We believe . . .

• Girls are strong and capable. They can successfully overcome difficulty, actively engage challenging goals, and achieve life success.



• Girls face a different set of challenges than boys do and gain the greatest benefits from learning strategies that recognize gender differences.



• Challenge provides girls with opportunities to learn and grow. Some of life's most important lessons are learned while facing challenging and difficult circumstances.



• Girls grow in the context of authentic, caring, and safe relationships. These relationships are characterized by respect, warmth, and expectations worthy of young women with promising futures.



• Nature provides a therapeutic environment in which girls can step away from the pressures of adolescence and just be themselves. This slower, less "plugged in" environment gives girls time to think, reflect, and discover who they really are and what they really want.



• Youth professionals deserve to be well respected, supported, and rewarded. Creating conditions in which team members can consistently bring their personal best to our mission is critical to the success of our programs.



• Research and evaluation contribute directly and meaningfully to each girl having the best possible outcome. Grounding programs in theory and research and routinely evaluating each Project Challenge program dramatically improves our ability to make a difference in girls' lives.