Promoting positive behavior and supporting personal and career development
Girls Empowerment and Mentorship Birmingham Retreat
In the United States, 41% of young women have college degrees versus 32% of men, and women account for 50.7% of the college-educated labor force. Yet, women trail behind their male counterparts in professional advancement, leadership positions and pay scale. Research studies, as well as practices have shown that mentoring can result in a wide range of positive outcomes for the mentees, can promote positive youth behavior, encourage academic success, and facilitate career advancement.
Through our unique retreat, we provide the education, mentorship and support needed to help young girls realize their potential and become empowered women capable of actualizing their personal and career goals.
Retreat Program
Our program emphasizes building life skills through motivational and guided group sessions in a variety of ways, such as inspirational and instructional guidance and outdoor group activities, while practicing mindfulness, critical thinking, physical and mental fitness, team-building and leadership development.
During this retreat the girls build awareness and confidence and learn how to deal with rejection and conflict, identify unhealthy and predatory behavior, engage in constructive conversations, understand body image and language, and develop social media awareness.
The program includes: keynote speakers; panel discussions; team building; goal setting and planning; career development; personal financial education; nutrition and simple food preparation; art workshops; and guided outdoor group activities and games.
GEMBHAM Retreat
This is a 3½-day overnight program designed to motivate, mentor and empower young girls, 13-17 years old in the Greater Birmingham Area. During this retreat, we will focus on building connections and establishing a supportive community that will provide encouragement, mentorship and inspiration, including personal development, academic guidance and internship opportunities, beyond this event,
Our Retreat Leaders are selected volunteers who are experienced educators, professionals, healthcare providers and business owners, working together to reinforce key messages. This retreat is limited to 20 participants, is free of charge for all the registered participants, and includes:
Overnight accommodations
Healthy meals and snacks daily
Educational and exploration activities
Transportation to and from Birmingham
The next GEMBHAM Retreat will be held from June 20-23, 2024 at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama.
GEMBHAM Retreat
June 20-23, 2024
The Venue
The retreat will be held at Camp McDowell
105 Delong Road, Nauvoo, AL 35578
Participation Requirements
Girls Ages 13-17 from the Greater Birmingham Area schools
Recommendation letter from a teacher, pastor, or other person outside of the family who works with the student on a regular basis
Application and letter of recommendation must be submitted at the same time before May 15, 2024.
The ideal participant has ambition and potential in some area, although it may not be academic
In-person interview
You will be notified by email and/or phone once we have reviewed your application.
Participation is free for approved applicants.
For more information, or to email your application:
contact@gembham.com
Testimonials
“I would like to thank my daughter Devin for inviting the girls to an exciting, fun and EDUCATIONAL three-day summer camp. I emphasize education because from the moment they got back home (an hour ago) until I tore away from their outpouring of fun experiences, this has made such an awesome empowering effect on their way of thinking. They learned about money and credit, cooking, using various spices, outdoors, friendships, public behavior and so much more. Shout outs to GEMBHAM, leaders and all who planned this wonderful weekend for developing young girls. I’m truly grateful!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Thank you for allowing my daughter to be a part of the retreat. She really enjoyed herself and has been talking about it since she left. This was a great opportunity and experience for her. I believe that GEMBHAM is an awesome program and I hope that she can maybe experience it again in the future.”
“I just wanted to touch base with you all and say thank you for the time your entire team put in with these young girls. I can't speak for the other girls, but my girls Lamaria and Jamilla really had a great time. They spoke very highly of you all and said that they enjoyed themselves. Thanks for all you guys do in service to our young girls.”
We are inspired by the remarkable work of Tanya Davis, the founder of A Purpose By Design and her team, empowering young women for more than a decade.