Yesterday was our last Girl Talk meeting of the year. Rather than employing another lesson with small group discussions for our wrap up, I opted for a few random but fun group activities. First on our agenda was a craft that I adapted from Pinterest: the girls decorated vintage mason jars with stickers and permanent markers, then wrote compliments for each of their peers on colored strips of paper. As a result, each girl left our meeting with a jar filled with fourteen vibrant tokens of positivity. I was thrilled that all of the girls expressed excitement when I explained this activity. All of the girls (middle school and high school) who have participated in Girl Talk vary in terms of social groups, interests, and age. Yet every girl has truly exemplified inclusivity, warmheartedness, and enthusiasm.
After our first activity, I introduced another use for mason jars (a favorite of my own): green smoothies! This week–along with the candy that I typically I supply– I prepared an icy, green treat for the girls. The smoothie that I made for them was super simple and sweet but nutritious. For the girls who want to make the same smoothie at home, it contained:
-avocado
-spinach
-100% mango juice
-pineapple
-frozen banana
-ice
I also created a make-your-own-smoothie handout for the girls with instructions for making their own yummy summer treats that pack in loads of energy, vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber!
To wrap up the meeting, I handed out a reflection sheet to provide the girls with an opportunity to share their thoughts on Girl Talk. I look forward to using their recommendations to improve the program next year. My ultimate goal for Girl Talk is that it becomes a welcoming, warm, fun, interactive, and helpful group for all BMS girls.
Aside from the wonderful Blake ladies, I would like to thank:
-Kelly Campbell and Nat Vaughn for being extremely supportive of Girl Talk and helpful in spreading the word about it.
-My mom, Jennifer Marshall, for overseeing the program and assisting me in weekly preparation.
-Our dedicated high school mentors: Carly Ellison (grade 11), Hannah Nixon (11), Katherine Barrette (10), Natalie Chin (10), Lauren Ferrier (10), Jocelyn Fields (10), Annie Phipps (10), Jasmin Chan (9), Charlotte Duffy (9), and Kristen Reardon (9).
I cannot wait for next year! I will share more information regarding dates and times for the 2015-2016 school year in August. Have a lovely summer!
<3 Paiton
Photos from our last meeting:
Group photo! (top row: Anna, Lana, Paiton, Madison, Alexis, Charlotte, Ariana, Joana, Jenna... middle row: Ginny, Eliana, Carly, Jocelyn, Lauren... bottom row: Noelle, Gabby, Ally, Rebecca, Claire, and Maggie)
Madison and Joana enjoy some ice cream
Selfie :)
Madison enjoying a green smoothie sample
Sophomores Lauren Ferrier and Jocelyn Fields look on as the girls write their reflections
Junior Carly Ellison pours (and spills) some green goodness!
