Every young girl deserves the chance to feel empowered, confident, and strong. At Girls on Fire, we believe in providing girls with the tools and experiences they need to build self-esteem and navigate the challenges of growing up. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through our annual Girls on Fire Conferences, held in Edmonton and Red Deer. These events are designed to inspire, mentor, and equip girls with the confidence they need to thrive.
We will walk you through what to expect at a Girls on Fire Conference and explore how these unique events transform the confidence of girls ages 8 to 13.
1. A Day of Empowering Activities
The Girls on Fire Conference is packed with interactive, hands-on activities that focus on building confidence in every aspect of a girl’s life. From the moment girls arrive, they are welcomed into a supportive, fun environment where they can express themselves and learn valuable life skills.
The day is divided into different sessions, each focused on one of the key pillars of the Girls on Fire program: mindset, health, creativity, community, and self-defense. Each session is led by expert presenters who are passionate about empowering young girls. The activities are not only educational but also engaging, designed to keep girls excited and motivated throughout the day.
Example Activities:
- Mindset Sessions: These workshops focus on teaching girls how to develop a positive outlook, set goals, and overcome self-doubt.
- Health & Fitness Activities: From fun fitness challenges to discussions about body image, these sessions emphasize the importance of staying active and healthy.
- Self-Defense Training: Girls learn basic self-defense techniques that not only help them protect themselves but also give them a sense of physical and mental strength.
By the end of the day, girls leave the conference with a “Confidence Tool Kit”—a set of practical tools they can use to navigate the challenges of being a tween or teen with resilience and confidence.
2. Building Connections and Community
One of the key elements that sets Girls on Fire Conferences apart is the emphasis on building a strong sense of community. Throughout the day, girls are divided into small groups, each led by a Table Coach. These Table Coaches are inspiring women from the local community—small business owners, teachers, and leaders—who mentor and guide the girls through their activities.
This group dynamic helps girls build friendships and feel connected to a supportive team. By the end of the day, girls have not only gained valuable skills but also formed new relationships with peers and mentors who support and uplift them.
How It Transforms Confidence:
Many girls feel more confident when they know they’re part of a community that believes in them. By working in teams, girls develop communication and leadership skills, and they learn that they’re not alone in facing challenges. These bonds foster a sense of belonging that boosts self-esteem and helps girls feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
3. Self-Defense: Confidence Through Physical Empowerment
One of the standout sessions of the Girls on Fire Conference is the self-defense training. Learning to defend oneself is a powerful way to build both physical and mental confidence. During the session, girls are taught essential self-defense techniques that they can use to protect themselves in various situations. More importantly, the training empowers them to feel strong and capable in their own bodies.
By the end of the self-defense session, girls participate in a board-breaking exercise. Each girl writes a challenge—such as a fear, insecurity, or bully—on a board. Then, they physically break the board, symbolizing their ability to overcome obstacles in their lives.
How It Transforms Confidence:
Self-defense teaches girls that they are capable of defending themselves, giving them a profound sense of strength and empowerment. The board-breaking exercise is especially impactful because it helps girls visualize and experience the feeling of breaking through their fears and challenges. This activity boosts their self-esteem and reinforces the belief that they can handle difficult situations with courage.
4. Mindset: Developing Positive Self-Talk and Resilience
Another cornerstone of the Girls on Fire Conference is the focus on developing a positive mindset. The conference includes several workshops aimed at helping girls build mental resilience and learn how to practice positive self-talk. These sessions teach girls how to manage negative thoughts, set goals, and embrace a growth mindset.
For many girls, learning to reframe negative thoughts and approach challenges with a positive mindset is a transformative experience. They leave the conference equipped with tools like “I am” statements and affirmations, which help them build resilience and face challenges with confidence.
How It Transforms Confidence:
Learning to control their mindset gives girls the power to overcome self-doubt and anxiety. By practicing positive self-talk and learning to challenge negative thoughts, they gain the mental tools needed to stay confident in the face of difficulties. These lessons not only help them feel better about themselves but also empower them to tackle future challenges with optimism.
5. Creative Expression: Boosting Self-Esteem Through Creativity
Creative expression is a key part of building confidence. During the Girls on Fire Conference, girls participate in various creative activities that allow them to express themselves freely. Whether it’s through art, dance, or writing, these activities give girls the chance to showcase their unique talents and creativity.
Engaging in creative activities also provides an outlet for emotions and helps girls explore their identities in a safe, supportive environment. Whether they’re creating something new or working on a group project, girls learn to value their own ideas and contributions.
How It Transforms Confidence:
Creative expression helps girls discover their talents and build confidence in their abilities. When they are encouraged to express themselves, they begin to develop a sense of pride in who they are. This boosts self-esteem and teaches them that their unique voice and creativity are valuable.
6. Long-Lasting Impact
The impact of a Girls on Fire Conference extends far beyond the event itself. After spending a day learning, growing, and building connections, girls leave with a newfound sense of confidence and a toolkit of practical skills they can use in everyday life. The lessons learned at the conference—whether it’s about self-defense, positive thinking, or goal-setting—empower girls to take control of their futures and believe in their abilities.
For many girls, attending the conference is a turning point in their lives. They leave feeling more confident, more connected, and more capable of handling challenges. This transformation can lead to better performance in school, improved relationships with peers, and a greater sense of self-worth.
Conclusion
The Girls on Fire Conference is more than just a day of activities—it’s an empowering experience that transforms the confidence of young girls. Through engaging workshops, self-defense training, and creative expression, girls develop the skills they need to feel strong, capable, and proud of who they are. By fostering a supportive community and providing practical tools for self-growth, Girls on Fire helps girls build the confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience.
At Girls on Fire, our mission is to inspire and uplift the next generation of girls, helping them discover their inner strength and believe in themselves. We invite you to join us at our next conference and witness the life-changing transformation that confidence can bring.