We are part of The Trust Project.
The Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester are changing up their charm course for girls. The class is transforming from teaching manners and party planning to tackling the anxieties faced by girls.
The program is called Girls Becoming Women: Honoring the Path and will take place at Assisi Heights at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 14. The event costs $30, and registration is due by Aug. 7. Registration can be done on the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester's website , rochesterfranciscan.org
The past four years, the sisters have hosted events aimed at educating girls ages 11 though 14 about etiquette and social boundaries. This year, the event will not cover party planning and formal table setting, but social media skills and how to cope with insecurities, according to program coordinator, Sister Marlys Jax.
The change was made based on feedback from parents, who expressed the challenges their children were facing in their daily lives.
"They are sometimes dealing with anxiety and worries that are real or aren't, and sometimes that can make them not feel good about themselves," Jax said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some roots of anxiety that will be addressed at the event include recognizing your inner critic and dealing with failure.
Local professionals will be leading interactive activities to address anxiety, safe social media use and bullying.
"Bullying between girls can be more subtle," Jax said. "With boys it is more overt."
This year's program is also one evening instead of two, and will be fast-paced and include interactive activities.
"They won't be learning by sitting and looking at a piece of paper," Jax said.
The event was created to provide a place for girls to become "gentle, kind, good and patient young women," according to Jax.
