable way to upgrade and get together simultaneously
Community Service:
Trail clean-up events and environmental projects
My personal favorite events to host are community clean-up events! We are big advocates for Leave No Trace, and there's no better way to give back than picking up trash along a trail or historic site, or participating in an environmental betterment project with the ladies!
The best part? You choose your own adventure. Love reading? Join a book swap. Not into mountain biking? Skip the bike care class. There's no pressure, just opportunities to try new things and connect with like-minded women.
Are Newcomers Welcome at Women Who Explore Events?
Denise: Newcomers are definitely welcome and we have them at almost every event. Getting new people to join the group and events is how we grow our community, so it's one of our favourite things.
What Are the Most Popular Women Who Explore Events?
Denise: I think that answer will be different depending on what group you are in. Because ambassadors are free to choose what kinds of events they would like to host, there is a wide variety across all the chapters. Hiking is still super popular for most chapters. Water events are popular in my group and they are also my favourite events. Book club, camping, brewery visits, and casual meet and greets are other popular events.
Join the Women Who Explore Community Today
In conclusion, the beauty of this community is its diversity. Each chapter reflects the personalities, interests, and passions of the women who join it. Some love tackling tough trails, while others prefer a casual coffee meet-up or a sunset paddle. Some enjoy skill-building workshops, while others are drawn to book swaps and foodie nights. No matter your style, there's a place for you here.
Ready to start your adventure? If you've been searching for a way to get outside, try new things, and build friendships along the way, consider this your invitation. Join your local chapter, step outside your comfort zone, and discover just how much adventure, and connection, awaits.
Written by Denise Taylor, Vancouver Ambassador and Women Who Explore Mentor & Kelsie Wild, South Dakota Ambassador
