Every session for the Mohawk ladies this summer we have done an evening activity called “The Dove Self-Esteem Workshop”. A few years ago, some staff from camp went to a workshop called “Train the Trainers” that was run by Jessica Weiner (the Global Ambassador for the Dove Campaign). During this workshop we received materials that we would be able to use to run our own workshops for the young ladies here at Matolly. This past Wednesday night we did our self-esteem workshop for 4th session. I usually start off the workshop introducing the Dove Campaign to the girls and explain how and why camp decided to get involved. For most of us who have run these workshops, we believe in the purpose and vision of the campaign and that is why we got involved. After I do the introduction, I then start with some ice breakers. During the evening we discuss what self-esteem is, what influences our self-esteem, who determines our self-esteem, etc.
Our last activity of the evening is always my favorite. It is called the “I Promise” activity and this is where the girls can put on paper a promise they will make to themselves about anything they learned during the workshop. This last workshop we did had me thinking only one thing, I wish I had something like this when I was 13-16 years old. After the girls wrote on paper their promises, I asked if anybody wanted to share theirs with the group. Without giving names, I wanted to share a few with you. These girls continue to inspire me every day with their strength, courage and determination.
“I promise to love myself for who I am. I promise to learn to love my flaws because they are what make me unique. I promise to support anyone who needs a boost in their self confidence. I promise to only change my appearance if it happens naturally, making me healthier (i.e. sports). I promise I will be able to look in the mirror and see how beautiful I am inside and out.” – A Mohawk Matolly camper
“I promise myself that… I won’t be so worried about my weight. I will trust in myself, trust that I’m a good person trust that I can fight the bad things in my life. I also promise that I am myself and not anyone else and I am fine just being me. I promise that I am not going to change myself just because somebody says something bad about me. I am beautiful, a good person and I can do anything”- A Mohawk Matolly camper
“I promise myself that even though things may seem bad they could always get worse. I promise myself that I will realize and what I will realize is that we live in a world of black and white and you’re either pretty or you’re not but I promise to find the grey area in life and that’s self-love.”- A Mohawk Matolly camper
As you can see these ladies have an acceptance that is very rare at such a tender age. It is these girls who will one day change the world. It is these girls who will one day make a difference.
– Jen Ping
Mohawk Village Chief