Girl PowHER

In partnership with the Westin Riverfront Club, Donelson Coaching, the Precourt Foundation, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and Ellsworth Bikes, The Youth Foundation has created an outstanding opportunity to build self-esteem and enhance fitness and nutritional opportunities for middle school-age girls by offering Girl PowHER, a girls only program that focuses on yoga, strength training, cross-training, mountain biking (Ells Angels) and nutritional guidance. Youth participants are increasing positive behaviors and attitudes by applying core values, and living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates fitness and healthy nutrition choices.

The Girl PowHER program design aligns with best practices (Sports PLUS) that promote positive youth development and fosters a healthy sports environment. Research indicates that up to 70% of youth who play sports will quit by the age of twelve. However, as a result of girls’ participation in Youth Foundation programming, and specifically Girl PowHER, we have experienced a reverse of this trend. By developing a healthy, comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, youth are more likely to value and continue a healthy sports relationship throughout their adult life. Girl PowHER helps children in a challenged environment discover their individual gifts and provide opportunities to apply their talents in positive ways. Having high school and young adult mentors also helps to set good examples for the younger, impressionable girls and help them build trusting relationships with other females. Each week these middle school girls receive three hours of tutoring or literacy-based activities and at least three hours of recreational/physical activity experiences. Currently the Girl PowHER program is offered to students attending Berry Creek Middle School.

About Ells Angel

In November of 2010, Donelson Coaching, the Youth Foundation, Amanda Precourt, and Ellsworth Bike Company set out to create an opportunity for local young women to build self-esteem and enhance fitness and nutritional opportunities through mountain biking. 10 committed girls have been selected to become a member of Ells Angels, a competitive mountain bike team where they will receive top of the line mountain bikes and equipment, be trained by professional coaches, and compete in race events throughout Eagle County and beyond.

As a precursor to mountain biking, 15 young women were chosen from a pool of several applicants to attend bi-weekly yoga classes at the Westin Riverfront Club. As part of the selection process, the interested individuals were asked to prove their commitment by writing a letter about their personal challenges and desire to mountain bike to potential sponsors. Although several compelling applications were submitted, 15 were ultimately selected based on their athletic promise and devotion. Of the 15 yoga participants, 10 showed the drive and dedication needed to become a member of a competitive mountain biking team. Thus, Ells Angels was born.

Ells Angels is comprised of 10 girls between the age of 13 and 16 who attend Berry Creek Middle School, Minturn Middle School, and Battle Mountain High School. No member of Ells Angels has ever taken part in competitive mountain biking; however, each girl is passionate about this incredible opportunity. Together, they create an amazing team dynamic despite different backgrounds and challenges. As a group, the members of Ells Angels strive to overcome all obstacles to become one of the Vail Valley’s premiere mountain biking teams.