When the YWCA first sought funds for a program targeted specifically for girls there was practically no funding to be found. “I began working for the YWCA in 2000,” said director of fund development Leila Fuller. “They wanted to return
When the YWCA first sought funds for a program targeted specifically for girls there was practically no funding to be found.
“I began working for the YWCA in 2000,” said director of fund development Leila Fuller. “They wanted to return to providing programs for youth because we didn’t have anything special for girls.”
Girlz Zone is a YWCA program that encourages relationships between girls and their mothers or mentors. The program targets girls ages 9 to 15.
“It’s an awkward time — our parents are giving us the most responsibility, we’re pulling away — and it’s the time we need the most love,” Fuller said.
Fuller spent the year developing the program and then trying to convince potential donors that an all-girls camp was worthy of their support.
“No one would do it,” she said.
The shortage of funding didn’t stop her.
“At first we started with just the after-school component of the program,” she said.
The point behind the program is to help girls develop self-awareness and confidence. But not only that — to stay in touch with their parents as well.
There are three components to the Girls Zone program: Girlz Live, an eight-week after-school program; Girlz Unplugged, a one-day workshop for girls and their mothers or some other inspiring role model; and Girlz Dayz, the five-day retreat at Camp Slogget filled with outdoor activities, art projects and team building. Girlz Dayz happens four times a year at Camp Sloggett.
“It’s so girls can feel good about who they are,” said Fuller.
The program’s luck changed with the advent of the Kaua‘i Community Drug Response Plan. “Everything we’d incorporated into the program was part of what that plan was. It validated the course our program was taking and made it easier to get funding.”
Another important aspect of the program is the peer-led intervention where girls ages 16 to 18 assist at the camp.
“We listen to our friends and people our age whom we admire,” said Fuller.
This spring, Girlz Dayz will fall during spring break from March 17 to March 21.
“We’ve had girls who bring the registration form home and when their mother asks, ‘What is Girlz Dayz,’ they answer excitedly, ‘I don’t know but it’s just for girls.’”
Since 2004 the program has been coordinating the event at Camp Sloggett. “We receive funding through a few substance prevention programs,” said Fuller.
YWCA youth services coordinator Amanda Smith will facilitate this spring’s camp. “Our theme is health,” she said. “We’re looking for volunteers to come help coach volleyball, soccer and football for the girls. We have a tai chi teacher coming so far.”
Smith said this is her first time leading the event but she’s excited. “I love my job — I just goof off with kids all day.”
She also runs “Girlz Live” which offers two-and-a-half hours of crafts and activities. “It’s an after-school program where we try to create a space where girls can feel safe and creative. My focus is on healthy relationships.”
Camp Sloggett is located in Koke‘e State Park. “I hope to get volunteers too who can lead hikes,” she said.
The educational component of the week includes presentations by the American Lung Cancer Association, as well as coordinators on preventative health from the YWCA. Other health-related organizations are encouraged to consider volunteering.
“There are a lot of different ways the community can get involved,” said Smith. “Volunteer or give a scholarship to a family that can’t afford the cost.”
Girlz Dayz costs $200 per person and includes transportation to and from camp, all meals, lodging, activities and a YWCA Girlz Dayz T-shirt.
A scholarship of $200 will cover all the expenses for one girl to attend. To supply a scholarship, volunteer or if you know a girl who would like to attend, call 245-5959.
