Well, this year’s retreat was amazing! We had 35 awesome girls who participated and 6 adults and 4 former GEMS to help us out. Some highlights from this year include Officer Shauna McCann from the South Euclid police department teaching all of us how to be safe and strong women. She taught us some great self-defense moves and offered up good advice for tough situations. Also, while the girls were making each other friendship bracelets, 2 of our former GEMS led them in several great discussions about relational aggression and what is going on in our school. The candle pass ceremony was my favorite part of the night. It is always a touching experience for me to hear our GEMS girls open up to the entire group and thank their friends for being there for them as well as offer apologies to those they have hurt in the past.

I think the most important thing for all of us to remember about the entire experience is that for one night and part of a day all of us came together to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We teamed up and had fun with people who may not be our best friends, but who know what it means to be a GEMS girl. And for that, I am always honored to be a small part of this GEMS experience!

Good luck to you, Therese as you move on to high school! We were so happy to have you at the retreat with us.