San Diego is one of California's largest cities with a large urban center and natural beauty found in its beaches and parks. There are opportunities for teenage girls to find community through the city's offerings and by participating in activities that build self-esteem and new skills. Teenage girls often feel social pressure and the desire to experiment with identity as they discover the kind of adult they aspire to be. Engaging in meaningful activities can help them through this transitional period.
Making Zines, Creating Art
Girl Zines A Go Go is a grassroots organization based in San Diego that teaches zine-making to teenage girls. A zine is a handmade document, modeled on a traditional magazine, but one that deviates from commercial expectations since it is often sold individually. Girl Zines A Go Go holds workshops in which they teach girls to express inner thoughts through writing and drawing, as well as collage illustration. By participating, girls enjoy the satisfaction of collectively creating a finished document.
Building Character, Building Skills
The Girl Scouts, a national organization, maintains a strong San Diego Imperial Council, which governs the activities of several troops and coordinates citywide activities. This program is open to girls up to age 17. By participating with Girl Scouts, girls earn merit badges for the achievement of specific life skills. They also earn "Try-its" for trying new experiences as well as achieving goals. Through Girl Scouts, girls are challenged with age-specific responsibilities, offered adult mentorship and the chance to try new challenges. An annual summer camp in San Diego offers several tiers of pricing, so every family can send a girl to attend.
Surfing for Strength and Stamina
San Diego's beaches provide a good setting for learning the skill and art of surfing. Health benefits include gaining muscle strength, improving coordination and general flexibility. Allowing girls to learn surfing in a same-sex camp can allow them to feel more comfortable in terms of taking risks and less pressured to impress boys. It also helps them acquire team-building skills. Vans Surf Diva Boarding School, held at the University of California-San Diego campus, shuttles participants to the beach on its well-known pink "Betty Bus."
Running for Endurance, Learning About Health
San Diego offers girls up to age 13 the chance to learn the fundamentals of running alongside healthy eating and exercise habits. Girls on the Run San Diego is a local branch of Girls on the Run International, an organization dedicated to teaching girls self-respect, as well as the skill and love of running while encouraging them to feel empowered through their bodies. Girls train for a 5K run and enjoy the feeling of strength and endurance that completing a race allows.
Gifting Experiences, Gaining Skills
Consider giving a girl the gift of an experience. For example, visit the Experiential Gifts category on Gifts.com, screen for San Diego and teenage girls. Give a teenage girl a private yoga lesson, an intro to jujitsu class or an outdoor rock climbing lesson. Another unusual idea is a flying trapeze class, which can teach both strength and coordination as well as offer a boost of self-confidence in overcoming a new challenge.
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