Go Girls!

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Of course, we all remember the struggles of puberty, but teens today live in a world that may be the most challenging we have ever experienced.  Teens are constantly inundated with images and storylines that reinforce that “they are not good enough”.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Okanagan offers Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds a group mentoring program designed to address the physical activity, balanced eating and positive self-image needs of young girls, age 10 – 12. 

This program has run successfully in Vernon and is part of a larger program introduced by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.  The program will run in 2010 at the KVR Middle School, the Skaha Middle School, and the Queens Park Elementary School.  Each program includes 8 mentoring sessions over an 8 week period.

Lisa Hobson, Executive Director, says, “The life decisions made by someone who has a positive body image, a high level of self-esteem, who is properly nourished and is physically active, can be dramatically different from those made by someone who is not.”

“We have seen that girls who complete this program go on to share what they have learned with those around them.  By having improved their communication and relationship development skills they have the ability to positively affect their community at large…”

The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan is very pleased to support this wonderful program for 2010.  We wish Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Okanagan, and particularly the girls who participate in this program, the best of success!