Girl Scouts Empower Young Minds to Navigate Emotions During Mental Health Awareness Month
Last Updated on June 2, 2024 by Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana – Michiana
On May 10, nearly 50 enthusiastic 4th graders from Columbia Elementary School in Logansport, Indiana, gathered at Girl Scout Camp Wildwood for a day of exploration and empowerment focused on mental health. Facilitated by the Girl Experiences team at the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, the event, dubbed “A Magical Moment,” aimed to equip young girls with essential tools to understand and manage their emotions.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of engaging activities designed to deepen their emotional intelligence and foster healthy coping mechanisms. From interactive discussions to hands-on exercises like practice reading mood rings and creating positivity bracelets, each activity was carefully crafted to empower girls while promoting help-seeking behavior.
In light of alarming statistics revealed in the 2023 Indiana Girl Report, which indicated that 47.1% of 7th-12th grade girls experienced depression in 2022 and nearly one in four girls contemplated suicide, the need for such initiatives is more pressing than ever. Additionally, the report highlighted that girls are twice as likely as boys to become victims of traditional bullying and three times as likely to become victims of cyberbullying, underlining the urgency for interventions that nurture meaningful connections and self-assurance among young girls.
Sharon Pohly, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, emphasized the critical importance of empowering girls to understand and navigate their emotions, stating, “The statistics are sobering. With the presence of positive support systems, such as mentors outside their families, we can foster a sense of belonging and give girls confidence in seeking help.”
Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana offers a suite of mental wellness resources and programming aimed at supporting girls, council staff and adult volunteers. The programming was developed by GSUSA in collaboration with partners like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Programming was also made possible by grants from many other organizations invested in mental wellness.
The collaboration with Columbia Elementary School was made possible through funding from the Girl Coalition of Indiana, a statewide, girl-focused social innovation startup supported by six Girl Scout councils serving girls across Indiana.
Girls of all ages are invited to join the Girl Scouts and embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and self-confidence. Summer engagement series and camp options are available for girls interested in exploring Girl Scouts before Troops reconvene in the fall. Financial assistance is available.
To learn more about Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, visit www.gsnim.org.
SOURCE: News release from Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana – Michiana