What did I learn from paragliding on thermals, luging down ice tracks at high speeds, or being one of the nation's first female firefighters? I learned that adventure teaches vital life lessons on bravery, resilience, and leadership. I'll discuss my new book, The Gutsy Girl: Escapades for Your Life of Epic Adventure, offering stories of my own adventures (some spectacular failures, some stomach-churning narrow escapes, some just plain old fun) and bring home the bigger message that we have to stop cautioning our girls so much, and instead encourage gutsiness. I envision a world where girls embrace values like courage and exhilaration, combating the pressures they currently face to be pretty (irrelevant and usually impossible when it comes to adventure, especially in the outdoors), to be perfect (getting outside a comfort zone means repeated failures), and to be deferential (adventure and daring teaches initiative and confidence in one's own decision-making skills.) All young readers welcome, boys and girls, as well as parents and anyone interested in adding adventure into their lives. To learn more about the book, click here: thegutsygirl.org

Unlimited guest spots available

Date: Sunday, April 24, 2016 Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Location: TBD

Donor: Caroline Paul