Girls United

We're building a world where every girl has a place to play, grow, and belong.

We're building a world where every girl has a place to play, grow, and belong.

A community built for every girl

Girls United is a fun, positive sports community where girls can build confidence, develop skills, and simply enjoy playing the game. We create a space where every girl feels supported and excited to show up — whether it's her first time trying a sport or she's been playing for years.

All the play. None of the pressure.
Group of children sitting at a long outdoor wooden table, smiling and giving thumbs up, with kids' art supplies and water bottles, in a forested outdoor setting.

Sports should be fun, empowering, and accessible to everyone

We're not focused on pressure, rankings, or perfection. We believe growth happens best when girls feel safe, supported, and seen.

  • Confidence is built through encouragement, repetition, and the freedom to try, fail, and try again

  • Community and teamwork matter

  • Every girl deserves a place to play

We're here to help girls build friendships, develop confidence, and fall in love with playing.

Our Programs

  • Group of young girls smiling outdoors, wearing colorful T-shirts, some with face paint, and shower caps decorated with cotton balls, at a sunny event.

    Summer Day Camps

    High-energy days packed with sports, games, creative activities, and connection. From capture the flag and water day to tie-dye, STEM fort building, and a Friday talent show — there's something for every girl. Voted Best Summer Camp in Petaluma, our day camps run in June for girls entering Kindergarten through 6th grade.

  • Two young girls dance and hold hands on a wooden deck with an audience of children in green and blue shirts seated behind them.

    Overnight Camp

    A classic sleepaway experience in the Sierra Mountains in Alta, California, where girls entering Grades 3–8 spend five days building independence, friendship, and unforgettable memories — luxury bus transportation included.

  • Two young girls playing flag football on a grassy field, one girl is running with a football while the other girl tries to grab her flag.

    Year-Round Sports Leagues

    We offer volleyball, flag football, basketball, and soccer through 6-week rec leagues for Grades 3–8. Each two-hour session is split between one hour of skills and drills and one hour of gameplay, with cooperative activities mixed in throughout.

  • Two young girls, one with blonde hair wearing a colorful swimsuit and one with dark hair wearing a white t-shirt, smiling happily outdoors on a grassy field under a clear blue sky.

    CIT Program — Junior Leadership

    A free, application-based opportunity for girls entering 8th or 9th grade. CITs take on real leadership roles during Day Camp, mentored by a Lead Counselor as they lead activities, build teamwork skills, and help younger campers feel confident and supported.

Register Now

Meet the Staff

  • Close-up of a smiling woman and man taking a selfie outdoors, with a yellow house and overcast sky in the background. The woman has long blonde hair and is making a peace sign. The man is wearing a blue knit beanie and a dark jacket.

    Rachel Wiebe

    Camp Owner / Director

    Hi, I'm Rachel! I'm an educator, coach, and passionate advocate for helping girls build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. For over a decade, I've worked with elementary and middle school students as a teacher, STEM coordinator, coach, and mentor — creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to be themselves.

    Those same values are at the heart of Girls United. I'm grateful to help lead a community where girls make lasting friendships and discover their strengths. When I'm not at camp, you'll find me with my husband and 3 daughters, exploring Petaluma, cheering from the sidelines, or planning our next family adventure. I can't wait to make unforgettable memories with your girls this summer!

  • Zak Kowal

    Camp Owner / Director

    Hi, I'm Zak! I'm a longtime educator, coach, and community builder who believes some of life's best lessons happen through play and sports. Over the past 13 years, I've worked as a PE teacher, Athletic Director, coach, and school administrator, creating positive experiences for thousands of kids and families.

    Off the field, you'll find me with my family, exploring Petaluma, playing golf, or DJing. I'm honored to be part of Girls United and excited to carry on the traditions families love — while making plenty of new memories along the way.

  • Young woman leaning against a brick wall outdoors, smiling at the camera.

    Ele Burnett

    Assistant Director

    Hi, I’m Ele! I've been with Girls United since 2018. I'm so excited to be returning to overnight camp this year as a lead staff member!

    I grew up in Petaluma and now live in Oregon, where I work as a nurse. When I'm not working, you can usually find me reading, spending time outside, or hanging out with friends and family.

    Girls United has been a huge part of my life over the years, and I'm grateful for all the memories, friendships, and experiences it's given me. I can't wait to meet everyone and make more great memories this summer. Counting down the days until camp!

  • Smiling young woman wearing a green lei and dark gray shirt outdoors in a wooded area.

    Angie Artigiani

    Assistant Director

    Hi, I'm Angie! I've been with Girls United since 2018, and I can't wait to come to overnight camp as a lead staff member this year! I've lived in Petaluma all my life and just graduated from Sonoma State with a degree in Psychology, hoping to become a School Psychologist. Some things I love are going to the movies and concerts and hanging out with my friends and family. Girls United is something I look forward to every year, and I'm so appreciative of everything this program has done for me. Can't wait to see you this summer!

  • Leah Vanevenhoven

    Lead Staff

    Hi, I'm Leah! I teach 6th-grade math at Live Oak School in San Francisco, and my teaching has taken me across the U.S. and abroad, including work with students in China and Colombia.

    I'm a former Division I softball player who now channels my competitive spirit into mountain biking and trail running. In slower moments, I enjoy yoga, a good book, and walks along the California coast, where I live.

    What I love most is helping young people discover what they're capable of — and I can't wait to do that with campers this summer.

  • Alex Beauvais

    Facilities Coordinator

    Hi, I'm Alex! I'm a lifelong adventurer who loves a good physical challenge. A competitive swimmer turned ultrarunner, I recently moved from Massachusetts to Redwood City and spend my free time on Bay Area trails. I'm also Zak's nephew and am excited to be part of the Girls United community this summer. I'm into juggling, hacky sack, and kendama—and always up for teaching someone a new trick.

    I've spent ten summers working with youth as a camp counselor, swim instructor, and lifeguard, and I can't wait to help make this summer active, supportive, and memorable for every camper.

  • A smiling couple taking a selfie outdoors with a blue sky and some white clouds in the background.

    Stacey and Joe Vogel

    Founders / Camp Consultants

Our Mission

To create a positive and inclusive environment where girls can grow through sports — physically, socially, and emotionally.

We're Girls United. And we're here for all of it.