GirlVentures

As the only local nonprofit of its kind, GirlVentures has successfully grown and served the Bay Area for two decades. Since our inception, GirlVentures has worked to build a world in which girls and women are leaders in thriving communities that are strengthened by diversity, civic engagement, healthy choices, and environmental responsibility. The objectives of our programs that follow a Leadership Progression Model, therefore, are aimed at building self-reliance, collaboration, and leadership skills. By uniquely combining challenges like backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing with our highly effective social-emotional learning curriculum, our programs make a difference that lasts a lifetime: 88% of participants can be themselves regardless of what others think, 90% believe they can now be leaders, and 91% will be an ally to others. We continue to be innovative in our field by making the outdoors accessible and providing food, gear, and transportation free of charge, as well as need-based financial aid, to geographically and culturally diverse girls. Additionally, our courses are offered at a significant discount to all participants. By working with participants from all backgrounds, our programs empower girls as they connect with nature, themselves, and each other. Our programs follow a Leadership Progression Model for girls entering 6th grade, all the way up to 12th grade. Each of our courses builds on the strengths girls find within themselves, as well as the skills they have learned in other GirlVentures courses. Through this Model, we annually deliver 12,000 program hours ranging from 30 to more than 300 hours per participant. Organically incorporated into each course are developmentally appropriate social-emotional activities exploring self, environment, identity, culture, social justice, and healthy living. Our highly trained Instructors create supportive atmospheres for girls with different needs and learning styles, while participants set group and personal expectations, create community agreements, and learn conflict resolution techniques. The experiences that these girls share enable them to feel supported and find strength from one another, within themselves, and nature.