Wellbeing Wonderland
Talk It Out’s School Holiday Workshop for 10yo to 13yo girls – Wellbeing Wonderland
During the July school holidays, the Talk It Out program based in Swan, facilitated a two day workshop for a group of fifteen girls aged between 10 to 13 years. The aim of this free workshop was to provide an opportunity for the girls to build friendships and develop their social skills; to encourage hopeful and positive thinking about their futures; to experience different mindfulness and relaxation techniques including yoga and meditation; and for the girls to develop a sense of their self-worth and their value.
On day one during the first holiday week, the girls impressed us with their thoughtful and creative building of individual vision boards. They all participated really well in the simple yoga stretching exercises and the two meditations – one mediation being purely for relaxation of the body and the other with a focus on the benefit of mindfulness. During the afternoon the girls watched a movie that inspired discussion about resilience, building confidence and overcoming obstacles.
They left after day one in high spirits, expressing their positive anticipation of returning to the group activities the following week.
On the girls’ arrival on day two, it was apparent that any shyness or hesitation that may have been present when arriving for day one, had been replaced by a sense of feeling accepted and connected to each other in the group. The girls again amazed us with their creativity working with clay to produce their individual imaginary ‘Wonder Creatures’. After this, the girls excitedly set off to the Empowered Centre to participate in an Aerial Yoga session conducted by one of the yoga teachers from the Centre. Without exception, the girls reported having had a wonderful time experiencing this activity. The remainder of the day was spent firstly in a reflective activity designed to encourage the girls to identify and acknowledge each other’s strengths, followed by a hand and nails pampering session including an introduction to hand reflexology.
We were happy to note that prior to leaving some of the girls exchanged their contact details, hoping to continue their new friendships. The girls had all expressed their enjoyment of the two days.
As a follow up activity, a “special” afternoon tea was held two weeks later after school. It was lovely to see how the girls were so keen to see each other again. After much fun…and a lot of messiness…the girls had the pleasure of eating (or putting aside to take home) the cup cakes they had decorated.
If you or someone you know maybe interested in participating in any of the Talk It Out workshops please contact info@talkitout.org.au