BIO Teens
Since 2013, BIO Girls has served girls grades 2-6 with our proven programming. However, we know the self-esteem crisis doesn’t end at grade 6.
In 2022, BIO Teens was introduced. Different from our 2nd-6th grade program, BIO Teens was formulated for 6th-11th grade; focusing on relevant topics, the BIO Teens program combines interactive lessons, group discussions, group activities, skill-development activities, and hands-on projects like the creation of a personal vision boards. The program also incorporates mindfulness in the form of meditation, art, and yoga.
View our FAQ for this new program.
Program Modules
01.
Unconditional Love
The Body Image Module
Body image issues in teen girls are prevalent. 53% of middle school and 58% of high school girls in North Dakota report currently trying to lose weight. Body esteem plays a critical role in self-esteem and both physical and mental wellness.
In this module, participants use critical thinking, hands-on learning, and skill application to assess body ideals and norms, discuss peer and family influence on body esteem, and evaluate the reality of media while working towards acceptance of their body. Participants learn to appreciate body diversity and understand that there can be health at every size.
03.
Connection
The Relationships Module
In a world where people are more ‘connected’ than ever, teen girls are experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation as well as engaging in unhealthy friendships and dating relationships at alarming rates. In North Dakota, 45% of middle school and 17% of high school girls report being bullied at school, while 39% of middle school and 17% of high school report being electronically bullied. 33% of teen girls feel controlled by their significant other, and 14% have experienced sexual violence.
In this module, participants explore common themes in relationships, including changing family dynamics during adolescence, and build skills for dealing with loneliness, drama with friends, and social media. They will work towards understanding the importance of boundaries, in both friendships and dating relationships. Participants learn and practice effective communication strategies in their relationships.
02.
Worthy
The Mental Health Module
The dire state of the mental health of our youth has come to light post-pandemic. In North Dakota, 1 in 3 teen girls state that their mental health is not good, and nearly 50% feel sad or hopeless almost every day.
In this module, participants will use self-reflection, skill-building activities, and group discussion to understand how stress impacts their lives. In addition, they will identify sources of anxiety or feelings of worthlessness while using self-compassion to take care of their minds and bodies. Participants learn to identify and work through these feelings.
04.
Confidence
The Self-Confidence Module
Between the ages of 8 and 14, girls’ confidence levels drop by 30%. More than half of teen girls feel pressure to be “perfect,” and 75% of girls worry about failing. The approach in this module will be on empowerment.
In this module, participants will learn to be brave and take healthy risks, accept imperfections and failures, and diminish self-doubt. Participants will create their own framework to develop their self-confidence and practice the skills necessary to stand up for themselves.
05.
Faith
Coming Soon
As teens navigate social, academic, relationship, and athletic pressures, a relationship with God can be a source of strength and peace. This module will be offered as three separate retreats with the goal of helping participants explore their faith and how to incorporate it into their daily lives.
“The BIO Teens program is amazing, and the work you have done to create an activity and sessions with relevant information is so wonderful. These tools that they have received will help them thrive and grow, and help them develop into strong, self-assured individuals. Equipping them with skills will help them be more resilient.”
– BIO Teens Participant Parent
Program Facilitators
We are proactively looking to partner with mental health professionals in communities across ND, MN, IA, SD, and WI to facilitate BIO Teens. View the facilitator requirements and complete the interest form, here:
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