Part 2 – Interview with Pat Chacha, president and founder of Girls of Destiny

MN: What will the girls learn at Camp?

PC: There will be several exciting workshops:

• Decision Making –Leadership

Making the correct or incorrect decision can affect ones future. Girls will create a vision and articulate their values while respecting that others may have different values.

• Nutrition /Fitness

Morning fitness and nutrition workshop facilitated by Mississauga Family Fitness and taught by a personal trainer.

• Body Image/Fashion-sewing

Girls learn how to fit personal garments and to identify body type and shape. Girls create their swag, by turning old T-Shirts and skirts into new creations!

• Hair Care/ Nail care

Which hot tools do I use, flat iron or curling iron? Is my conditioner or shampoo right for my hair type? Learn the secret to hair styling. Find out which hairstyle most flatters the shape of your face and learn how to keep your hair healthy.

Campers learn how to keep their nails in tiptop condition.

• Table Etiquette

Whether at home, a party, a friend’s house or at an elegant restaurant, proper dining etiquette is essential for all young women. Campers learn the proper table etiquette and enjoy “high tea” at the end of the workshop.

• Bollywood /Latin/Worship dance

Workshop where campers receive basic instruction in Bollywood, Latin or Worship dance. The girls are having fun while working out and burning calories.

• Modeling

Girls learn to walk with confidence and style

• Outer Beauty (make-up)

Girls learn age appropriate make-up tips from a professional make-up artist and practice on each other.

Learn the latest trends in make-up and which colors work best for you. Girls design a face chart of their special look.

• Cooking (trip to Loblaw’s cooking school)

Talented instructors teach the girls how to prepare a three course meal with some of your favourite foods.

•  Crafts

Fun and enjoyable craft classes and workshops

MN: Is there a cost?

PC: The cost to attend is $175 /week includes;

• healthy lunch and snacks each day
• $10 towards camper’s graduation banquet ticket.
• Camp T shirt

EARLY REGISTRATION SAVINGS:

Camp fee, $155 (before July 28^th)

MN: What is your ambition for these girls in doing this annually?

PC:  The girls come away from camp as confident, goal-oriented young women who are aware of the beauty that radiates from within and are equipped to make positive decisions. They are equipped with social skills, healthy living, self-confidence and spirituality. We want to give the girls advantages their peers may miss. This five-day experience answers in some way our culture’s lack of real mentorship at a time in life when young women need affirmation, direction, and to see themselves as God sees them.

Our motto is: “Shine like stars in the universe” Philippians 2:15

MN: Who are the faculty this year?

PC: We are pleased to have:

• Lateesha Roberts – Toronto model (Former Girls of Destiny participants)
• Michelle Sutterland- (Author and poet)
• Aisha Chacha (Chacha Cosmetics)
• Jenita Thakore ( Bollywood dance teacher)
• Sharon Wickham (Celest designs)
• Suzette Baaker ( R& B Creations)
• Johanne Robertson (Maranatha News)
• Lorraine Regisford (Joy 1250 Life Matters)
• Glendora Blake (Georgeous Bloom)
• Yvonne Morrison (Timeless Designs)
• Professor Pat Chacha (founder Girls of Destiny)
• Latin dance (Lisa of  Let’s dance Studio)

MN: Is there any consideration to those looking at attending this camp?

PC: We have limited sponsorship funds donated, however we may be able to sponsor a few girls on a sliding scale

MN: Is this an overnight camp?

PC: NO, this is a day camp only. There will be supervision for girls arriving 1/2 hour before camp and leaving ½ hour after camp.

MN: Pat, can you share with us stories from former attendees?

PC: One of our campers lost her mother due to suicide. She was a dancer and the tragic death of her mother caused her to go into depression. The young  woman vowed that she would never dance again. At the night of the graduation banquet, her guardian thanked Girls of Destiny for giving back the young   woman something to smile, dance and be enthusiastic about.

• “Girls of Destiny” Chris –Ann Manning  • Winner of the Lincoln Alexander Human Rights Award and nine scholarships. 4th year York University student. She says:”Girls of Destiny camp helped me to become a leader so that I could teach others how to be leaders”

• Upcoming Toronto model, Lateesha Roberts attended Girls of Destiny camp for three years. The modeling workshop inspired her in her chosen career.

• I received a call 4 months ago from a father whose daughter is now 21 years old, thanking Girls of Destiny for the camps positive influence on his daughter during her teenage years.

MN: What type of girls are you strategically promoting this camp towards?

PC: Issues such as self- esteem pertains to ALL girls. This camp is for girls in the community both Christian, other religions and those who do not attend church. We want girls from all religion, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. We collaborate with Peel Children’s Aid Society, for girls in foster care. We have had Christians, Muslims, Hindus and girls with no religious affiliation attending camp together.

MN: Pat, is there any additional information you’d like to let our readers know?

PC: We will be having a Graduation Banquet and Fashion Show Gala on Sunday, August 19 at 6:00 pm.

All are welcomed! You may want to come and enjoy an evening of food and entertainment.

Location: Maple Banquet Hall, Mississauga, ON.

Campers:  $25

Guests: Age 3-10 years $25

Age 11 years – Adults   $35

We are currently looking for financial sponsors and for gift donations for the girls and their moms.

Volunteers 18 years or older with police clearance are welcomed to assist at camp or gala.

Our program does not end when camp ends. We also do academic, personal development and life skills workshop though the year and in the Spring we have a mother & daughter spa day.

I am so excited about this upcoming summer camp and I hope that you are too! Come join us, have the time of your life as you build self-esteem and celebrate your own uniqueness. Become a part of our Girls of Destiny Camp family and shine like stars in the universe.

Parents can contact Girls of Destiny office at: 416-891-8314 or email: girlsofdestiny1@gmail.com. They can also visit the Girls of Destiny website, www.girlsofdestiny.com.

(Photos by: Girls of Destiny)