Youth Teen Services
Girlz Zone
YWCA of Kaua`i’s Girlz Zone offers programs designed to develop and strengthen confidence, courage,
strength and communication skills in girls from the ages of 9-15. Research has shown that this is a
key risk period for girls, who face major transitions such as advancing from elementary school to
middle school and high school, and changes in physical development. Our vision is to enhance
their abilities during this crucial time so they are able to take full advantage of their talents,
academic interests, career pursuits, and potential for healthy relationships, as well as remaining
free from drug and alcohol abuse.
Girlz Zone is tailored to meet the unique challenges girls face today, and offers fun and interactive
teaching methods such as role playing, cooperative learning, games, small group activities and
group discussions. Staff members help girls establish self-confidence and instill values that will
help them live healthy successful lives through:
- education on harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
- activities to help families strengthen their bonds
- involvement of parents in the lives of their children
- opportunities for positive peer relationships, social development and competence
- activities that increase attachment to community and strengthen bonds with adults
Girlz Zone consists of three different, complementary, components where girls are free to express
themselves in a safe and nurturing environment: Girlz Live, Girlz Unplugged and Girl Dayz. Girls
may choose to participate in any or all of the components.
Girlz Live
This eight-week after-school program held at various schools around Kaua`i is designed to provide
a fun and active learning environment that teaches critical life skills using a peer-teaching approach.
Girls, peers, and adult program leader meet twice weekly to focus on topics that increase self-esteem,
enhance parent-youth communication, and motivate girls to be physically active and develop resistance
skills. This youth-led approach to healthier lifestyles uses a variety of methods to accommodate the
different learning styles of girls.
Girlz Unplugged
This one-day workshop is offered to girls and their mothers or other adult role model to encourage preteen
and early teenage girls to discuss various the topics that are important to them with the adults who matter
the most. Our goal with Girlz Unplugged is to strengthen and clarify family expectations for behavior,
promote family bonding, and teach skills to parents and girls to successfully so that they can meet the
expectations of their family and resist drug use.
Girlz Unplugged includes an activity and/or community service project to increase the time that the parent
and child spend together and further promote family bonding. Research has shown that positive parental
involvement is an important protective factor that increases school success and buffers children against
later problems such as substance abuse, violence, and risky sexual behaviors.
Girl Dayz
This five-day residential camp at beautiful
Camp Sloggett
offers girls a chance to participate in activities that are creative, fun and encourage physical activity,
communication, teamwork, responsibility and healthy relationships. It is designed to foster self-esteem,
help girls maintain authentic connection with peers and adult women in their community, counter trends
toward self-doubt, and allow for self-expression through verbal sharing and creative activity. The goal
is for each camper to leave camp at the end of their stay with new skills, new friends and knowledge
necessary for a drug-free life. Staff and girls talk about issues such as being a girl, relationships,
body image, goal setting, sexuality, substance abuse, economic literacy, competition and assertiveness
skills. Special guests share their expertise in different activities.
Girl Dayz is offered five times per year. The fee for Girl Dayz is $200 per girl, which includes lodging,
meals and snacks, activities and transportation. Scholarships are available by calling (808) 245-9533.
For more information please call (808) 245-9533 or send an email request here: