Girl vs. Wild NewsOK.com Blogging Community

I walk through life with the understanding that it is far better to give than receive. I also feel this same thing applies to the great outdoors. The excitement I get when sharing climbing, hiking, etc with a person that has never experienced it as I have is amazing. To see a young person light up with joy when they have conquered their fear of climbing a route they swore they were not strong enough to achieve is just one of the many things that gives me new energy to keep enjoying my own outdoor adventure and renews my love for climbing.

A few months back I started guiding on the weekends with Compass Wilderness, a faith based 501 c3 guide service that has set it’s path to share a message of Christ to Christians and non-Christians alike. The centered purpose to parallel adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, camping etc in an way that connects with people on their daily walk with Christ.

Compass Wilderness reaches youth groups, mens groups, at risks youth, and the list goes on. It really boils down to meeting people where they are in life - connecting on a deeper and individual level. Sharing the simple yet overwhelming and amazing joys of the outdoors with those who maybe have never even been on a hike or slept under the stars.

Compass wilderness is a guide service that offers hiking, climbing, and camping primarily, but Compass staff share far more than wilderness knowledge. They work to give individuals the tools to stretch out of their comfort zone and try new things.

Over the past few months I have seen angry hearts softened, self esteems soar, and closed minds open to brighter possibilities all because Compass Wilderness gives people something that sounds so simple, yet what everyone is searching for. Strength and acceptance.

On one of my first trips with Compass I was assisting in belaying a girl who had never climbed outside. She was trembling with fear and talking herself out of trying from the start. She was just sure she couldn’t do it and that it was going to be to hard. It’s in those instances Compass’s staff is able to to reach inside a person and pull out their stregthens. Showing them that it’s ok to take risks and pull for what they want in life. She and I talked on the rocks that day until she reached the top. The look of joy on her face as she was coming down is exactly what Compass Wilderness strives to share.

For more on Compass Wilderness head to NewsOk.tv for a video interview with Compass Wilderness’s Oklahoma DIrector of Operations, Steven Charles.

Happy trials Girl vs. Wild style,

Jacquelyn Farris

Food is essential to survival. This is not rocket science or some lost truth I have sought since I was a wee adventurer. Its just common sense!

With it decided that yes in fact I must eat to survive I started taking a look at the foods and snacks that I pack for a typical backpacking or climbing trip, and most important ways to save space. You are what you eat!

I stick to a few simple tricks to create the least amount of mess. I prepackage everything. Creating individual servings makes less trash as well as bulk. I suggest getting high quality zip locking sandwich bags and packing your items ahead of time. Recently I have discovered bags that have a double seal which adds peace of mind. There is not much worse that having a pack bottom full of smashed chips.

The night before a trip I will individually bag all my meals in zip bags. This way all I have to do is grab a bag from my pack and go. There is no mess of preparation in having a snack or meal.

Leave the biscuits and gravy at home! Instead granola or meal replacement bars are ideal for a breakfast on the trail. They pack small and are no mess. Literally you can eat these as you hike.

Don’t pack a fruit basket as your trail snack. The odds of the fruit not being bruised and smashed is so unlikely. In fact I would go as far to say your much for likely to win the lottery than having bruise free fruit after it travels in your pack. Instead go to your favorite grocery store and get your various fruits in the dried form. Just as good, but packs light and doesn’t make a squishy mess.

Assorted pretzels and cheese crackers make great trail snacks too. There is no mess and they pack small and light in a zip bag.

Try and stay away from chocolates and candy bars. Yes they taste great, but I have never not had them be a melted mess. This is a huge hassle to clean up and at times can ruin gear.

When it comes to lunches I usually pre make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for each day I will be out. They do stay fresh made ahead of time I promise! Just pack them individually in a zip bag and pull them from your pack as needed. I love the no hassle that comes with having my sandwiches made ahead of time.

Freeze dried meals are brilliant. I only use these for dinner meals because they are a bit bigger than what I would like to pack for all three meals. But they are a great way to have a hot dinner at the end of the day. They are packed full of calories which you need before crawling into your sleeping bag for the night. These are just an A+ idea!

These are just a few minimalist adventure tricks I follow when heading out on an adventure. In fact I used these methods before I headed out this weekend. Right now I am probably dinning on a pb&j out on the trail and enjoying life without the mess!

Happy trails from Girl vs. Wild!

With the most exciting weekend of summer just a few days away I have been dreaming of a summer bbq. Now I know that bbqing is not usually action packed with adventure. But hey Girl vs. Wild needs a break to simply relax every once in a while, right?

So it’s time to get my grill going and hone my bbq skills. While I am at it I thought I would share a few simple tricks to make a backyard bbq an adventure for everyone and maybe even mix in a little Girl vs. Wild adventure too.

When I can’t get out to a local state park for a night filled with songs and smores around a campfire there is no better substitute than an evening with friends around the fire pit. These are safe and easy to control simply in your backyard. The most important part is that your not likely to burn your house down and they are perfect for making smores. Remember Smokey the Bear would be very disappointed if you didn’t practice fire safety.

I like to invited a few friends and suggest BYOM, bring your own meat. Meat is expensive and this way everyone gets to be involved in the grilling and have exactly what they like. Plus you know you have those friends that think they make the best bbq ever. This way everyone gets to show off their talents and have a finger lickin good time. Its a win win situation.

Of course your guest will come with festive beverages in tow, but I like to offer a fun drink to share with all. Usually something mixed with fresh fruit. No matter the recipe you pick I suggest making it a day ahead of time. This way all the great juices get to mix together and it’s one less thing to worry about on your day of fun. A fruity fun drink always livens the party.

Since I have not been blessed with the gift of music and am no Dave Matthews its always fun to encourage a few friends who play guitar to bring them along for a sing along. A little guitar sing along around the fire is the best way to finish a night of bbqing with friends.

Once the night gets going and the songs start playing there is not much more fun than sing alongs, smores, and great bbq with friends to create the ideal adventurous fun filled bbq weekend Girl vs. Wild style.