Girls Take Charge taught me how much I have to give. I didn't know I could have so much fun and learn so much at the same time, especially about myself! I had a blast!
- GTC Participant
Overview Middle School Program
The Girls Take Charge curriculum has been carefully designed over the past decade and is based on the following:
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Over 15 years of experience and research (over 8,000 girls have gone through GTC since it began in 2007).
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Highly experiential and self/peer reflective so girls can learn by doing.
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Fun, laughter, and positivity! Its summer and it should feel that way.
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Learning outcomes are developed for each track based on research and knowledge of girls' social and behavioral development at certain ages.
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All GTC tracks include programming that foster the three GTC pillars of empowerment and leadership. These are:
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Sense of Self
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Sense of Team
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Sense of community
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Be Empowered
Self Aware Stage
At GTC, we understand that these years can be known as the rise of the "storm and stress" years. We, however, embrace this new-found sense of self and independence by helping girls understand their impact on friends, family, schools, and their community. We understand that the following things are happening in the lives of girls at this age:
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Desire to develop strong friendships groups.
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Self-confidence can be highly fragile.
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Brains are growing and through this amazing growth they are experiencing more complex thoughts.
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It is a highly emotional period so we look to embrace that passion and enthusiasm.
What She Will Do at GTC
Growing a strong sense of self
A strong emphasis is placed on the GTC pillar of "sense of self" in this age program. Girls will participate in meaningful and powerful activities that will uncover her strengths, build confidence, and continue to help her become a strong self-advocate!
During the week, she will...
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Participate in many self-reflection and positive skill assessment sessions.
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Learn from positive and enthusiastic “older sisters” college mentors on how to stand strong in who they are.
Make Things Happen
Girls will practice skills in fun, engaging team building activities to continue to develop “her voice.” These activities will:
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Identify and embrace personality traits to use for personal goals and leadership development.
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Gain an understanding of ways to lead themselves and others.
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Practice mindfulness and stress strategies that can work “magic” in having a positive life.
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Participate on a project team to serve as a mentor to younger girls.
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Learn strategies to use daily for growing self-confidence.
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Create lasting friendships during this special and meaningful week.
Inspiring and Energizing
"My daughter loved it!
She made new friends. This is a great opportunity for young women to learn to be more confident in themselves. The week made a positive impact on her."
- Girls Take Charge Parent
"Girls Take Charge taught me to believe and be confident in myself! I learned a lot about leadership and how to make a difference. Thank You!"
"Incredible camp experience! My daughter was motivated by the activities, had fun, and made new friends! Thank you for a great start to her summer!"
- Girls Take Charge Participant
- Girls Take Charge Parent
an awesome GTC DAY
A day at GTC is a busy, energizing, and fun-filled day. Almost every hour students can expect to move to a new activity. Days are spent in a mix of large group and small group activities and includes teamwork sessions, self-reflection sessions, and project time. Below is a sample of what a GTC day can entail.
The Makings of a Great GTC Day
9:00am - 10:00am
Our mornings start off with a welcoming energizer activity so girls can get to know each other!
Teamwork Triumphs
10:00am - 11:30am
Girls rotate through engaging sessions with their facilitators building their teamwork skills. These are hands on and fun!
Awareness is Awesome
11:30am - 12:30pm
We reserve some quiet time each day so girls can spend sometime getting to know a really awesome person...themselves. We lead them through activities that highlights their strengths.
Fun and Friendships
12:30pm - 1:00pm
Girls will have a chance to connect up over lunch (each girl brings their own) so they can grow current and build new friendships.
Problem Solved!
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Through hands on activities, girls utilize team problem solving skills to create solutions to challenges anywhere from STEM challenges to friendship challenges girls may encounter.
Positive Power Hour
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Girls work in small teams (don't worry, we gather the groups so no one has to worry about finding one!) to create a meaningful project designed to help all girls discover and value their strengths. We will be excited to share with you their creative works!