Chelsea started out as a Strong, Smart, and Bold Summer Camper in 2024, and is now a participant in our SSB Afterschool Experience program. She loves to learn, have fun, and ask good questions.

You started Girls Inc programming in summer camp last year. How did you feel on your first day?

I was a little nervous, but once I got to know everybody I felt excited and really happy to be here.

What are some of your favorite Girls Inc. memories so far?

I had a lot of fun when we made sand slime in Afterschool. I love making slime so whenever we make slime I have a good time. It’s extra fun when we add a special ingredient to make it fluffy. When we make slime it’s usually during our STEM time every Wednesday. I also love any time we have snacks!

I really liked when we went to New York this year (for the 2025 Girls Inc. National Luncheon). The chicken salad was delicious, I got to meet Miss Stephanie (the President of Girls Inc.) and Auli’i (the voice of Moana), and I had fun going to the Disney Store afterwards.

My favorite time at summer camp was making friendship bracelets to trade with my friends, and making the Luchador Masks during Cultural Week.

What’s special about the people at Girls Inc.?

They make me feel welcomed. I have a lot of friends here, and my teacher Miss Tina helps me with homework or activities when it’s tricky for me. We were building our Lego flowers last week, and it was hard, so I asked her for some help. She helped me so that I could finish it.

When we’re feeling sad, she also lets us go to the Calm Down Corner where there’s usually a bean bag, and we can rest there. The corner has books to read and a special book where you go through your feelings to figure them out like mad, sad, angry, shy, upset, or happy.

What does it mean to you to be “strong, smart, and bold”?

It means feeling happy, brave, and doing stuff on your own.