Millie lives in Watertown and found the Girls Inc. Adventure Camp last spring when she was Googling to find something to "fill her summer." So her mom, Lisa, drove her to Madison – nearly an hour each way – every day. And both of them thought was totally worth it. Millie said, "This is one of the best experiences I've had in my entire life. It's really opened me up to different people. I'm African American. I have no one else in my town my shade. It opened up my horizons of ethnicity."

In Millie's Words:

Girls Inc. makes me STRONG

"I learned lots of leadership skills. One day, we were all blindfolded and asked to find our way out of a maze – the idea was pretty cool. Me and my friend Charlie (they/them), were together, and we walked into a tree and raised our hands right away. We learned that was smart because leaders need to know how to ask for help. It takes strength to ask for help."

Girls Inc. makes me SMART

"I wasn't the type of person who is into the outdoor stuff, but we went to a cool ropes course with both high and low ropes. It was awesome. They taught us how to use teamwork to keep each other safe.

"We went to the beach and they taught us step-by-step how to use the little stoves. We had pancakes on the beach! That was awesome, too.

"When I started, I wasn't excited because I thought it's boring (being outside) ... but I learned so much, and now I think it's fun. Next summer, I'm going backpacking!"

Girls Inc. makes me BOLD

"I was excited to do stuff with new people, but it wasn't easy because I struggle with anxiety. But (Girls Inc. Manager) Jade and the girls, from the first day, they were so welcoming. I definitely came out of my shell and I made lasting friendships. A lot of the girls were not good at teamwork or were shy and reserved. One girl was super-duper shy, but in the end we were all friends."