Girl Power camps being offered this summer

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By Tina Comeau

THE VANGUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

The Tri-County Women’s Centre is gearing up to offer another summer of Girl Power camps in the area.

The camps, for girls aged 9-12, are a place where girls are inspired to feel empowered to be themselves and become their own BFF – best friend forever.

During the camps this is accomplished through daily circle talks – where the girls participate in discussions on issues such as body image, women in the media and healthy relationships. But the camps are also about games, crafts and friendships.

Activities planned include visits by a local musician who will perform and talk about musical expression and a dietician who will talk about healthy eating. The camps also tap into the resources of Public Health and Addiction Services. As well, camp participants will go golfing, dragon boating and there is even a session planned on belly dancing.

“It really does help develop self esteem and empowerment,” program facilitator Laura Curtis says about the camps. “They just get to do so many things, a variety of activities and different kinds of guests come in. They get to see a whole bunch of different stuff, it’s a learning experience.”

Fifteen-year-old Carina Mazier certainly can attest to this. Having participated twice in the camps when she was 11 and 12, she enjoyed the experience so much she’s now back as a camp leader.

“They’re really fun,” she says.

Four week-long camps are being offered this summer, two of which will be in Clare, which is something new this year. Those camps, taking place at the Meteghan Lion’s Club the weeks of July 7-11 and Aug. 11-14, will be offered in French.

The camps in Yarmouth County will be held July 14-18 at the St. Ambrose Parish Hall and July 28-Aug. 1 at the Port Maitland Fire Hall. Drop-off time for all camps is between 8:30-9 a.m. daily, with pick-up time between 4-5 p.m.

The cost of the camps is $20.

Anyone interested in registering for the camps can contact the Tri-County Women’s Centre at 742-0085 or by email at girlpower@tricountywomenscentre.org.