In this introductory week, Gammagirls' participants will meet their Mentors and each other. They will begin to understand why the concept of Gammagirls is important, what a Gammagirl is, and how to become one.
Objectives:
- To discover what the term "Gammagirls" means.
- To establish a welcoming, respectful, comfortable, safe, and fun group atmosphere.
- To begin building rapport and trust between participants-both leaders and group members.
- To present an overview of Gammagirls' topics.
- To establish guidelines for the various group sessions.
- To introduce the weekly "Self-Leadership Challenge."
Week 2: The Art of Communication
During this session, the girls will explore the importance of developing and practicing good communication skills.
Objectives:
- To introduce and practice the art of effective conversation.
- To identify some "conversation makers" and "conversation breakers."
- To convey the importance of good listening skills.
- To convey the importance of being "real" in relationships and conversations.
Week 3: Hidden Message: The Impact of the Media
This week's focus is on how to practice discernment in a society saturated by the media.
Objectives:
- To identify the things that influence our choices and actions.
- To learn how to recognize fads and trends.
- To identify and examine the images of girls/women presented in the media.
- To initiate and model critical-thinking processes.
- To evaluate male and female stereotypes as presented by the media.
- To recognize that stereotypes influence the way we see and treat ourselves and others.
Week 4: What I Like About Me: Positive Self-Image
This session guides Gammagirls' participants through the process of establishing a healthy, balanced perspective of themselves.
Objectives:
- To encourage positive self-image through development of balanced and healthy attitudes and habits.
- To promote an awareness of the multi-faceted nature of our design-mind, heart, spirit, and body.
- To help participants understand that actions are more important than looks or words.
- To challenge girls to appreciate the function of their bodies instead of just the form.
Week 5: Silent Conversations: Understanding Your Inner Voice
In this session, the girls learn about the empowering benefits of managing their inner voices and setting appropriate boundaries.
Objectives:
- To build on last week's concept-"Positive Self-Image."
- To facilitate understanding of the fact that how we feel about ourselves is largely our own responsibility.
- To recognize that "conversation" continually plays in our heads and that we can control the messages being given.
- To understand that feelings don't just happen but are the products of the beliefs we hold.
- To recognize the consequences of listening to our voices.
- To learn how to combat self-criticism.
- To realize the important connection between our self-worth and the creation of smart boundaries.
Week 6: Taking Action: Problem Solving and Assertiveness
This week's material discusses the importance of effectively confronting and resolving problems.
Objectives:
- To emphasize the importance of learning to handle conflict and solve problems effectively.
- To learn how to recognize when there is a problem that needs attention.
- To understand the place of "personal responsibility" in problem solving.
- To introduce and practice the art of assertive communication.
Week 7: Sex, God, and You: Healthy Sexuality for Teens
This session exposes the girls to the issues of sex and sexuality within the context of biblical purity, for which they were designed.
Objectives:
- To establish an open and safe learning environment.
- To present the biblical principles of sex.
- To provide factual information about sex.
- To promote a healthy understanding of sexuality in relation to dating, self-presentation, sexual activity, and gender differences.
- To encourage girls to view abstinence before marriage as the best choice.
- To emphasize the importance of personal and relational boundaries.
- To introduce "refusal skills" and techniques for protecting and respecting boundaries.
Week 8: To Do or Not to Do: Managing Risk
During this session, the girls will learn how to manage the risks associated with living and functioning in the world.
Objectives:
- To increase awareness about the range of risky behaviors.
- To present a method for assessing risk prior to making decisions.
- To encourage the formulation and use of "preset escape routes" for various situations.
- To teach about the importance of self-defense.
- To challenge "limiting fears."
Week 9: Big Problems, Little Problems: Being a Real Friend
Throughout this week's material, the Gammagirls will explore the complexities of choosing and nurturing healthy friendships.
Objectives:
- To determine which qualities make a good friend.
- To identify some characteristics of positive friendships.
- To understand the concept of reciprocity.
- To recognize when a situation is too big to handle without help.
- To evaluate the issue of safety versus confidentiality.
- To increase awareness of available help resources.
- To learn and practice problem-solving methods.
Week 10: Honoring your Dreams: Graduation Party!
In this final session, the girls will be encouraged to recognize dreams and goals as necessary steps along the path to their futures. This week also serves as the Gammagirls' graduation celebration!
Objectives:
- To encourage each person to pursue her dreams by breaking them down into manageable and realistic goals.
- To review major Gammagirls' concepts.
- To celebrate each person's completion of the Gammagirls' program.
- To have fun and enjoy new friendships.
