"It made me feel better about myself and what I can do. Any girl who was or will be lucky enough to come
to this camp will be amazed at how much better you will feel about your abilities
and it will help higher your self-esteem." (Libby, Age 13)
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Building Strong Girls
Rosie’s Girls® Program is a unique summer program for 11-13 year old girls designed to build self-esteem, physical confidence, interpersonal cooperation and leadership skills through learning and applying basic skills in carpentry and other technical trades.
Created as a collaboration between Vermont Works for Women and Strong Foundations, Inc., Rosie’s Girls ran for the first time as a summer camp program in Summer 2000.
The program gets its name from the fictional character "Rosie the Riveter" who symbolized the emerging strength and power of women who went to work in the defense plants while men were fighting World War II. Rosie has inspired generations of women to take the path less traveled and to do it with courage and conviction.
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Who can be a Rosie's Girl?
Participants are girls entering 6th-8th grades and ranging in age from 11-13 years.
What happens at Rosie's Girls?
Carpentry:
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The girls begin by learning basic skills such as hammering and sawing. The skills are applied in both take-home projects and in projects designed to meet an identified community need. For example, participants make and keep their own toolboxes and build a project as a group to donate to a local community service organization. |
Other Trades:
Rosie’s Girls® programs expose participants to a variety of other technical trades fields which might include:
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welding
basic bike repair
electrical wiring
interior painting
fire fighting
computer technology
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Arts:
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The program includes activities designed to promote the girls' individual self-expression through a variety of media, including: poetry, stand-up comedy, yoga, mask making, and collage making. |
Physically Challenging Activities:
Rosie’s Girls® programs include several activities designed to physically challenge girls to push beyond (both physically and mentally) their preconceived notions of what they can accomplish and to build group cohesion, trust and interdependence. These activities have included:
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rock climbing
ropes course (both high and low elements)
self-defense
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A Girls’ World:
These are activities designed to help girls understand - and respond to - the messages girls and women receive about how they should act, what they should look like and what they can become. Some examples include:
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Media Collage: An activity designed to help girls look critically at the portrayal of women in the media.
Woman of the Day: Each girl prepares a short presentation about a famous, successful women of interest to her.
Mentor Presentations: Women who have chosen non-traditional occupations speak about their careers and the challenges and opportunities they have faced.
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What are the Outcomes of Rosie's Girls?
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Rosie’s Girls program goals are to:
expand math and science skills through complete applications
• strengthen girls’ voices; to develop a broader sense of self and capabilities
• encourage participants (and adults in their lives) to challenge the expectations our society has for girls and women
• challenge and overcome preconceived limitations and consider careers in non-traditional fields
Rosie’s Girls has an evaluation process to measure change in knowledge and attitudes. Below is a sample of the change measured from pre and post tests in 2009:
• I know what a speed square is and how to use it - 74% increase
• I can find 4 and 5/8” on a tape measure - 43% increase
• I know how to drill a hole with a power drill - 30% increase
• I feel smart - 9% increase
• I think my body is strong - 11% increase
• I am happy with myself as a person - 17% increase
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Additionally, parents indicated that their daughter’s participation in the camp changed their relationship by increasing communication and connection. 100% of participants and parents reported that they discussed what they learned at camp, and 83% of campers reported that they shared a lot with their family members. Here's what else parents have said about the impact of the camp on their daughter's lives:
• "She seemed happier and had a more positive attitude."
• "She is showing improved signs of responsible independence."
• "Increased communication with me about her hopes and dreams."
• "She looked forward to going and never wanted to be late."
Now and Tomorrow
The YWCA of Greater Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) partner to bring Rosie's Girls® to Greater Cincinnati. The 2010 camp session will run for 3-weeks on weekdays from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm from July 12-30 at Woodward Career and Technical High School.
Contact us and find out how you can help support this wonderful program!
Rhonda Lindon-Hammon, Director of Youth Services
YWCA of Greater Cincinnati
898 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-361-2186
Click here to e-mail Rhonda
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