Young girls within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County, and in Billings, face a myriad of struggles. Between friendship feuds, personal insecurities, and classroom conflicts, it’s safe to say that navigating all of these challenges takes a toll on a young girl’s mind. Enter Bayleigh, a Program Coordinator who started the Young Warriors Club, which aims to be a safe place for 4th and 5th grade girls to express their feelings, gain confidence using their voice, and gain knowledge and resources for the struggles they may face.
Bayleigh tossed the idea of starting a group with an impactful goal for many years, but it was her transfer to the Lockwood Clubhouse and the help of Kenzie, Lockwood Unit Director, that they were finally able to start Young Warriors. It was a challenge at first, gathering permission slips, researching topics to cover, and of course, gaining the approval of Brian Dennis, President & CEO. By Fall 2022, they had enough support and encouragement to host their first meeting.
An average meeting introduces the topic with a slide show, a fun activity to use the creative side of the brain, and a discussion. The last 5 minutes of the meeting involves journaling. Each member has their own journal where they can reflect on the meeting and the topic, and if they so choose to, they can share their thoughts with the rest of the group. This is where increased confidence in public speaking and using their voice happens. Topics that are covered in Young Warriors vary, based on what needs to be learned and sometimes requested topics. So far, Bayleigh and Kenzie have covered stress and anger management, self love and respect, anxiety and depression, and many others. Once a month, Bayleigh and Kenzie meet with each of the members individually, similar to being a mentor, and just check in on them, see how they are doing, and how they have applied what they have learned.
Bayleigh has high hopes for Young Warriors. She eventually wants to invite guest speakers to discuss bigger topics. For now, she is just hopeful that she is impacting the girls in the best way possible. Ideally, she hopes that someone feels just as inspired as she does to take over Young Warriors when her time at Club ends. There are no current plans for a similar Club for boys, but she is hopeful that someone will be in the right position to start one.
If you would like to support Young Warriors and their goal of supporting young girls through the challenges of life, you can donate any of the following items:
· Deodorant
· Maxi Pads
· Tampons
· Loofas
· Toothbrushes
· Travel Sized Toothpaste
· Travel Sized Bath Products (Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion)
· Cosmetic Bags
· Face Masks
· Bath Bombs
· Nail Polish
· Hairbrush
· Hair ties, hair clips, bobby-pins
· Markers
· Pens
· Pencils
· Journals
