GLOWin' Girls

 

The Club is going strong.  We’ve had some really great sessions over the last several weeks.  We’ve been making crafts, discussing issues of body image and wellness, and even began making jewelry. 

 

During the body image session, the girls looked through magazines for images of beauty and we discussed how they made their selections and why we think certain woman are considered beautiful.  The girls had strong opinions about too much makeup, tattoos, and revealing clothing.  They got into arguments over some of the pictures selected when they thought the woman had too much makeup (in fact it was a Cover Girl ad) or a tattoo or showed too much skin.  They then selected their favorite features of their own bodies as well as their least favorite.  We talked about loving ourselves as we are and finding the beauty that each of us has.  It was a great conversation and nice to see the girls really express themselves and their opinions.

 

This week, PCV Olivia came down from her village up north to teach the girls (and me) about beading.  I purchased supplies and beads in Orange Walk town several weeks ago in preparation for the session and then received two packages full of beads (thank you to Mrs. Tarzia and Nikita’s 6^th grade class!).

 

I didn’t tell the girls what we would be doing; just that a friend was coming and it would be fun.

   They were so excited when they saw the beads and really enjoyed picking through them to come up with a bracelet design.  We had a few spills, but everyone was happy with their projects.  The heat and sweaty hands did not help as we tried to tie off the bracelets so we sent some of the girls home with their string and beads.  I made a pair of earrings earlier as Olivia taught me how to use the tools and I am pretty happy with them – one of the girls (who is not in the club because she is still too young, but happened to be in the library browsing through books) wanted to know why I didn’t have my new earrings on yesterday already! 

    

The planning for Camp 2009 has begun and the committee and campers are in the midst of fundraising.  Olivia and I traveled all over the city this week dropping off sponsor letters and talking about the camp.  We already raised $720BZD and will be following up with everyone in a week.  Other districts have also been busy fundraising and we are making progress toward our goal of raising $6000BZD so we can hold a four-day leadership camp for 30 girls from all over the country.  We don’t want the girls to have to pay for the experience so the sponsorship we have received will cover all expenses.  If all goes well, camp will be held from July 21^st – 25^th in Camalote and will be my final activity as a PCV.  I’m getting excited to hold some bake sales at school to continue to raise funds so the Belize City girls will be covered for their camp experience.  GLOW continues to be one of my favorite activities and I am glad it will bring my service to a close.