Group brings women together through activities
KALISPELL, Mont. — Hiking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, biking—there are a lot of summer activities to do in Montana, but some of them are hard to do alone. That’s where Outsiety comes in. Simply put, it’s a group of Flathead Valley women who do things together.
Outsiety owner Laurie Mccargar said her goal is to create an open, accepting environment for women to get out of their comfort zones and try new things.
“It’s saying let go of some of your inhibitions, and let’s just be cool to each other,” Mccargar said.
Outsiety’s events are all hosted by local women, and posted on the group’s Facebook page. One of those events was Wednesday evening rock climbing event in Kila. Ten women showed up, and most of them had never met before.
“It’s kind of interesting, because now, we’re holding each other’s lives in our hands,” Outsiety member Sammie McGowan said.
McGowan saw the Outsiety rock climbing event on Facebook—she said she’s trying to get back into rock climbing, and decided show up.
“I haven’t climbed in a year,” McGowan said. “It’s been a long time.”
Like McGowan, Michelle Finch was also looking for other climbers in the area. Finch said climbing is a stress reliever for her, and since recently moving back to Montana, she’s been searching for a climbing group.
Both McGowan and Finch said Outsiety is exactly what they were hoping for.
“It’s the most welcoming group and empowering group of women, no matter what your ability,” Finch said.
Rock climbing is just one Outsiety event—there’s also sailing, paddle boarding, hiking, biking and more. Events are open to anyone, from beginners to experts.
“We’re all trying to get outside and have a good time, without any judgement,” McGowan said.
For anyone on the fence about trying an event, Mccargar has a piece of advice.
“Just come,” she said. “For you to just show up is the bottom line for what I’m trying to represent here, is just ladies feeling welcome.”
