Creative Corner

The following words were spoken eloquently by Courtney Ball, GirlVentures alumna and Girls Advisory Board member, at the launch party for our Grow On Grow Strong Campaign in May, 2006.

"Good evening everyone. As Kristina said, my name is Courtney Ball. I am 17 years old; and I have been involved with GirlVentures for six years this July. During these past seven years, I have participated in different programs with GirlVentures, including; participating as a student on Project Courage and Transitions, an Assistant Instructor for the past summer on Project Courage, and various trips throughout the school year. I have also been a member of the Girls Advisory Board since 2002.

My experiences with GirlVentures have made me into a strong woman. I can remember back to my Project Courage course. I was 12 years old and I didn’t know anyone. I was really nervous and actually had an emotional breakdown in front of everyone the third day. I didn’t think the girls would like me because we were so different. Surprisingly, these girls and instructors that knew nothing about me consoled me. They made me feel safe and appreciated. That night, we had our first courage bead ceremony, and someone gave me a courage bead for being courageous enough to say how I felt.

That is exactly what makes GirlVentures special and unique. Our programs revolve around physical challenges, but physical courage is only part of what we encourage. We value cultural courage. Making sure each group consists of girls from different  neighborhoods, schools, and backgrounds is a high priority here. While we are paddling through Tomales Bay until our arms soar and hiking up Mt. Shin until our legs are about to fall off, we are also facing group initiatives and learning from them. For example, cooking is a group effort on course and we try to keep the menu as diverse as possible. As an Assistant Instructor and a student, I step out of my comfort zone and taste new things from different cultures. Falafel is one of my favorite foods now. We also explore cultural courage through creative expressive activities. Acting out life stories is very powerful on course, and it is an easy way to learn about other people and their lives.

Getting on stage and acting out your life story using only kayaking paddles, life vests, and water bottles, takes a lot of courage also. However, with the diverse group of compassionate people on course, it becomes a lot easier. Although it may seem intense at times, as I look back on my experiences as both a participant and an Assistant Instructor, GirlVentures has taught me invaluable lessons I will never forget.

While out on course, I felt empowered. I know I have the power to do anything I put my mind too. I can climb mountains, kayak five miles against demonic winds, talk about being a conservative Christian in San Francisco, or be the president of the United States of America. GirlVentures is a great place because it empowers adolescent girls and anyone else who comes in contact with the organization to develop and express their strengths. I thank you all for that."

-Courtney Ball, age 18