March 16, 2023 |Education, Girls Inc of Lynn, News, Non-profits, Resources

Girls Inc. of Lynn’s Odyssey After-school program begins

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Girls Inc.’s Odyssey after school program provides academic and social support for girls in grades 6 to 8 throughout the school year, with the overarching theme of embarking on a journey and charting new territory. Odyssey serves girls of diverse backgrounds to build their different strengths, meet their various needs, provide a range of resources and support, and nurture their dreams. We offer a safe, stimulating place that guides them in their development and decision making at this crucial, wonder-full, challenging time in their lives.

The program hours are after school until 6:00pm, Monday-Friday. Odyssey offers three seasonal 10-12 week sessions. The fall session runs from October –December, the winter session runs from January-March and the spring session runs from April-mid June. In meeting the needs and interests of girls, Odyssey offers several components: informal time activities, structured enrichment programming, academic support and mentoring. In addition to these components, regular field trips and special events are held throughout the year, along with bimonthly family nights.

Informal time activities are offered each afternoon in Odyssey as way to help the girls relax and socialize after a busy day in school. They play board games, use computers, talk with each other and staff, listen to music and play the Wii.

Structured enrichment programs are informal educational group programs that meet weekly, offering hands-on, minds-on activities designed to increase knowledge, build skills and positively affect girls’ attitudes. Girls Inc. programming promotes healthy living, academic enrichment/support and life skills. Included in these programs is Operation SMART (Science, Math And Relevant Technology), the Girls Inc. National Identity program that stimulates girls’ interest in science, math and technology.

Academic support includes homework help, access to resources such as the Internet, tutoring and skill building workshops. High school aged peer tutors, volunteers and staff members are available to provide one-on-one tutoring and homework assistance, as needed. The skill building workshops provide opportunities for girls to learn and practice critical skills needed for academic success, such as study and organizational skills (i.e note taking).

The Bold Futures mentoring program uses a group mentoring model which matches one adult mentor with four Odyssey members. The mentor and mentees meet once a week for an hour to participate in a range of recreational and life skill building activities. The specific goals of the middle school mentoring programs are to improve girls’ attitude towards school, increase social skills and help girls feel supported.

Field trips and special events include visits to science and art museums, outdoor adventure activities, such as canoeing, camping, ropes course, mini-golf, roller skating, and celebrations, such as Girls & Women in Sports Day at Salem State University.

Family Nights promote family connectedness as the girls and their families participate in fun activities, including game nights, cooking challenges, talent shows and arts & crafts.

To learn more please contact Liandra Reyes, Middle School Program Manager at lreyes@girlsinclynn.org or 781-592-9744 x230.

The above press release was submitted to us by Girls Inc. of Lynn.