No doubt everyone is impacted in one way or another by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s not the same for everyone, especially our youth. Experts say girls in their “tween years” are having a difficult time. A local girls’ club however is hoping to help.
“Anxiety, bullying, clicks, depression all the way down to z, zits. So, we know our girls are facing a lot of problems and have a lot of challenges but that’s even increased with the global pandemic.”
Serena Ellens is the GEMS Girls’ Clubs Managing Editor. She says many tween girls, those between the ages of 9 and 12 are having a hard time dealing with the lack of “in person”, social connections GEMS provides. But GEMS, which stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior has now made a quick pivot to address the needs during COVID, thus GEMS on the Go was created.
“And we recognized that our girls were suddenly stuck at home, unable to spend time with their peers, meet with mentors, all of those types of things. So we decided to create GEMS on the GO for those girls to give them a space where they belong. We seek to bring fun, friendship and faith to girls everywhere.”
Ellens says they have a web page and an Instagram page. GEMS is a longtime girls’ ministry that started in Grand Rapids and is known worldwide for connecting and mentoring girls. And now “GEMS On the GO” provides social engagement during the pandemic.
“We recognize that the 9-12 age is very challenging age, they’re very much dependent on their peers. They’re very lonely in this season and missing their friendships. So, with gems on the go, we’re providing all types of activities with crafts, recipes and movement challenges.”
Ellens also says they address the needs of parents during this time. You can find all the information you need for kids and parents for this free resource on their website at gemsgc.org or Instagram at GEMS On The Go.
