My daughter, Paisley (10 years old), has been participating in programs with Girls Inc. of Upper Canada for the past few years. Each experience that she has had with the group so far has been positive and she’s always eager to participate in new activities when they arise.

As a parent managing a busy household with four young children, I am grateful for how easy it is to communicate with the Girls Inc. team. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to reply to inquiries. I also appreciate how Girls Inc. is inclusive of all girls: not just philosophically, but practically, as well. We’ve not always been able to pay full price for the programming, but accommodations were always made seamlessly and without judgment, allowing for Paisley to participate regardless of our fluctuating financial circumstances.

While on the topic of inclusion, I feel it relevant to mention that Paisley was diagnosed with ASD just last year. Although her functioning is high, she often struggles with social anxiety and gets easily overwhelmed which has narrowed the field of activities that she might otherwise have been a part of. Thankfully, Girls Inc. provides an environment for Paisley that allows her to feel safe and in control and she isn’t impeded from taking things at her own pace when necessary.

I am impressed with the quality and variety of programming that Girls Incorporated offers. Themed days are filled with fun, hands-on activities that explore topics from a number of different angles. I like that Paisley always comes home excited to share what she’s learned and show us what she’s made. And, although the programs may be catered to girls specifically, the subject matter is not overly “girly.” In fact, my two sons are usually quite jealous when Paisley comes home from a Girls Inc. camp and they hear what she’s been up to.

I asked Paisley to tell me what she liked most about Girls Inc. and this is some of what she had to say:

“…both of [the leaders] do an amazing job and I always look forward to seeing them…”

“Sometimes martial arts and yoga are included in the program (I personally don’t like doing these, which is okay because we have the right to pass)…”

“I have made many friends due to the environment that encourages you to make friends…”