Middle school mentors describe Girl Power club that serves roughly 60 sixth‑graders

Student mentors and staff presented an overview of Girl Power, an after‑school program for sixth‑grade girls that meets twice a month and pairs sixth‑grade participants with seventh‑ and eighth‑grade mentors.

Presenters said the club averages about 60 girls annually and works with the New Hope Center on its curriculum. Mentors listed session topics that include the “circle of control,” self‑esteem, gratitude, effective communication, healthy relationships, time management, setting boundaries, resilience and strategies for handling negative automatic thoughts (referred to in the presentation as “ants”).

Mentors described simple, reusable activities intended to teach coping skills: tabletop games that visualize negative thoughts, breathing and calming exercises using hand‑crafted props, and collaborative exercises that build teamwork. The mentors said they meet with staff during a flex period before meetings to review lessons, practice activities and reflect afterward on ways to increase engagement.

Board members complimented the students’ leadership. Board member Donnell said he appreciated the program and the life skills mentors are learning and passing on.

Organizers said the club has operated in its current format for about five years, and each year concludes with a themed celebration that staff described as a Hawaiian‑themed party with shaved ice. No formal board action was taken during the presentation.