While it's challenging to get everything prepared to
do a girls-only camp, it's really worth the effort. In my talks with the girls one
of their favorite things about the camp is that it's girls-only. Moroccan girls
don't have many spaces that are only for them. They appreciate being able to,
literally, let their hair down and not have to worry about being perfectly
modest all the time. They appreciate being able to wear something comfortable
and not stress over being in a public, male-dominated space. Rienna has done a
great job fending off well-intended Moroccan men who have volunteered to come
and help out or speak to the group. This camp is all for girls; and that’s
important.
We have 45 girls from Gourrama and the surrounding area
participating this week along with 20 Moroccan ladies leading sessions or being
involved in some way. We even had PCV Nicole Brenner's lovely mother Susan join
us and join in the fun!
The girls arrived in the afternoon so the first day was
mostly getting to know you games and setting up camp rules. The camp is on day three
and the girls have already heard from a successful female business owner in
Gourrama about how she decided to create her business and what has helped her
to become successful. The girls also broke into groups and created a business
plan and discussed with the group what was necessary to make a business work.
We've also discussed self-esteem and how to build up your friends rather than
tear them down.
We attempted to play GLOW Olympics, complete with water balloon
toss, three-legged race and tug-o-war, but the rain hit about that time and the
thunder and lightning forced us inside. In Morocco it's necessary to always
have a backup plan, right? The Olympics were moved back into the evening and
the water balloon toss and other games were played indoors, but a lot of fun was
had.
Other events planned for this week include GLOW sessions on
goal-setting, the environment, health, career planning and empowerment. We also
will be doing a talent show, a movie night, and a henna competition. In
addition, we'll be doing arts and crafts, playing board games and sports, and
doing a scavenger hunt.
We're having a great time and feeding off the excitement of
the girls. If you get a chance you need to do a GLOW camp you have to take it!
It’s an amazing experience for the girls and it’s a lot of fun.
