|
[ Community Outreach ] [ Creative Options ] [ Help Me Grow ] [ JET Program ] [ SMARTT Program ] [ Teen Pregnancy Prevention ] [ Youth Commission ]
Guernsey County Youth Commission SMARTT Program
The SMARTT Program (Supplying Mentoring of At-Risk Teens to Tots) of the GCYC is
a brand new program formed and modeled after the former Big Brothers Big Sisters
agency in Guernsey County.
The program focuses on group and peer mentoring for
at-risk youth throughout Guernsey County. Programming is now being researched
and drafted with a hopeful roll-out date of January 2005.
The new SMARTT Program will allow for greater flexibility in what services and
programs can be offered to the youth of the county, with the ability to mold the
program on the suggestions of the youth and volunteers that are involved.
The Girls Circle model, a structured support group for girls from 9-18
years, integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training
in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and
collective strengths, and competence in girls. It aims to counteract social and
interpersonal forces that impede girls’ growth and development by promoting an
emotionally safe setting and structure within which girls can develop caring
relationships and use authentic voices. Girls Circle Format
The Girls Circle Activity Guides are designed to help you, as a facilitator, set
a safe, creative environment and provide weeks of age-appropriate themes and
activities.
Girls Circles are most often held weekly for 1 1/2 to two hours. Each week as
the facilitator, you lead your group of girls through a format that includes
each girl taking turns talking and listening to one another respectfully about
their concerns and interests. The girls express themselves further through
creative or focused activities such as role playing, drama, journalling, poetry,
drama, dance, drawing, collage, clay, and so on. Gender specific themes and
topics are introduced which relate to the girls’ lives, such as being a girl,
trusting ourselves, friendships, body image, goals, sexuality, drugs, alcohol,
tobacco, competition, and decision-making.
Giving Voice to Feelings
When girls voice their ideas and opinions in a safe environment, it strengthens
their confidence and self-esteem and encourages them to express themselves more
fully and critically think through their behavior and choices. By examining
cultural expectations in a safe and supportive setting, girls gain greater
awareness of their options and strengthen their ability to make choices that are
consistent with their values, interests, and talents.
For more information go to the "Choosing the Best" website:
http://www.girlscircle.com
If you have any interest in volunteering or having your child involved with the
SMARTT Program, please call 432-6815, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.
Contact Us:
Guernsey County Youth Commission
756 Wheeling Avenue,
Cambridge, OH 43725
Phone (740) 432-6815 Fax (740) 439-5521 | 
