Update on Girls retreat

[bookbunny]

Some of you were kind enough to help me with ideas for discussion topics to present to teen girls on an empowerment retreat I hosted. I just wanted to come back and thank you all so much! We got back on Sunday and it was a success, and so much fun. We went rock climbing and ziplining, and did some "girly" things like decorating cupcakes, manicures, crazy makeovers, and stayed up late talking. It was such a bonding experience and every girl told me they had a great time.

During the discussion sessions, we talked about the importance of words, and how they represent who you are on the inside, how words are powerful, and should be given a lot of thought since you can't take them back, and about how much better things could be if we as women would encourage each other instead of tearing each other down. We talked about appropriate ways to process feelings, and about being safe online and not spilling your guts. I think the girls really had just not considered that there are other ways to vent besides gossip and Facebook drama. Some of them looked surprised when I told them that Facebook is not their diary, and that if they waste their words on useless stuff, others may not take them as seriously when they do have something important to say.

I did have a couple of "Michelle from Bunheads"-esque "I'm just going to stand over there and be old now" moments though lol. Like when the girls were squealing over a boy band called One Direction, and I said "Oh my gosh, I totally understand Girls. I remember being obsessed with Hanson". And the girls looked at me funny and said "Who is that?" And then I did the math and realized that some of them were not even born when MmmBop came out!

But overall, it was a great experience, and I just wanted to thank you guys for your help and suggestions!