WELLFIT GIRLS PROGRAM
Wellfit Girls Program begins training for 2015 teen fitness + leadership program and expedition to Peru
NAPLES, Fla. – Wellfit Girls Program, a five-month fitness, leadership and empowerment program for teen girls, announces 11 Southwest Florida students started training for the 2015 leadership program and expedition to Peru.
Jill Wheeler, Founder and CEO of Wellfit Institute created Wellfit Girls Program to teach and inspire teen girls to climb high in all areas of life. New this year, Wellfit Girls Program is collaborating with House of Gaia, a non profit community learning center with the mission to educate, connect and build community through programs of art, music, culture and community service.
“We are thrilled that we are able to continue with this life-changing program and are so grateful to partner with our friends at House of Gaia this year,” says Wheeler. “House of Gaia is an integral part of our Naples community and the global community. We are sister organizations sharing the same vision for inspiring and developing empowered leaders who value wellness, fitness and adventure.”
Wellfit Girls Program is for any teen girl between the ages of 13 to 18 years old. The teens meet every Tuesday at Total Athletic Performance and every Thursday at House of Gaia. Yoga, fitness, wellness, leadership training and fundraising are included in the program curriculum. The five-month fitness and leadership program prepares the girls physically, mentally and socially for a cultural exchange and trekking expedition to Peru in June.
This year’s particpants are Mackenzie Barrett, Gulfview Middle School, Kristen Chadwick, Gulf Coast High School, Mia Cori, Lorenzo Walker High School, Courtney Edwards, Naples High School, Casi Emmerich, Lehigh Acres High School, Natalie Finazzo, Barron Collier High School, Natalie Gottschalk, Home School, Olivia Palermo, Naples High School, Mackenzie Rocco, Gulfview Middles School, Stephanie Simon, Lely High School, Teresa Szilagyi, Naples High School.
The girls were selected into the program following an application process. “We want this program to be available to any teen girl in Southwest Florida and beyond,” says Colby Robertson, Program Director. “It doesn’t matter if you go to Immokalee High School or Community School, all girls are forced to overcome obstacles throughout their teen years. This is more than a fitness program. The girls are asked to dig deep in terms of who they are now and the person they want to become. The idea is that you're not born a warrior, but you grow into one.”
Lulu Carter, Founder and Director of House of Gaia echoes Jill and Colby’s enthusiasm. “House of Gaia’s mission is to collaborate with other community based educational institutions and nonprofits that share a similar global vision for leadership. We are proud to be working with this amazing program to provide this international opportunity for our local teenage girls. They are the future leaders of tomorrow!”
The cost of the entire five-month program, including professional training, travel to Peru and expedition fees, is $5,000 per girl. The entire program is funded through private donations, sponsorships and fundraising events. Anyone interested in learning more about the program or donating is asked to contact Colby Robertson at (239) 529-0366 or colby@wellfitinstitute.com.
Wellfit Girls Program is a transformational and empowering five-month program for teen girls in preparation for a trek + cultural exchange to Peru in June 2015. The Wellfit Girls Program is an integrative program created to build inner strength, determination and skills to climb high in all areas of life. 11 teen girls from Southwest Florida will participate in the 2015 Wellfit Girls Program.
House of Gaia is a 501c3, non-profit Community Learning Center in Naples offering community building, leadership, art, yoga and music programs and more. Their team of professionals has a variety of backgrounds in social work, education, psychology, arts and music. Having studied and practiced all over the United States and the world, they have come together to develop programs of education for the Southwest Florida Community. Together they have many years of experience working with children, families, educators and organizations in the field of education and development.
