A workout with girlFriends of Children's Healthcare. . . such a fun Sunday afternoon!
On Sunday I was asked to provide a workout for a group of teenage girls. I knew the girls were members of a group supporting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta called girlFriends, but I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into. Leading a group of teenagers in a workout class can be a little daunting. You just never know how they might react. I can often imagine looking out to some hands on hips, crossed arms and eye rolling. On top of that being the mother of three boys I often wonder how I come across to girls. Well, let me tell you, I had THE best time with these girls! They smiled, laughed at my corny jokes, and stayed with me the entire time. Together we jumping jacked, squatted, mountain climbed, sweated, planked, moved and ended with a good stretch. I did get a few good natured "oh nos" and whining but they definitely brightened my day. I'm not sure when they showed up for their Sunday afternoon volunteer meeting they knew they would actually do a bootcamp workout but we had a great time with it.
I was a little embarrassed I didn't know more about girlFriends. (I guess that might be since I'm a Boy Mom). I, of course, know about the wonderful services of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I have been there as one or more of my boys has been the recipient of their wonderful care and treatment. If you live in the Atlanta area, or even in the state of Georgia, you are likely familiar with the wonderful reputation of this children's hospital. Hopefully, you haven't had to spend too much time there . . . .
If you are like me and not familiar with this group, here is what I have learned and want to share with you.
GirlFriends is a volunteer group of ninth to twelfth grade high school girls that work to fundraise throughout the school year to help support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The girls come from various high schools in the Atlanta area and are chosen based on an application and interview process. These girls show their support through their membership, volunteer opportunities and events and projects at or away from the hospital. If you check out the website here you will see that some of the projects these girls are involved in are girlFriends' Battle of the Bands; Children's Christmas Parade, Miracle Marathon and the Mailbox Brigade.
The group has meetings throughout the year with speakers, events and projects. This Sunday we heard the amazing story of a high school senior tennis player that had undergone two extremely invasive back surgeries. She spoke about her surgeries, recovery and the care from Children's Healthcare. She was a huge inspiration and had a great story of overcoming serious odds with the help from Children's Healthcare.
I so appreciated the opportunity to meet these girls, exercise with them and learn from them. I am impressed with their spirit, volunteerism and giving of their weekend time. Check girlFriends on the website above to learn more!
And I even got one of the cool neon orange girlFriends t-shirts to wear!
How was your weekend? Your Sunday? Don't you just love it when those teenagers laugh at your jokes? Or at least pretend that you are not so embarrassing . . . .
Hope you are having some fun this week!
If you are like me and not familiar with this group, here is what I have learned and want to share with you.
GirlFriends is a volunteer group of ninth to twelfth grade high school girls that work to fundraise throughout the school year to help support Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The girls come from various high schools in the Atlanta area and are chosen based on an application and interview process. These girls show their support through their membership, volunteer opportunities and events and projects at or away from the hospital. If you check out the website here you will see that some of the projects these girls are involved in are girlFriends' Battle of the Bands; Children's Christmas Parade, Miracle Marathon and the Mailbox Brigade.
The group has meetings throughout the year with speakers, events and projects. This Sunday we heard the amazing story of a high school senior tennis player that had undergone two extremely invasive back surgeries. She spoke about her surgeries, recovery and the care from Children's Healthcare. She was a huge inspiration and had a great story of overcoming serious odds with the help from Children's Healthcare.
I so appreciated the opportunity to meet these girls, exercise with them and learn from them. I am impressed with their spirit, volunteerism and giving of their weekend time. Check girlFriends on the website above to learn more!
And I even got one of the cool neon orange girlFriends t-shirts to wear!
How was your weekend? Your Sunday? Don't you just love it when those teenagers laugh at your jokes? Or at least pretend that you are not so embarrassing . . . .
Hope you are having some fun this week!
