FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Girls Actively Participating! kicks off its 9th year
Contact: Amy Manhart , Executive Director, Girls Actively Participating!

On Monday, September 25, participants and supporters of Girls
ActivelyParticipating! (GAP!) kicked off their ninth year of programming
withan ice cream social at Jackson Hole Middle School . "We wanted
thegirls who participate in our programs†to meet the donors and
Boardmembers who are supporting them. We also wanted the donors to see
theexcitement and enthusiasm on the faces their contributions
support,"said Amy Manhart , the program's founder.

Girls ActivelyParticipating! recently received a $7,000 grant from the
WyomingDepartment of Education to support their†programs
that†keepadolescent†girls drug and alcohol free. Grants and donations keep
theprogram free of charge for all participants. "We want all girls to
beable to join our GAP! community. By keeping the program free, it
isaccessible to everyone," said Board President Melissa Turley .
†
The mission of GirlsActively Participating! is to increase the self-esteem
of adolescentgirls through active participation in the outdoors and in
life.Meetings focus on Building Community, Giving to Others, Taking Care
ofOurselves, and Expressing our Voices. Programs are offered throughoutthe
school year on Tuesdays for sixth graders and Wednesdays forseventh and
eighth graders from 3- 5 PM. In the past eight years, over350 middle
school girls have participated in at least one GAP!activity.
†
For more information about GAP! please visit http://gapjh.org or contact Amy Manhart , Executive Director, at 734-8528.