This past year BBBSO celebrated its fourth year of the Go Girls! program. The 2009 - 2010 school year was our most successful year to date, with programs running in 17 schools throughout the Ottawa area. We had over 40 dedicated volunteers that delivered the Go Girls! program to over 200 children.

We are anticipating an even more successful 2010 - 2011 school year, and we are currently recruiting new volunteers throughout the summer months. Many of our past volunteers will be returning as mentors because they know their time is making a "BIG difference" in the lives of young girls. Kailey, a mentor at St. Anthony's explained, "I learned lots about how girls think, how they deal with body image and how they incorporate healthy living. I liked teaching them about how to feel good about themselves". Although the program only runs for seven weeks, the benefits to the students could last a lifetime. One student explained the three most important things she learned through the program were: "staying active is fun, we should feel good about our body, and treat yourself to junk once and a while!".

The Go Girls! program is designed to encourage physical activity participation, healthy eating choices, and the development of a positive self-image. Our volunteers have been instrumental in the success of the program this year. They often go above and beyond by creating additional activities, and planning "out of the ordinary" last session celebrations. At Hopewell, the volunteers had a party on the last day, which included: tiaras, feathered pinks boas, and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. At Hawthorne, the volunteers designed a gingerbread "workshop" where each child decorated and took home their own gingerbread house. At Notre Dame, the students actually threw a surprise party for their mentors (and even blindfolded them on their way into the room). It is the extra time and effort given by our volunteers that makes this program so successful.