Grow Strong Program
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Empowering Local Girls to Make Smart and Healthy Living Choices
Childhood obesity rates are on the rise. Studies indicate that girls who are overweight as teens or pre-teens are far more likely to be obese as adults, a situation that contributes to chronic health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and asthma.
In developing a program in 2007 to reduce childhood obesity by teaching girls the importance of practicing healthy eating and exercise habits, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital’s (GSCNC) partnered with CareFirst to develop Grow Strong. Targeting girls from low-income, minority populations, the program seeks to educate and empower girls to make smart and healthy living choices.
Girls participate in Grow Strong activities while attending camps, during Girl Scout Troop meetings or special events. After completing the program, participants receive a CareFirst Grow Strong patch to wear on their Girl Scout sash or vest. The Grow Strong curriculum addresses a variety of critical topics, including:
- Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits
- Physical Exercise
- Self-Esteem
- Emotional Health
- Risks associated with negative behaviors, such as eating disorders, substance abuse and tobacco use
Since its inception, GSCNC has delivered the CareFirst Grow Strong program to 15,000 local girls annually – 28 percent higher than originally expected. More than 70 percent of participants were from low-income families or represent a racial or minority group. With help from a recent $175,000 CareFirst grant, GSCNC is expanding the program to reach another 6,000 girls annually.
By offering quality programs like Grow Strong, the GSCNC and CareFirst are empowering young girls to be knowledgeable about nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits that will influence their emotional and physical health, now and in the future.