Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Troop 16074, has been an active participant in the Girls Empowering Movement (GEM) program since its inception in the fall of 2021. GEM has not only brought the troop closer but has also provided them with exciting opportunities to explore new physical activities as a team.
Understanding the GEM Program: Empowering Middle School Girls for Long-Term Health and Mental Wellness
GEM is a pioneering initiative on a mission to improve the health and mental wellness of middle school girls. GEM achieves this by empowering these girls to take the lead in creating and participating in physical activity programs designed by girls, for girls. Learn more at GEMPower.org
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space for Girls
Troop member, Max Estes describes GEM as being different than other programs she’s been part of, “Everyone is included, and the activities and events are inclusive and exciting.” “It’s only for middle school girls and that makes it a safe space for girls who want to get physically active but don’t know how,” says troop member, Maria Simokaitis.
The girl’s Troop Leader and GEM Adult Facilitator, Sabrina Simokaitis has seen growth in the girls’ leadership and communication skills since participating in GEM, “They have become more vocal about their opinions and needs. They are now making all the decisions involving the troop.”
Embarking on the Create A MOVEment Project
This year, the girls embarked on their “Create A MOVEment Project.” In this phase of the GEM journey, groups work together to design a community action project that helps other girls get active. As youth leaders, girls work together to create, implement, and evaluate their projects. Troop 16074 decided they wanted to reach other girls by creating a zombie graphic novel and hosting a zombie hike event. “We chose the book because we all like to read graphic novels and thought that others in our community would as well,” said troop member, Willow Kann. “This project is important because girls in middle school struggle with physical and mental wellness,” explained Meagan Randolph.
From Idea to Action: Spreading the GEM Impact
The girls met weekly throughout the summer and school year to develop ideas, conduct research, write, design, and plan the book’s launch. Through the process, the girls learned many valuable lessons. “I learned the importance of not procrastinating, staying on task -and how to work with other people more efficiently,” said Meagan. The time spent together also helped to strengthen the groups’ relationships. “They have become close friends. Working on a project of this magnitude created strong friendships that I suspect will be lifelong,” says Sabrina.
From Novel to Reality: The Zombie Hike Event
The troop launched the graphic novel, “Don’t Get Caught,” a story of how four girls from different backgrounds come together to survive a zombie apocalypse while staying physically and mentally healthy. The girls wrote the story, designed the graphics, and distributed copies to local libraries. They also hosted a Zombie Hike event for other middle school girls. The event was held in Fayetteville, GA, and participants received a swag bag and a copy of the book. The girls also collected book donations for a local charity organization.
Spreading the GEM Impact: A Sustainability Plan
The project included a sustainability plan to ensure it would reach more girls. The Troop distributed the book to middle school and public libraries in Fayette County and neighboring counties. The book was distributed to 36 middle school libraries in eight Georgia counties, and to the three public libraries in Fayette County. The girls received an overwhelmingly positive response to the book. One librarian mailed a “thank you” note and requested a meeting to have the girls autograph the book. Another librarian was inspired to start a book-writing program for the kids at her school.
Reflecting on the Growth and Future Impact of the GEM Program
The troop has been thrilled with the enthusiasm and outcome of the project. “It brought our troop together and gave us opportunities to reach out to other middle school girls who have the same struggles as us,” says Meagan. Sabrina reflected on the experience with her troop, “This project showed them what they can accomplish and how much of a significant impact they can have on their community. I am so proud of them and know that they will all go far in life. My hope is that GEM continues for future girls. The world needs more female leaders and GEM is most definitely a great place to start.”
Learn more about the GEM Program at: GEMPower.org
