Published: September 04, 2008 11:13 pm      

Real Girls

Third conference focuses on attitudes, values

The third Real Girls conference will be held Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Place, behind United Methodist Temple in Beckley. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The day is filled with fun, fellowship, a fashion show and workshops in which girls deal with issues about relationships, self-esteem, attitudes and behaviors.

“Our goal is to help girls realize their true value,” said organizer Kathy Zirckel. “We want them to experience a day that will have a lasting impact on their lives.”

The event is free to all area girls 12 and older.

“Some of the issues we discuss are not really appropriate for girls under 12,” Zirckel said. “We are really targeting the middle school age group.”

The purpose is to reach young women with the message God has a better plan for their lives than what society teaches them, Zirckel said.

“A lot of today’s music, fashion and language devalues women, especially young girls. They don’t have to settle for that,” she said. “We get real in these sessions. We talk about whatever issues the girls are dealing with, and sometimes, that’s not pretty, but we use trained counselors and adults who work with young girls to provide people they can talk to and get some real answers.”

Girls can attend four of six workshops offered.

The day also includes music, drama and a fashion show.

In order to provide the conference, the nonprofit group Solid Rock Ministries needs the community’s help to provide free T-shirts, goody bags and meals and snacks for the day.

“We provide healthy food and snacks, not a day loaded with sugary stuff,” Zirckel said. “We incorporate the need for good nutrition along with our emphasis on developing healthy spiritual attitudes and beliefs.”

Donations of money and food are needed. Groups, churches or organizations can provide box lunches, pizzas, chips, beverages and cookies. Donations of paper products such as cups and plates are also needed.

Cash donations go to provide items for goody bags, T-shirts, visual displays, literature and decorations.

The event has grown each year from 75 to 112. Zirckel said she’s planning for at least 120 girls this year.

“Word has gotten out about the Real Girls conferences we’ve had before, and girls who came have told their friends, so we expect to see this event keep growing,” she said.

Youth pastors, Girl Scout leaders and other organizations who provide wholesome activities for girls are invited to set up informational booths at the event.

“We have a time for girls to browse through these displays and pick up free materials. Representatives from the groups would spend only about a hour’s time setting up and taking down their displays. This is a wonderful way to reach girls who want to participate in activities that will benefit them physically and spiritually,” Zirckel said.

Checks made payable to Solid Rock Ministries can be mailed to P.O. Box 606, Crab Orchard, WV 25827. For more information, contact Cindy at 304-228-6688 or Kathy at 304-712-0996.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com