New Body Appreciation Program by Girl Scouts and Flamingo to Empower Young Girls
In a world increasingly focused on body image, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has taken a bold step forward. In collaboration with Flamingo, a women's personal care brand, they have introduced a new initiative called the Body Appreciation Program. This program aims to empower girls to appreciate their bodies not based on societal standards of beauty, but rather for their incredible capabilities.
Recent research conducted by GSUSA sheds light on the damaging pressures young girls face when it comes to body image. Alarmingly, more than a third of girls aged 5 to 13 report hearing negative messages about body image from women in their lives. While a significant 96% express they like their appearances, approximately 37% still harbor desires to change something about how they look. This figure rises to 50% amongst girls aged 11 to 13, underlining the urgent need for a cultural shift.
The Body Appreciation Program is designed around the premise that girls should gain self-esteem by recognizing the functions their bodies perform rather than how they appear. The program was co-developed with expert advisors from various mental health and youth development organizations, ensuring it addresses the core aspects of body image and self-worth.
Included in the program is a badge curriculum that encourages girls from kindergarten to 12th grade to explore and appreciate the various functions of their bodies. Activities are crafted to be engaging and age-appropriate, allowing girls to build confidence through physical activities such as dancing, running, and creative expression. Importantly, the program emphasizes the celebration of individuality, helping girls see the beauty in their unique traits.
Bonnie Barczykowski, the CEO of GSUSA, articulated the critical need for such an initiative. "If we want girls to move through life with purpose and joy, we have to invest in their confidence—how they think and feel about themselves," she stated. The collaboration with Flamingo, which provided over $1 million in funding, aims to ensure accessibility and sustainability of the program.
The findings from GSUSA's research reveal multiple areas of concern regarding how girls perceive body image. Girls ages 5 to 7 hear the most comments about their appearance rather than their abilities. Interestingly, while younger girls reported receiving more compliments about their looks, older girls shift towards a preference for being recognized for their intelligence and creativity. In fact, when asked how they wish to be described, most girls cited "smart," with others preferring "funny" and "creative". This illustrates a noteworthy evolution in their understanding of self-worth as they grow.
Moreover, girls report being highly attuned to negative self-talk they hear, often from women around them. The issue escalates with age, revealing that 52% of girls aged 8 to 10 and 41% of girls aged 11 to 13 often hear negative comments related to their appearance. This alarming trend demonstrates the significance of addressing body image in a way that encourages positivity and empowerment.
Flamingo’s VP, Vikki Williams Cornwall, echoed the mission behind the collaborative effort: "At Flamingo, we believe self-care goes beyond products—it's about showing up for yourself with confidence and compassion." The partnership with GSUSA emphasizes the importance of supporting girls during a crucial and formative period in their lives.
Through the Body Appreciation Program, the Girl Scouts and Flamingo provide more than just a badge; they foster a foundation of confidence, self-respect, and compassion for lifetime well-being. By transforming how young girls think about their bodies, this initiative is a vital step towards fostering a healthier, more accepting future.
For more information, visit the Girl Scouts website at girlscouts.org/bodyappreciation. The introduction of this program comes as a heartening response to the growing conversation around body image among young girls and highlights the importance of teaching them to value their bodies for all they can do rather than how they look.
Recent research conducted by GSUSA sheds light on the damaging pressures young girls face when it comes to body image. Alarmingly, more than a third of girls aged 5 to 13 report hearing negative messages about body image from women in their lives. While a significant 96% express they like their appearances, approximately 37% still harbor desires to change something about how they look. This figure rises to 50% amongst girls aged 11 to 13, underlining the urgent need for a cultural shift.
The Body Appreciation Program is designed around the premise that girls should gain self-esteem by recognizing the functions their bodies perform rather than how they appear. The program was co-developed with expert advisors from various mental health and youth development organizations, ensuring it addresses the core aspects of body image and self-worth.
Included in the program is a badge curriculum that encourages girls from kindergarten to 12th grade to explore and appreciate the various functions of their bodies. Activities are crafted to be engaging and age-appropriate, allowing girls to build confidence through physical activities such as dancing, running, and creative expression. Importantly, the program emphasizes the celebration of individuality, helping girls see the beauty in their unique traits.
Bonnie Barczykowski, the CEO of GSUSA, articulated the critical need for such an initiative. "If we want girls to move through life with purpose and joy, we have to invest in their confidence—how they think and feel about themselves," she stated. The collaboration with Flamingo, which provided over $1 million in funding, aims to ensure accessibility and sustainability of the program.
The findings from GSUSA's research reveal multiple areas of concern regarding how girls perceive body image. Girls ages 5 to 7 hear the most comments about their appearance rather than their abilities. Interestingly, while younger girls reported receiving more compliments about their looks, older girls shift towards a preference for being recognized for their intelligence and creativity. In fact, when asked how they wish to be described, most girls cited "smart," with others preferring "funny" and "creative". This illustrates a noteworthy evolution in their understanding of self-worth as they grow.
Moreover, girls report being highly attuned to negative self-talk they hear, often from women around them. The issue escalates with age, revealing that 52% of girls aged 8 to 10 and 41% of girls aged 11 to 13 often hear negative comments related to their appearance. This alarming trend demonstrates the significance of addressing body image in a way that encourages positivity and empowerment.
Flamingo’s VP, Vikki Williams Cornwall, echoed the mission behind the collaborative effort: "At Flamingo, we believe self-care goes beyond products—it's about showing up for yourself with confidence and compassion." The partnership with GSUSA emphasizes the importance of supporting girls during a crucial and formative period in their lives.
Through the Body Appreciation Program, the Girl Scouts and Flamingo provide more than just a badge; they foster a foundation of confidence, self-respect, and compassion for lifetime well-being. By transforming how young girls think about their bodies, this initiative is a vital step towards fostering a healthier, more accepting future.
For more information, visit the Girl Scouts website at girlscouts.org/bodyappreciation. The introduction of this program comes as a heartening response to the growing conversation around body image among young girls and highlights the importance of teaching them to value their bodies for all they can do rather than how they look.
Topics People & Culture）
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