Salisbury, MD — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) successfully hosted its Girls’ Empowerment Adventure, bringing together girls ages 5-17 for a day of outdoor exploration, personal growth, and connection at the Salisbury Camping and Adventure Park. This exciting event was held on a beautiful spring day, participants enjoyed nature while building confidence, resilience, and community. Girls challenged themselves on the self-guided Tree Tops Ropes Course, enjoyed outdoor activities, and embraced new experiences in a supportive environment designed to celebrate the strength and potential of girls.
Throughout the day, participants shared stories of hope, courage, and compassion and had the chance to create resilience jewelry and engaged in meaningful conversations about the power of supporting one another. Everyone enjoyed a cookout, s’mores, and other delicious desserts, giving everyone an opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate the day together.
“The transformation we witnessed throughout the day perfectly captures the heart of our Girls’ Empowerment Campaign,” said Jessica Mimms, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore. “Girls who arrived as strangers left as friends and each other’s greatest encouragers. To hear them cheering each other on with shouts of ‘You got this!’ and ‘Slay girl!’ is exactly why we create these spaces. It’s about building a powerful community of resilience where girls lift each other up, step out of their comfort zones, and realize exactly how capable they truly are.” “Seeing the immediate impact of this adventure on the girls’ self-worth was incredibly rewarding,” added Heather Rieken, Program Lead at BBBSES. “One of our younger participants shared that she felt so much stronger and more confident just knowing she was able to complete the zipline and ropes course. Even a girl who struggled and needed assistance to finish immediately said she wanted to try it again. That grit and determination combined with the mutual support they showed is what true empowerment looks like.”
The Girls’ Empowerment Adventure is part of BBBSES’s broader Girls’ Empowerment Campaign, an initiative designed to provide encouragement, resources, and positive role models for girls. In addition to hosting empowerment-focused events, the campaign connects girls with local resources and features inspirational YouTube (youtube.com/@BBBSES) and TikTok (@esbigs) content created by BBBSES staff and volunteers. These videos highlight topics such as confidence, resilience, leadership, self-worth, healthy relationships, and overcoming challenges, helping young women access support and encouragement wherever they are.
This memorable experience was made possible through the generous support of the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Salisbury Camping and Adventure Park, Sweet Frog, the Grocery Outlet, and Backstreet Grill. The event was a success thanks to many volunteers whose dedication their time.
For more information about the Girls’ Empowerment Campaign, mentoring opportunities, or ways to support local youth, contact 410-543-2447 or visit shorebiglittle.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore provides enrichment and mentoring that help young people build confidence, connection, and a stronger future because every child deserves someone who will be there for them.
