Dear Friends of GirlVentures,

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2008, we are proud to announce that we just unveiled our revamped website. Thank you to Virginia Chatham of BB Media Services, Inc. for designing and implementing our gorgeous website. In addition, veteran instructor Mary Ann Brooks and superstar alumnae Angelica Ochoa are helping us launch a Community Course in partnership with the Presidio Community YMCA and the Marina Middle School. Learn more about this custom designed after-school Adventure and Youth Mentor Program on our website. Finally, we are now offering our Self-Defense program in both San Francisco and the East Bay. Spaces are still available in East Bay only if you contact us ASAP!

These are just a few of the exciting things happening at GirlVentures. Please read on to find out more! We hope that your year will be full of adventures as well. Thank you for supporting our mission to empower adolescent girls to develop and express their strengths.

Photo: GirlVentures Staff, Mavericks surfer Sarah Gerhardt, and "One Winter Story" filmmakers Elizabeth Pepin and Sally Lundburg

Enrollment is Open for School-Year and Summer Outdoor Adventure Programs

Girlz Climb On
Do you like to rock climb? Do you want to learn how? Sign up now for our popular Girlz Climb On rock climbing program this winter. Girlz Climb On is a 10-week program that includes both indoor and outdoor rock climbing as well as a one-day ropes course orientation. We offer Girlz Climb On in the East Bay at Berkeley Ironworks gym and in Belmont at Planet Granite.

Girlz Climb On East Bay: Mondays from 4:30pm-7:15pm, February 11 - April 14, 2008. 3 spots left - scholarships still available!

Girlz Climb On Belmont: Thursday from 5:00pm-7:30pm, February 14 - April 17, 2008. 4 spots left - scholarships still available!

Register for Girlz Climb On today!

Urban Trek
The Urban Trek adventure adds some magic to the spring break monotony with fun activities in San Francisco's Mission District. Start out with a two-hour morning yoga session, followed by a yummy taqueria lunch and local mural walk. Cap off the day with a rock climbing session at Mission Cliffs Gym. Get on the move in the Mission; it's a great way to spend a day in the GirlVentures neighborhood.

Come play with us! Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Register for Urban Trek today!

Rock & Dance
Rock & Dance offers girls a chance to explore creative expression through rock climbing, body movement, art, yoga and the outdoors over the course of two consecutive weekends. The first weekend offers rock climbing and creative movement workshops in San Francisco and the following weekend takes the girls on a stunning two-night camping, climbing and exploration adventure Pinnacles National Monument, a Bay Area wilderness gem. Pinnacles is renowned for its variety of spring wildflowers, incredible rock formations, and phenomenal star gazing.

Rock & Dance takes place over two consecutive weekends: April 5-6, 2008 (in San Francisco) and April 11-13, 2008 (at Pinnacles). Spots are limited. Register for Rock & Dance today!

Summer Outdoor Adventure Programs
Project Courage,
For girls entering 7th & 8th Grade

Embark on a 14-day outdoor adventure that inspires self-discovery, creative expression, and fun. Paddle your sea kayak on Tomales Bay, rock climb beside the windswept Sonoma Coast, and backpack through stunning Point Reyes National Seashore. As a group, you will learn to live outdoors, sleeping on beaches and under stars, as you navigate challenges, learn new skills, and support one another on Project Courage. Friendship, laughter, and new experiences await you on this exciting adventure! Register for Project Courage today!

Transitions
For girls entering 9th Grade

The sky is the limit on this 14-day expedition through the breathtaking backcountry of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Rock climb up granite domes, use teamwork to explore Helms Creek Canyon, and test your courage as you rappel off towering cliffs with grace! Learn backcountry survival skills as your Transitions group treks through this wilderness of pristine alpine lakes and mountain peaks. You will experience strength and confidence, powerful connections with your new friends, and exhilarating fun! Register for Transitions today!

Summer Outdoor Adventure Program Registration Information:

GirlVentures operates on a rolling admissions basis and encourages all applicants to apply early. Last year we had a waitlist for Summer Outdoor Adventure Programs; we recommend submitting your application before the final deadline of March 14, 2008.

For more information, please visit the Admissions section on our website.
Questions? Please contact Kyle Walsh, Director of Outreach & Admissions, at kyle@girlventures.org or 415.864.0780 ext. 302 for more information. Tuition assistance is available for all GirlVentures programs.

Above Photo: Girlz Climb On Participant, 2007; Rock & Dance Participants, 2007; GIrlz Climb On participants, 2007; Transitions Participants, 2007

One Winter Story Screening
How cool is Sarah Gerhardt? Not only is she the first woman to surf the legendary Maverick's wave, but she has an incredible work ethic and a huge heart. Last Thursday, GirlVentures partnered with Children's Day School and Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club to screen the magical film One Winter Story that features Sarah and her accomplishments.

