Girls Take Charge
Siena College
Latham, NY
9am to 3pm
July 30th - August 3rd
-Rising 7th/8th/9th Grade Girls as of summer 2018
(currently 6th,7th,8th graders
Welcome to the Capital District Girls Take Charge
Please review the information below to learn more about what to expect during the week! We are looking forward to a great one! We are thankful to Siena College and the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women for their sponsorship of the programming space and their support in the development of our next generation of women leaders.
Remember, each year we change about 75% curriculum so our returners can enjoy new activities as well as see how they have grown in some of the program's favorite activities. Each week is the same program. Content does not vary each week.
GTC Program Overview
What is Girls Take Charge?
Girls Take Charge is a life and leadership program for middle school and high school girls. The program is highly interactive and provides an opportunity for girls to fully express their thoughts and experiences!
The Girls Take Charge curriculum has been carefully designed after years of research, surveys, and facilitation to ensure it maximizes all opportunities to teach girls key life and leadership skills that matter in real life. All girls will benefit from the specially designed set of workshops provided by GTC.
What will the week be like?
The award-winning curriculum has been carefully designed by the team members of Learning to Lead a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The curriculum is specialized based on the girls' school level so they learn age-appropriate skills while being surrounded by girls of a similar age. Most importantly, the program is designed to be fun and interactive!
Review the PROGRAM tab for exciting insights about the week and for an example of a daily schedule.
What are some of the skills that you focus on during the week?
It is important for any future leader to first understand and realize who they are. We do several activities focused on developing strong and positive characteristics, skills, and interests. Some of the lessons used include:
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Self-Awareness
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Leadership 101
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Self Esteem/Body Image
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Strategies to Not Focus on Mean Girls
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Growing Positive Relationships
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Service Leadership
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Effective Communication
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Decision Making
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Problem Solving
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Teamwork
Who Attends Girls Take Charge?
The Capital District GTC is open to girls currently in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, rising 7th/8th/9th graders. Most of these girls are excited about their futures and look forward to spending time with fellow value-based girls, but we also have activities that help girls who are more shy to learn about themselves, to participate, and to be leaders as well.
Who are the staff members for the program?
Highly experienced educators serve as facilitators and program leaders for the week. In addition, local area women leaders serve as guest speakers and session leaders. College-aged women serve as junior facilitators so girls can learn from young women who have recently walked where they are walking. All GTC team members have all levels of child safety clearances. The GTC team has a passion for helping girls realize their full potential and can't wait to interact with your daughter.
meet
Dorcey Applyrs
Regional Program Manager,
Capital District, NY
Dorcey Applyrs is a women and girls empowerment enthusiast! Dorcey joined the Girls Take Charge team in 2018 because of her strong commitment to advancing the lives of women and girls. Girls Take Charge Lead attracted Dorcey because of its mission and unique approach to providing safe spaces for girls to start their empowerment journey.
Dorcey is also the Founder & CEO of InVision Her and an Albany Common Councilwoman representing the First Ward in the City of Albany. She has built a personal and professional life in the Capital City devoted to improving the quality of life of others. Dorcey is a thought leader with a passion for women and girls’ empowerment, mentoring and coaching. Dorcey has expertise in public health, and received both her Doctorate and Masters in Public health at the University at Albany. Dorcey has been acknowledged for her strong leadership and commitment to advocating for others. She was named 40 Under 40 by the Albany Business Review, Young Alumni of Excellence by UAlbany and 2017 Women and Girls Ambassador by Girls Inc. of the Capital Region. Dr. Applyrs has been featured on the cover of HerLife New York Magazine and honored by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand with the 2017 Off the Sidelines Equality Advocate Award.
Dorcey enjoys nice quiet evenings at home on her couch with her favorite blankets. She also enjoys traveling domestically and abroad. Dorcey resides in Albany with her loving and supportive husband and best friend, Don-Lee Applyrs.
Registration, Tuition, Waitlist
Registration is now open! The program usually sells out by early Spring, so sign-ups are recommended to be completed early. Any girls who end up on the waitlist are provided the chance to enter the program the following summer prior to public registration.
What is the tuition?
Early tuition special for the Siena College GTC Program is $325 through 4/20, and $350 after 4/20. The program runs from 9am to 3pm. Participants are asked to bring their own snacks.
Are there refunds for the program?
REFUND POLICY: FULL Refunds will be provided until April 30th, then from May 1st until May 15th a full refund may be provided if there is a waitlist and someone to take the registration spot. NO REFUNDS are provided after May 15th, including during the camp.
Schedule, Location
Can my daughter be with a friend?
Of course! We want your daughter to have a great experience, including strengthening current friendships and gaining new ones. Friends can be together in most activities and dine together at lunch. Please note on the registration form if friends would like to be at the same or close by each other’s table.
The Girls Take Charge leadership program takes place in the Norm Room which is in the Lonnstrom Dining Hall Building.which is #25 on the campus map which can be viewed by visiting here. Parents can park in Lot W and follow the map to the Dining Hall Building.
Is Transportation provided?
Transportation is not provided.
What are daily check-in times/locations/parking?
Check-in time for the program is 9:00am. Check out time is at 3pm.
What to Bring
What should my daughter bring each day?
The attire for the week is comfortable and casual. Past participants have worn shorts, t-shirts, etc. Girls should also bring a refillable water bottle and morning snack. We do try to get outside in the mornings for about 60 - 90 minutes (weather permitting including heat as well as outside space availability). We suggesst you bring suntan lotion for this time.
Phones and other technology?
Technology from participants are “bring at your own risk.” We ask that during the sessions cell phones are put away. Participants are welcome to check in at home or with friends during lunch or breaks. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen technology or personal items.
Lunch or snacks?
Please pack a hearty morning snack as our lunch time is later in the day. Lunch is usually not until 1pm each day. Lunch is provided in the dining hall.
Safety, Health and Wellness
What should I do if my daughter has food allergies or special dietary needs?
While students are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, if a participant has any dietary restrictions, please contact Dorcey Applyrs at dapplyrs@learningtolead.org to discuss further details or special accommodations.
What should I do if my daughter needs to take medication during the day?
Some participants will need to bring medication. We ask that you note the need to bring medication on the application form along with how you would like the medication administered and stored. We do not have a nurse on staff.
What is your illness policy?
If a child becomes ill during the camp, the parent will be notified to pick up their child. We ask that parents pick up their child within an hour of when they are notified.