Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is a group mentoring program that encourages physical activity, healthy eating and the development of a positive self-image, among girls aged 11 to 14. This program is currently being piloted in selected Coquitlam schools.
How does the program work?
Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds runs in schools who have partnered with Big Sisters for eight, two-hour sessions that are held after school, once a week. Each session, led by volunteer female mentors, incorporates fun, educational games and activities to stimulate mentor/participant relationship-building as well as self-reflection and group discussions about healthy living and emotional, social and cultural issues. Each session is structured around the three Go Girls! themes: active living, balanced eating, and feeling good about oneself.
Who are the participants and mentors?
Go Girls! participants, girls ages 11 to 14, are selected by staff at our partnering schools. The girls who will benefit most from this program are those struggling with low self-esteem, who would not normally participate in organized school activities, and who would benefit from mentoring and discussion around physical activity, balanced eating, and making healthy choices.
Go Girls! mentors are young women, aged 19 to 25, who are enthusiastic, caring and passionate about healthy living and physical activity. Once they have completed the training, two Go Girls! mentors co-facilitate a group of 8-10 girls through activities and discussions over a two month period.
Become a Go Girls Volunteer Mentor!
We are now accepting applications for Go Girls! volunteer mentors for our September program in Coquitlam. Contact Carolyn Fernie at 604-873-4525 ext. 311 or cfernie@bigsisters.bc.ca.
What people are saying about Go Girls!
“It really helped me when we did the ‘question box’ because I could ask the questions that I can’t ask my friends. The program also helped me to stay active and be smart about my choices when we had discussions.” - Go Girls! mentee
“The Go Girls! program is one of the best programs I have had the privilege being part of. As a youth worker in a middle school, I have seen many girls struggle with self acceptance, body image and fitting in with their peers. The Go Girls! program promotes and educates positive relationships with themselves and with others through fun activities and healthy eating. I have personally seen the difference within the girls from the beginning to the end of the program. They are very much happier within themselves and more excitable about being here at school." - Shannon Penner-Hunt,Youth Worker, Maillard Middle School
Read an article on the Go Girls program here.
Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds is supported by: