GeoGirls Organizers Prepare for 2026 Field Camp

Snow melts from the high country and flowers emerge. Mount St. Helens shakes off winter in preparation for a week-long journey of discovery and learning by middle school GeoGirls, August 3-7, 2026. GeoGirls is an annual program organized by the Mount St. Helens Institute and USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, with financial support from sponsors like the Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG). For the middle school students participating in GeoGirls, the goal is to emerge with a stronger understanding and connection to Earth systems and feel confident in choosing careers in science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM) fields.

It’s hard to tell who enjoys the program more, GeoGirls participants or guest scientists. The program emulates field experiences and explains the “what” and “why” behind the science. This helps GeoGirls understand volcanoes and hazards, develop critical thinking skills, and see the world through informed eyes.

During the week, GeoGirls:

• hike through a lava tube cave and examine volcanic rocks to learn about historic eruptions of Mount St. Helens;
• examine thin sections of rock and minerals using petrographic microscopes, draw or paint what they see, learn how elements come together to form minerals, what magma is made of, and what triggers an eruption;
• study erosion, river channel geomorphology, the movement of sediment through water to learn how volcanoes affect ecology and ecosystems;
• deploy seismic and GPS/GNSS monitoring equipment to collect and analyze volcano data;
• participate in a volcanic crisis mission, responding to a situation of increasing volcanic unrest in one of four groups (seismology, ground deformation, gas emissions, communications), take on leadership roles, and develop crisis communication plans.

GeoGirls offers immersive, all-day science experiences designed to build both skills and confidence. Participants work in small groups, giving everyone the chance to take part in different aspects of each project while contributing to a shared goal. Spending the day with guest scientist leaders also creates space for meaningful conversations—whether asking questions in the field or connecting over lunch.

The program is supported by a wide range of partners, including federal, state, and local agencies, university researchers, geoscience professionals, and sponsors. This variety helps GeoGirls learn about different career paths and hear real stories from people at all stages, from students to experienced professionals. Many of these journeys are not linear, which can be encouraging for those still figuring out their next steps.

While science is the focus, GeoGirls also emphasizes leadership, empathy, and personal growth. Guest speakers have included astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenberger, volcanologists who have responded to eruptions at Montserrat and Mount St. Helens, and researchers who have worked in places like Antarctica and Iceland. Guest speakers representing the breadth of scientific roles, such as a filmmaker who documented the 1991 Pinatubo eruption, highlight the importance of science communication.

Applications for GeoGirls participants and high school mentors closed in March, with the next cycle for 2027 applications opening in January. Guest scientist applications are accepted on a rolling basis, find out more information and apply on the GeoGirls website.

The GeoGirls program is fueled by community support - make a donation or become a GeoGirls sponsor today.

Co-written by Elizabeth Westby, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory & Gina Roberti, Mount St. Helens Institute.