One Winter Story is an unprecedented glimpse into the male-dominated world of big-wave surfing from a seldom seen perspective - a woman's. This hour-long film explores the life of big-wave surf pioneer and Ph.D scientist, Sarah Gerhardt, a relative unknown who made surfing history in 1999 as the first woman to surf Maverick's, the giant wave in Northern California.

Our heartfelt thanks to Sarah Gerhardt and filmmakers Elizabeth Pepin and Sally Lundburg for answering questions so poignantly, signing autographs, and inspiring us all to go after our dreams. Additionally, thank you to Vanessa Lyons (Children's Day School) and Ivan Corado (Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club) for making this night possible. Finally, thank you to everyone who joined us - you were a fabulous audience!

Above photos: Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman to surf the legendary Maverick's waves, signs autographs

ArtVentures for GirlVentures
Thank you to everyone who came out to support ArtVentures for GirlVentures on Saturday, December 1. Together, we raised over $12,000!

In particular, please join us in thanking all of the talented artists who showcased their gorgeous artworks to support GirlVentures. Special thanks to Ruth Bender and Juliet Starrett for co-chairing this extraordinary event. Thank you to Kyle Walsh and Bria Larson who made the Live Auction such a huge success. We are also grateful to the following Steering Committee members, without whom the event would not have been possible: Deborah Aghib, Rachelle Martins, Crystal Owen, and Evonne Silva.

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors:

Academy of Art
Ali Baba's
American Cyclery
Anchor Steam Brewery
Arizmendi Bakery
Bar Method
Bar Tartine
Babes in the Backcountry
Bi-Rite
Carrie Cartier
Crossfit Training
Electronic Arts
Evergreen Lodge
Farley's
Firehorse Salon
Gentlestar Salon
Global Wine
Goat Hill Pizza
Green Twig Hair Salon
Hilton San Francisco
Jenn Padlo Training
Judy and Bruce Todd
Joni Restivo Hair
Kika's Treats
Maggie Rae
Marin Bikes
M2 Revolution
Pizzaiolo
Radio Africa at Velo Rouge Cafe
Rainbow Grocery
Small Potatoes Catering
Sports Basement
Terzo
Zolita
22nd & Irving Produce

Please click here to view photos of the event.

Hike for GirlVentures - Mt. Tam Fundraiser
The Hike for GirlVentures Mt. Tam Fundraiser is a fun, adventurous way to experience the natural beauty of the California coast while supporting GirlVentures. Join us on a scenic hike led by experienced GirlVentures instructors and alumnae - bring your family and friends along too!

Hikers choose between a 3 or 7 mile hike and enjoy:

• Lessons in environmental stewardship
• Group games and team-building exercises
• Creative-expressive art activities

Post Hike Party and Lunch to follow.

Those who fundraise $250 or more will be eligible for our fantastic prizes!

Register in advance online. Registration Fee is $45 for Adults and $35 for children. All participants will receive a t-shirt.

Event Details:

Sunday, April 27, 2008
Check-In and Breakfast: 8:30-9:00am
Hike: 9:00am-2:00pm
Post Hike Party and Lunch: 2:00-4:00pm
Santos Meadows, Mt. Tamalpais State Park

Above photo from Hike for GirlVentures 2007

News at GirlVentures
Congratulations to Maria Natoli Miller, Board Emeritus, and Matthew Miller who recently welcomed Marissa Jordan Miller into the world!

GirlVentures thanks Angela Wayfer for her three years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors and Community Development and Program Outreach Committee. We wish her the best of luck with her new career and adventures in San Jose.

Thank you to Sam Sapoznick, our savvy technology consultant, for dedicating several years of professional service and timely advice. We wish Sam good luck in his pursuits!

Alumnae Corner
People often ask us: where are your alumnae now? GirlVentures alumnae go on to do all kinds of things subsequent to their GirlVentures course. Notably, many of our alumnae build on the skills they learned through GirlVentures via participating on Outward Bound, NOLS, and other experiential education programs. Below are just a few of their exciting stories.

• Anna Fryjoff-Hung, Transitions alumnae, former Assistant Instructor on Transitions, Logistics Intern, and member of the Girls Advisory Board, has been accepted into a 50-day intensive Outward Bound Instructor program in the North Cascades through the Pinnacles Scholar Program. This course is for students who are serious about making a career in outdoor leadership and wilderness education. GirlVentures is proud of Anna and excited that we were able to help her achieve this through a GirlVentures nominated Pinnacles Scholarship. Anna is currently attending University of California at Davis.
• Iris Guyut-Nagel participated on an Outward Bound course during the summer of 2007. Iris is currently a high school student.
• Marissa Baker-Wagner, a Project Courage and Self Defense alumnae who has also been an Assistant Instructor and a member of our Girls Advisory Board, completed a 29-day NOLS courses in the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Marissa currently attends Hampshire College, where she continues to pursue outdoor adventures in white water kayaking, rock climbing, and more.
  

