News

SIMCOE, OCTOBER 1, 2012 – Grade 8 girls across Haldimand and Norfolk Counties are being invited to G.I.R.L.S. Power Camp at Camp Trillium in Waterford from November 30 to December 2.

The unique camp, which includes three days and one overnight stay, focuses on Growth, Independence, Respect, Leadership and Self-Esteem (G.I.R.L.S.), along with other important issues to help prepare the young women for their transition to high school.

Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services and Haldimand-Norfolk REACH, together with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, have been running the program annually since 2000. The popular camp has always filled up its available spaces, due in part to the local Grade 8 teachers that promote the camp to the young women in their classes.

“The support we have received from area schools has been great,” said Michele Crowley, Physical Activity Promoter at the Health Unit. “Principals and Grade 8 teachers are familiar with the camp, and I’m sure they can attest to the benefit of the program.”

Campers learn invaluable skills and knowledge in areas such as body image, self-defence, team building, healthy relationships, healthy eating, physical activity and other issues relevant to adolescent girls. The camp is facilitated by volunteer young women between the ages of 16 to 27, many of whom participated in the camp when they were in Grade 8.

Pre-registration for the upcoming camp has already begun, with an application deadline of October 26. There is a nominal fee of $100 per camper to attend the three day program. However, bursaries are available for those who cannot afford the fee.

“The vast majority of our expenses are covered by local donations from community members and service clubs and our fundraising efforts,” explained Jen Lados, STAR Counsellor with Women’s Services.

The ‘Fabulous Finds for Fabulous Prices’ fundraiser held in June, where gently-used clothing donations were collected and offered to the public in a one-day sale, raised over $8800 for Power Camp.

“The community support the camp has received in the forms of volunteer time, clothing donations and financial contributions has been amazing,” added Lados.

Information packages and registration forms have been sent to all of the local elementary schools. Parents and guardians are reminded to submit their registration forms by the October 26 deadline. Interested campers and their families are encouraged to visitwww.hngirlspowercamp.com for more information and to download the application forms.

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Media contact:
Michele Crowley
Physical Activity Promoter, Population Health Team
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3239 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
[email protected]