My name is Fiona Lacelle. I am 10 years old and in grade 5 at École Rivière Rideau in Kemptville, and I’ve been participating in Girls Inc. programming since I was 7 years old.

I’ve attended STEM and Once Upon a Time summer camps and March break camps. I’ve participated in Girls Inc. activities at Riverside park and Spencerville arena, and I even attended a PA Day camp all the way in Prescott with my cousin during the solar eclipse last spring. I like singing, dancing, acting as part of a theatre club, drawing, jujitsu and playing video games. 

No matter what I am feeling like, Girls Inc. always has something for me to do and it has something for every girl no matter their interests or personality. Girls Inc. is just for girls AND for all girls. Whether you like sports, or art, or science, or writing stories, there is always something for you. 

Some of my favourite memories at Girl Inc. include making outer space glitter jars with my cousin and other girls on the day of the eclipse. And last summer I really had fun with the camp counselors and other girls hanging out, making bracelets, and listening to our favourite songs over and over and over again just for fun! 

The counselors at Girls Inc. are awesome. They really listen to us, engage with us, and enjoy hanging out with us. They take their time planning activities, and I think it’s important for girls to have a space where they feel cared about. I think it’s important to continue supporting Girls Inc. of Upper Canada because it’s essential for girls to have a space to be strong, to be themselves, and say what they think. It’s a great place to connect with old friends and make new ones too. 

At Girls Inc. I learned that everyone is different and we all shine in our own ways. Not everyone is perfect at everything, but everyone is good at something. I’ve learned girls can be leaders too, not just boys. With Girls Inc, girls have a chance to rise up and lead, which is really important. At Girls Inc. I can be smart, strong and bold.