Upcoming Girl Power Events and Activities...

I just wanted to let you know about some upcoming Girl Power activities and groups that are going to be happening this fall. There is a little bit of everything for everyone! The events are outlined below however, if you would like more information about any of the programs don't hesitate to call our Girl Power Coordinator Melisa at 625-2891 or send her an email at mwalczak@thunderbay.ca.

FUN RUN

When: Saturday September 22^nd, 2012

Time: 9am

Where: Confederation College Fitness Centre

For: Girls ages 5-15

Cost: $20.00 (includes a T-shirt)

To Register: Call 625-TIME (8463)

Course code: #271087

This is a non-competitive event for girls ages 5-15 and is designed to promote fun, fitness and friendship. The entry fee of $20 includes a T-shirt, water, snack, and participation award. There will be different distances for different age groups and parents are encouraged to come cheer their girls on! The event will take place outdoors weather permitting otherwise it will be inside the Fitness Centre Bubble. There will be prize draws after the run and face painting for everyone.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT ADVISORY GROUP

When: Every second Wednesday of each month starting October 10^th, 2012 (excluding March)

Time: 6pm-8pm

Where: Canada Games Complex

For: Girls in grades 5-9

Cost: FREE!

To Register: Call 625-2891

Course Code: #271187

Only 12 spots available so register early!  Girls Night Out Advisory Group meets to discuss everything Girl Power. We brainstorm ideas for upcoming Girl Power events, play games, do crafts, try different sports, and talk about things such as, healthy eating, self-esteem, leadership and community involvement. The girls will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and a healthy, nut free snack is provided. After the meeting is over the girls are able to go for a swim however, it is up to the parent/guardian to provide supervision at this time.

GIRL POWER NEIGHBOURHOOD RECREATION PROGRAM (NRP)

When: Every Tuesday

Time: 6pm-8pm

Where: Bishop Gallagher School

For: girls ages 10-15

Cost: FREE!

No pre-registration is required; this is a drop in program.

Girl Power NRP is a free, inclusive, afterschool program designed just for girls. The program emphasizes healthy choices, nutrition, physical activity, body image and other issues facing girls. There will be a variety of activities, from sports to crafts, along with some special guest speakers. Girls from all schools are invited to participate in the program.

Did we miss anything? Is there an activitiy or an event that you would like to see happen? If so leave us a comment below telling us what activities you would like us to plan next. 

A Cool and Tasty Treat to Try.

FROZEN YOGURT POPS

Prep time: about 1 to 2 hours

Ingredients:

       1 8-oz. container of your favorite flavor of yogurt

Utensils:

       small paper cups

       wooden popsicle sticks (available in craft stores)

       plastic wrap

Directions:

1.    Pour yogurt into paper cups. Fill them almost to the top.

2.    Stretch a small piece of plastic wrap across the top of each cup.

3.    Using the popsicle stick, poke a hole in the plastic wrap. Stand the stick straight up in the center of the cup.

4.    Put the cups in the freezer until the yogurt is frozen solid.

5.    Remove the plastic wrap, peel away the paper cup, and eat your pop!

Variations and suggestions:
-If you like, you can make this recipe using plastic ice-pop molds instead of the paper cups and popsicle sticks.

-Add in fresh or frozen fruit such as, raspberries, blueberries, mango or strawberries. Pour the fruit into the paper cups before pouring in the yogurt.

-For a cool-looking snack, fill your cups only halfway with one flavor of yogurt in Step 1. Follow Steps 2, 3, and 4. Remove your pops from the freezer, take off the plastic wrap, and spoon in another flavor of yogurt that's a different color. Put the plastic wrap back on and freeze once more. When your pops are frozen, you'll have two-colored treats!

What’s your favourite healthy summer time snack? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

Top 5 Reasons Girls Should Play Sports

From: http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/fit/5_sports.html#cat120

Why play sports? You might say "to get exercise" and you'd be right. To have fun? That's true, too. But there's more. In fact, there are at least 5 more reasons. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls who play sports get a lot more than just fit.

1.    Girls who play sports do better in school. You might think that athletics will take up all your study time. But research shows exercise improves learning, memory, and concentration, which can give active girls an advantage in the classroom.

2.    Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills. Sports teach valuable life skills. When you working with coaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and achieve goals, you're learning how to be successful. Those skills will serve you well at work and in family life.

3.    Sports are good for a girl's health. In addition to being fit, girls who play sports are also less likely to smoke. And later in life, girls who exercise are less likely to get breast cancer or osteoporosis.

4.    Playing sports boosts self-confidence. Girls who play sports feel better about themselves. Why? It builds confidence when you know you can practice, improve, and achieve your goals.

5.    Exercise cuts the pressure. Playing sports can lessen stress and help you feel a little happier. How? The brain chemicals released during exercise improve a person's mood. Friends are another mood-lifter. And being on a team creates tight bonds between friends. It's good to know your teammates will support you — both on and off the field.

What sport(s) do you play? Is there a sport that you would like to try? Leave us a comment below telling us your favourite sport or one that you would like to try.