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Girl Scouts - Indian Hills Council keeps the
names of girls participating in the Thirteenth Moon program
confidential. Here is the story of one participant that we will
refer to as, "Jill". Jill resides in Delaware County. She is 14
years old and is a foster child sponsored through the Harbour
Program. Jill was referred to the Thirteenth Moon program by
Delaware County Department of Social Services and the Mental
Health Association in Walton.
This is the second year that Jill has been a participant in the
13th Moon program and the premise for the 13th Moon program has
shown great results for her.
She was placed with a foster parent due to being sexually abused
by her father, She also had emotional issues and was exhibiting
violent behavior while residing in her biological mother's home.
Jill has suffered from feelings of guilt and responsibility for
the father being removed from her biological mother's home due
to the sexual abuse.
The school counselor had been in contact with the family due to
concerns about Jill's delays in development of peer interaction
skills. It is also noted that Jill had few friends in the past.
According to reports from the referring agency, Jill greatly
benefited from attending camp in 2003 by improving her
socializing skills with peers and having a Chance to participate
in recreational activities in a new setting. She remained in the
program through the year and again attended camp in 2004.
Counselor reports from her attendance at the 2004 camp indicated
that she exhibited independence, an out-going attitude and was
able to build trust and respect for authority figures.
A follow up report was submitted by Jill's foster mother in
regards to her 2004 camp experience. The foster mother noted
that she wanted Jill to attend this past summer to learn "how to
get along in a group with girls her own age" and to have an
opportunity to be "away from being a Harbour Foster Child." The
foster mother noted that while at camp, Jill learned "to be a
part of a group, to be accepted, social skills and to get along
with others."
Jill herself indicated that one of her most memorable
experiences at camp was "the opportunity to be with other girls.
She was also very happy to have the chance to learn new things
and be around the horses at the camp.
In conclusion, from reviewing the reports from the camp
counselors, the foster mother, the referring agency and from
Jill, this program has played an important role in her life as
she continues to recover from her previous life experiences. |
