PHOENIX (Jan. 28, 2009) – B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Camp, a self-esteem and leadership building summer camp specifically designed for adolescent girls, has opened enrollment for its 2009 summer sessions. Session one, for high school girls, is scheduled for Sunday, June 21 – Saturday, June 27; and session two, for middle school girls, is scheduled for Sunday, July 19 – Saturday, July 25.
The week-long camp, held at Northern Arizona University, engages girls from across the country and challenges them to realize their potential, as well as set the foundation for a life of confidence, leadership and happiness. During the adolescent years, many girls become self-critical, more deferential and temperamental. It’s estimated that 90 percent of those with eating disorders are women 12 to 25 years old, and nearly 45 percent of high school girls think they’re overweight.
“Raising teenage girls is a challenge,” said Laurie Sliva, BRIDGES Camp director, founder and life-skills trainer. “It’s typically when young women begin to lose confidence and ambition, making parent-daughter relationships difficult to maintain. Adolescent girls need opportunities to connect with peers, practice selflessness, develop leadership and communication skills, and discover their true selves.”
At the summer camp, girls interact in small and large groups; participate in experiential, self defense and fitness activities; and learn to take the first step in paying-it-forward by empowering other girls. These activities and interactions, created from research-based programs, are designed to help them develop confidence, a positive body image, and, above all else, discover their self worth.
“The girls leave feeling confident and with a more positive outlook on life,” Sliva said. “We work to equip both the campers and their parents with the tools to keep this going even after camp.”
About BRIDGES Camp
Founded by Laurie Sliva, BRIDGES (Building Relationships Involving the Development of Girls’ Empowering Selves) Camp is a self-esteem and leadership building summer camp specifically designed for adolescent girls as they transition into adulthood. At the camp, girls have the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, forget the worries of everyday life for a week and work on developing confidence and positive body image. The camp offers separate sessions for girls in high school, and girls in middle school/junior high. The weeklong retreat, held at the Northern Arizona University campus, focuses on experiential learning and relationship-based shared learning through large group activities as well as small, structured support groups. All courses are led by certified instructors. For more information, visit www.BridgesCamp.com