If you are an alumnae, we would love to hear from you! Please feel free to share your story with Julia.

Calling All Alumnae Girls!

We are currently seeking an Outreach and Admissions Intern. This is a paid position. Please see below for more information.

Do you want to spend more time outdoors and with other cool GirlVentures alumnae? If so, we would love your help at the Hike for GirlVentures on Sunday, April 27! Please email Julia if you are interested.

Above Photo: Project Courage Participant, 2007; Girls Advisory Board members at the Minerva Conference, 2007

Volunteer Opportunities
We are incredibly grateful to the ongoing support of so many wonderful volunteers. In particular, we would like to thank Evonne Silva for her extensive contributions. This past fall, Evonne helped to make the Empower Girl Power Breakfast Fundraiser our most successful yet as a member of the Steering Committee. Additionally, she participated as a mentor for Girlz Climb On. We were pleasantly surprised when Evonne stepped up to join the ArtVentures Steering Committee as well. We are so impressed by Evonne's amazing attitude, enthusiasm, and ability to get things done!

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make ArtVentures a success: Maria Catoline, Carolyn Fox, Jessie Hawkes, Rakhee Jain, Dennis Kiley, Corby Leath, Ali Levie, Andrew Levitt, Elinor Levy, Zuleika Lewis, Michelle Lovejoy, Bonnie Luftig, Rachelle Martins, Molly Nardone, Amelia Nemzer, Caron Obstfeld, Beatriz Rivera, Evonne Silva, Kelly Starrett, Lindsay Steinmetz, Dave Sungarian, Maya Tussing, and Asia Yeary. We truly could not have done it without you.

On to winter opportunities...

Come spend the day on beautiful Mt. Tam and help out with the Hike for GirlVentures on Sunday, April 27, 2008. Volunteer shifts are from 7:30am- 10:30am; 10:30am-1:30pm; and 1:30noon-4:30pm. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to your shift.

Mentor a girl and make a difference through our Girlz Climb On rock climbing program. We are currently recruiting mentors for the Belmont program at Belmont Planet Granite on Thursday evenings, February 14 - April 17, 2008. Learn more online!

Interested in learning more about our Board of Directors? Please join GirlVentures at The Volunteer Center's Board Match. The Board Match is a great opportunity to learn about how you can become more invoved with your community and help lend your skills to organizations such as GirlVentures. Wednesday, January 23 from 4:30pm - 7:30pm at the Metreon, City View, Fourth Floor in San Francisco. This event is free.

We are seeking volunteer translators who are fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese to aid us with print admissions and marketing materials.

We are also seeking an Events and Fundraising intern. Please see below for more details.

Do you have one or more of the following skills? If so, GirlVentures would love your help!

• Website management with proficiency in Dreamweaver and Fireworks
• Graphic design with proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (In Design, Photoshop, and Illustrator)
• Experience with Salesforce

For all volunteer opportunities, please contact Julia Febiger at julia@girlventures.org or 415.864.0780 ext. 305.

Above Photo: Evonne Silva, superstar volunteer and mentor

Internship Opportunities
Outreach and Admissions Internship

GirlVentures seeks an alumnae Intern to support the Director of Outreach and Admissions by assisting with outreach, recruiting, and admissions efforts for GirlVentures' school-year and summer programs. This is a paid (hourly), part-time position (8-10 hrs/week), ideal for a GirlVentures alumna looking to gain valuable work experience with a community-based organization serving diverse groups of adolescent girls. Apply today. Position begins February 1 and is open for GirlVentures alumnae only. Read more about this job opportunity online.

Events and Fundraising Internship

GirlVentures seeks a motivated Event and Fundraising Intern to support the Marketing and Administration Manager in two key areas development: event planning and fundraising support. This is an unpaid and part-time position (16 - 20 hours per week), ideal for someone looking to gain valuable nonprofit, event management and fundraising experience with a community-based organization serving diverse groups of adolescent girls. Apply today. Position begins February 1 and is open to the general public. Read more about this job opportunity online.

Thank You for Supporting GirlVentures
We are grateful for your interest in our organization and invite you to continue to stay involved. To learn more, please join us for an Information Session, Volunteer your time, Donate Now, or make a contribution to our Wish List.

To learn more about how you can get more involved with the important work we are doing through the Grow On Grow Strong Campaign, please contact Kristina Hentschel, Executive Director, at kristina@girlventures.org or 415.864.0780 ext. 306.

Warm Regards,

GirlVentures

Empowering adolescent girls to develop and express their strengths since 1997