GDS Mission:
To empower youth to make unprecedented life transformations by providing them with the inspiration and means to discover and sustain purpose, pride and hope - in themselves, their families and in the community.

GDS Programs:
Camp Excel and The Excel Program -- have been extremely successful since their inception. GDS owes much of that success to the innovative and comprehensive manner by which we have been able to reach teens at risk.

All GDS programs include both recreational and therapeutic aspects that are designed to increase self-motivation and encourage each teen to continually rediscover and reach their potential.

In short, the year-long program begins with Camp Excel. At Camp Excel, each teen works toward a personalized goal through the help and guidance of experienced staff and well-trained volunteers, as well as through the positive impact of peers. After Camp Excel, as part of the year-long Excel Program, each teen and their family is followed by GDS staff to foster continual work on their goals. This includes monthly phone contacts, home-visits, crisis intervention, bimonthly reunions, an after-school program and a mentoring program.