7.11.2005 ET

(CSRwire) ATLANTA - July 11, 2005 - From July 11-22, more than 1,000 Boys & Girls Club members will take part in Camp Old Navy, a job-shadow program hosted by more than 200 Old Navy stores across the U.S. and Canada. Club teens will learn about careers in apparel retail through a behind-the-scenes look at how Old Navy operates and experience hands-on training in retail management, sales and merchandising.

In its fifth year, the program is designed to help 13-18 year olds explore the diverse opportunities of a retail career. Camp Old Navy gives teens the opportunity to work side-by-side with store employees and managers to gain valuable, hands-on-experience in a retail environment. Since the programs' inception, more than 2,500 Boys & Girls Club members have participated in this program.

"We are excited to team up with Camp Old Navy to give Club teens the opportunity to explore retail careers and gain valuable on-the-job experience," said Roxanne Spillett, president, Boys & Girls Club of America. "Regardless of where their career paths take them, this experience will help our Club members gain a better understanding of crucial job skills such as customer service, punctuality and team work."

Camp Old Navy is an outgrowth of the CareerLaunch program, a career-oriented initiative created in partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Gap Foundation. Through a multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment from Gap Foundation, CareerLaunch provides a web-based career exploration program for teens. The program is designed to help youth assess their skills and interests, then figure out what careers best build upon these strengths. CareerLaunch also includes a component that allows teens to explore the education and training that are required for a particular career, and encourages interaction between teens - especially those from disadvantaged circumstances - and concerned adults who serve as "career coaches" to provide real-life role models for youth.

"Camp Old Navy gives our employees the opportunity to teach teens applicable, real-world job skills that will help them succeed in the workplace," said Steve Barton, Director, Gap Foundation. "We're pleased to offer this fun in-store program that gives our employees the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with Club teens, helping them develop important job skills and learn about potential career opportunities."

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of some 3,700 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.4 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

About Gap Foundation
Since 1976, Gap Foundation - the charitable arm of Gap Inc. representing Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy - has spearheaded the company's community involvement efforts through grants, in-kind donations, community outreach and employee volunteer programs. The Foundation primarily supports organizations focused on children, youth and families.

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