Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - A Delaware mother and registered social worker is bringing a new initiative to Middlesex Centre called Girls Club.
“Girls Club is a small-group, interactive program that combines education, conversation, activities and connections,” says Certified Girls Club Facilitator Carrie Parker. “It is offered as an in-person 5-week group series, with each session running 90 minutes. The curriculum covers topics related to girls’ bodies, puberty, personal boundaries, self-esteem, self-love and growing up, all in an age-appropriate and positive way,” adds Parker.
Girls Club was founded in the U.S. by former elementary school teacher, Annie Wolf. Parker is one of eight certified facilitators in Canada. “I feel incredibly privileged to be able to bring a program like this into a place where I’m already so connected to the families and communities I serve. I saw a real need for this kind of programming locally, and the response from families has been incredible,” says Parker.
For Parker, the program has a very personal connection. “My own connection to Girls Club actually started with my oldest daughter. When she turned eight, I found myself wondering how I could best support her as she started growing up. As a Registered Social Worker and maternal wellness therapist, I knew how important it was for kids to have safe adults they could ask questions and talk to openly, but I was also looking for resources that could help me have those conversations in an age-appropriate way.”
The program is designed for girls in grades three to five. “This is such an important age because girls are beginning to notice changes in themselves and their peers, and I want them to have access to accurate, positive information before they feel like they need to navigate those changes on their own,” says Parker.
For information, people can go online to https://www.instagram.com/girlsclub.middlesexelgin/, or visit: https://girls-club-of-middlesex-elgin.kit.com/7c0c0ba53a.
