Program Goals
1. Build a positive body image and self esteem in young girls
2. Prevent obesity and eating disorders
3. Develop positive attitudes about food and healthy eating
4. Utilize young women as positive role models and mentors for young girls
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We have a few programs we run throughout the year:
8-Week Program
- Girls in Motion is an eight-week program developed by Southern Methodist University (SMU) Wellness Professor Mandy Golman, M.S. and Cathey Soutter, PhD., Coordinator of Psychological Services for women at SMU.
- Girls in Motion pairs together preadolescent girls with mentors, college women, from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
- Each week the girls set both nutrition and fitness goals.
- At the final session, after accomplishing these goals, the girls celebrate their success during the Girls in Motion Goal Celebration.
Workshops for Parents
- The parents of the young girls participating are asked to attend two evening workshops titled, “Instilling a Positive Body Image in Your Daughter” and “Healthy Eating Attitudes and Behaviors.”
Summer Camp
- Girls in Motion offers multiple day camps in the summer. Camps cover the same material as the 8-week program, and achieve the same goals with college-age women serving as mentors.
Kids Triathalon
- Girls in Motion supports the notion that exercise can be fun by hosting an annual kids triathalon and training course. The triathalon is tailored to two different age groups, children ages 7-11 and 11-14.
- A parent and daughter orientation takes place and pre-and post- assessments are conducted with the girls.
- During the program, the pairs meet once a week for one hour on the SMU campus.
- Each session consists of a group introduction of the day’s topic with Girls in Motion Executive Director, Mandy Golman, pairing up with partners for exercise, discussion and a healthy snack.