Evolution of one-off programs

The scan gathered up many examples of after-school, weekend and summertime camp programs. Several of their program representatives consulted for our research noted that the participants and their mentors/leaders continue to stay in touch following their experience together, and many have formed girls’ clubs for ongoing socializing
and skill development. Actual Girls, a national program of science, engineering and technology camps is one example of an organization that has expanded its programming from camps to clubs, and aims to reach 6000 eight to 12-year-old girls across the country in 2005 including those who are marginalized and “at risk.” This kind of continuous or ongoing program offering, especially those involving skill development, has become a best practice in girls’ programming. A similar type of science program for girls, Les Scientifines, has operated in the Greater Montreal area for more than a decade; its desire to expand throughout the province of Québec is hampered by a lack of resources.