Every young girl needs to know that they have strength, worth and purpose! ShineGIRLis a personal development program with an inspirational, practical and experiential approach to learning. It uses a strengths based approach to reach teenage girls in grades 5 to 12. Our current focus is on Middle School girls. The aim of ShineGIRL is for each girl to realize the potential within her to fulfill her desires.
ShineGIRL partners with local schools, clubs, and organizations across all Wave Church Campuses. We would love to get you connected to serve our community!
Program Structure:
- Session Format: One-hour sessions held once a week, during, before, or after school.
- Facilitation: Led by one main facilitator and 2-3 co-facilitators with support from a school staff member, such as a guidance counselor or teacher.
- Group Size: Up to 15 participants per group.
- Program Length: Seven sessions, concluding with a graduation celebration.
Foundational Concepts:
- I Have Worth:
Girls explore their intrinsic value, learning to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace the fact that they are wonderfully made. Activities and discussions emphasize self-acceptance and body positivity. - I Have Strength:
This segment focuses on the power of choice, decision-making, and emotional resilience. Participants learn practical skills for managing feelings, solving problems, and making positive life choices. - I Have Purpose:
Girls are encouraged to dream big, set goals, and explore their personal hopes and future aspirations. Purpose-driven activities help build confidence and equip them to live adventurous, meaningful lives.
Interactive Components:
- Creative Projects: Activities like designing personalized name tags, creating acrostic poems, and crafting friendship bracelets reinforce session themes and allow for personal expression.
- Games and Role-Playing: Engaging icebreakers and scenario-based games help participants build connections and practice new skills in a fun, supportive environment.
- Reflection and Discussion: Guided discussions foster a safe space for girls to share experiences, reflect on lessons, and support one another in their personal growth journeys.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Self-Esteem & Confidence: Participants recognize their worth and learn to value themselves and others.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions is emphasized, alongside techniques like Stop, Think, Choose for thoughtful decision-making.
- Resilience: Girls develop the strength to overcome setbacks and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Healthy Relationships: Skills for building respectful, supportive friendships and handling peer pressure are explored in depth.
- Leadership & Goal Setting: Participants are encouraged to set goals, pursue their passions, and envision their futures with optimism and determination.
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Our Volunteers Make Everything Happen
ShineGIRL is marked by the excellence, consistency, and passion of our amazing ShineGIRL Volunteers. We could not do all of what we do without them!
Facilitators and co-facilitators guide the sessions, sharing personal stories, leading activities, and fostering a positive, supportive environment. They play a crucial role in mentoring participants and modeling the values of confidence, resilience, and leadership.
ShineGIRL creates a transformative space where young women can thrive, connect, and shine as they grow into confident, purpose-driven individuals. Our girls look up to them as strong role models and look forward to seeing them every week. Would you like to be a volunteer, or lead a group at your school, club, or organization? We would love to meet with you! Please fill out the form linked below.
Recent quotes from girls in the program:
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“You taught me that I am priceless. You guys have taught me that life is important and that I need to love myself and say nice things to myself in the morning.”
— 7th Grader
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“I’ve learned that people need me.”
— 8th Grader
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“I’ve learned that I should be confident in myself.”
— 7th Grader