Just for Girls is a program for grade 7 girls. It was designed to help girls safely navigate the rocky road through adolescence while maintaining their dignity and self-esteem.
The program was originally developed to prevent eating disorders and to discuss body-image issues but it has become much more than that.
Just for Girls provides an opportunity for girls to talk about issues that may influence their self confidence and helps them develop skills to combat negative experiences resulting from peer pressure and conflicts with friends.
Format of the Program
Grade 7 girls are given a short presentation about the program and then given an opportunity to join. A maximum of fifteen girls can participate in the group.
The groups are offered during lunch hour or after school in Abbotsford schools. Just for Girls is a ten week program offered in either a fall or winter season.
Parental/guardian permission is required. The girls are reassured of confidentiality unless abuse or harm to self or others is disclosed or suspected.
Facilitators begin by sharing a little of who they are and describe the purpose of the group. They also develop a list of shared expectations.
Each group generates their own set of issues to discuss. Common issues include:
- friends
- rejection by peers
- body image
- communication
- feelings
- boys
- peer pressure
- families
- media
How it Works
Interactive and affirming games are played to encourage a positive feeling of self worth.
Role plays and experiential exercises are used to identify ways to cope with experiences. Feelings and experiences are validated. Group discussion, journalling and art projects are used to help girls work through their issues and develop a positive sense of themselves and their abilities.
Group Leaders
Just for Girls is facilitated by trained University practicum students from the Child and Youth Care program and the Nursing program at UFV. They work under the supervision of the Just for Girls Coordinator and the Supervisor of Recreation of the Abbotsford Youth Commission.
Fall 2013- Tentative List of Schools
Ross Elementary Abby Traditional Middle School
Bradner Elementary Colleen&Gordie Howe Middle School
ASIA Sumas Middle School Eugene Reimer Middle School
W.A. Fraser Middle School Clayburn Middle School
Abbotsford Middle School Chief Dan George Middle School
Upper Sumas Elementary
How to Join
The registration form for Just for Girls can be downloaded here: Permission Form Fall 2013
For more information or to register, contact:
Phone: 604.854.8785
Fax: 604.854.8092
Email: info@abbyyouth.com
Come by our office or mail your registration form to:
Abbotsford Youth Commission
32315 South Fraser Way
V2T 1W7
