Top tips to help girls feel confident with adventurous activities

Adventure builds confidence, ask any Girlguiding volunteer - they’ll definitely agree!

There’s nothing quite like being there to see a girl whizz down a zipline or reach higher than they expected on the trapeze. That unmistakable shout of ‘I did it!’ followed by a massive, beaming smile is exactly why we do what we do. Being outdoors and trying new things with friends is like a superpower for self-esteem; it helps girls feel strong, capable and proud of themselves.

Girlguiding and PGL both believe that adventure is one of the best ways for girls to discover what they’re truly capable of.

PGL exists to empower young people to believe in themselves and deliver on their potential, with experiences that prepare them for life’s challenges and the future that awaits them. By stepping outside their comfort zones in a safe, fun environment, they aren't just completing an activity, they’re building the confidence and life skills they’ll carry with them forever.

But we also know that for some, that first step onto the grass (or the climbing wall!) can feel a bit wobbly. As leaders, we aren’t just there to watch; we’re there to be their biggest cheerleaders, helping them find the courage they didn’t know they had.

This is where a trip to PGL really stands out. Because PGL instructors handle the technical bits and keep everyone safe, you’re free to do what you do best: being the biggest cheerleader for your girls.

Tips to help girls feel brave and ready for anything

1. Be a brilliant role model: if you’re able to, get stuck in, get muddy, and show them that looking a bit silly is all part of the fun! If they see you stepping out of your comfort zone, it’s instantly less scary for them to try it too. If you’re a bit nervous too, tell them. It’s good to show them that being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared. It just means you're giving it a go, even with the butterflies.
2. Let them watch first: confidence isn't a race. Some girls need to see how the harness works or how the game is played before they feel safe. Let girls watch for 5 minutes to see how things work. Once they see friends having fun, they might decide to jump in.
3. Make a cheer team: encourage the rest of the group to cheer their friends on, but check if that’s actually what the person needs! Some girls love a loud ‘you can do it!’, while others prefer doing it without the pressure of an audience.
4. Put in the same effort for everyone: celebrate everyone the same way, whether that’s a high 5 or big cheer. Make sure the last person gets the same energy as the first. And don't let them feel rushed by people packing away or wanting to go to lunch.
5. Focus on strengths: remind them what they can do! If a girl is terrified of heights but is a star navigator, celebrate her map skills. It gives her confidence to try new stuff.
6. Find a role for them: everyone has a part to play. If someone isn't ready to climb or leap, give them an important job like being the official photographer, scorekeeper, or head cheerleader. It keeps them right in the heart of the team without any pressure.
7. Respect their boundaries: trust is the most important thing you have. If a girl says ‘no’ or ‘stop,’ listen the first time. It’s as brave to say ‘no’ as it is ‘yes’, especially if it means standing up against peer pressure. By respecting her boundaries and creating a judgement-free zone, you’re showing her that her voice matters and making her feel in control, giving her the confidence to try again another day.
8. Set mini milestones: break the big goals into tiny wins. Instead of ‘climbing to the top,’ make the goal ‘just putting the helmet on’ or ‘touching the first hold.’ Celebrate every single tiny step like a gold medal to keep them moving forward.
9. Be there to listen: sometimes you just need to talk through the ‘what ifs’ to feel better. Ask, ‘What’s the scariest bit, and how can we make it smaller?’ Being heard is often enough to make a task feel doable. If a girl is feeling nervous or upset, ask: ‘What would you say to your best friend right now?’ Encourage her to use those supportive words for herself.
10. Reward the ‘try’: whether they jumped for the trapeze or simply overcame their nerves to stand at the top of the zipline platform, every journey deserves a reward (or at least a badge!) Always give out badges for effort, trying again, keeping going or reaching a personal best. It shows them that we value their courage just as much as the final result.

Are you interested in getting stuck in to some fantastic confidence-building adventurous activities? From archery and abseiling to kayaking and climbing, there’s lots to do for everyone at PGL. Find out more about going on a PGL adventure.

You might also want to take part in our 2027 Girlguiding Takeover Weekends. They're just for Brownies, Guides and Rangers (and the site is exclusive to Girlguiding members!) The weekends are created in partnership with Girlguiding to give units adventures and the chance to meet other groups from across the UK. When making your booking for our 2027 PGL Takeover Weekends, quote '2027EARLYBIRD' to get a reduced price of £99pp (plus VAT). This offer is running until 31 December 2026.