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Aug 29

Thompson, ND, BIO Girls encourages girls to be who they are – Grand Forks Herald

Exercise Programs Comments Off on Thompson, ND, BIO Girls encourages girls to be who they are – Grand Forks Herald

But the Thompson BIO Girls, who range in age from second- to sixth-graders, just as quickly determine the point being made by Jen Starcevic that they are valuable to God and that He has counted every hair on their heads.

He has taken time to count the hairs, not because Hes bored, but because He cares so much about you, Starcevic told the girls. God is telling you that you are worth more than all of the money in your parents' bank account, more than your clothes you wear, more than your iPad, iPhone."

The love of God isnt swayed by changes in the girls' physical appearances, Starcevic told them, demonstrating how a $100 bill maintains its value despite being crumpled and torn into pieces.

Encouraging girls to have self-worth is the aim of BIO Girls, a program that teaches them how to combat societal pressure, handle stress and be kind to one another. BIO stands for "beautiful inside and out." This is the second year Thompson has had the program, which combines life-skills lessons with Christian, non-denominational devotions, small group mentoring and non-competitive physical activities.

Missy Heilman, a UND alumna who ran track at the university, founded BIO Girls seven years ago when she started noticing the pressure social media created for her daughters The all-inclusive, non-competitive program now is used in five states, including North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.

Starcevic, a Grand Forks Public Schools elementary teacher and mother of a girl, started the program in Thompson two years ago after she noticed her daughter, Kaja, then a second-grader, already was feeling pressure to act and look certain ways.

Joining BIO Girls helped Kaja be comfortable with who she is.

I like that it tells you you're perfect just the way you are, said Kaja, now a fourth-grader.

Trinity Bohlman, an adult mentor for BIO Girls, called it a "fabulous program that teaches girls to appreciate each others differences.

"I have learned that everyone is unique in their own way and everybody has the voice to stand up for themselves, said Bohlmans daughter, Halle.

Jen Starcevic leads BIO Girls Thompson along with Lindsay George, another Thompson mom and Thompson Public Schools cross country coach. Ten women and two high school girls make up the rest of the team that mentors the 26 Thompson girls in the program.

Teaching the girls about God and the love He has for them is one of the aspects of BIO Girls that Starcevic believes will have the most impact on their lives. Another important part of BIO Girls is that the girls, who are divided into age groups and mentored by an adult, get to know an adult woman they can trust, outside of their family unit, Starcevic said.

The 12-week program, which began in late July, will conclude Sunday, Sept. 20, with the Thompson PTO 5K Color and Fun Run. Running is one of the four non-competitive physical activities that is part of the BIO Girls program. Programs also can choose to do yoga, cross training or camping.

Through her participation in BIO Girls, Halle Bohlman has discovered she enjoys running.

"Running is a very important exercise and keeps you motivated," Halle said.

More information on BIO Girls is available on its web site: http://www.biogirls.org

Link:
Thompson, ND, BIO Girls encourages girls to be who they are - Grand Forks Herald

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