Strong, Smart, and Bold: Inside Our Largest Girls Inc. Summer Camp Ever

Girls Inc. 2026 Summer Camp returned to Margaret Allen Middle School for three weeks in July. More than 100 girls who ranged in age from 7 -13 years old were supported by YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee staff and Counselors in Training volunteers (ages 14 and 15) who aged out of the Girls Inc. Summer Camp but returned to support the younger girls.

This summer, we proudly welcomed 106 girls to our three-week Summer Camp-the largest enrollment in our organization's history. Through our Strong, Smart, and Bold curriculum, girls participated in engaging lessons and hands-on experiences that strengthened their confidence, leadership, and life skills while creating lasting friendships.

During lesson time, campers explored topics such as identity, healthy relationships, resilience, bullying prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Girls created identity maps to celebrate who they are, pinpointed and took steps toward facing fears and challenges, and developed their own business ideas and products to sell at our Girls Inc. Marketplace Family Engagement Event, where they practiced teamwork, budgeting, marketing, and public speaking.

Campers also enjoyed enriching experiences beyond the classroom, including a field trip to the Nashville Zoo, boxing sessions at Counter Punch Youth Academy, STEM activities, sports, wellness programming, and creative arts.

Our campers benefited from the expertise and generosity of outstanding community partners, including the American Heart Association, Lipscomb Engineering, Metro Nashville City Council & Mayor's Office, DPR Construction, Empire Beauty School, Girls Inc. Advisory Council, Girls Inc. Alumni, The Contributor, Tennessee Titans, Harmony Wildlife Rescue, and Abbie's Safe Home. These partners introduced girls to careers, civic engagement, health and wellness, skilled trades, leadership, wildlife conservation, and personal safety, expanding their understanding of future opportunities.

Creative enrichment for Strong and Bold weeks was provided by Cheer Hive Nashville, Fine Arts Matter (guitar and baton), Ambiance by Lovie (floral design), Turnip Green Creative Reuse, Voces de Nashville, and The Porch, giving girls opportunities to discover new talents, express themselves, and build confidence through the arts.

Because of the support of our donors and community partners, 106 girls experienced a summer filled with learning, exploration, and growth. They left camp with stronger leadership skills, increased self-confidence, new friendships, exposure to college and career pathways, and the courage to dream bigger about their futures. This record-breaking summer demonstrated the power of investing in girls and the impact that strong community partnerships can have on their success.