Like a wild rose, Devyn Perryman and April Newman want girls in their new club to see they are valued just as they are, wherever they are, thorns and all.
The Squamish women have launched the Wild Rose Club for local girls, and those who identify as female, aged 11 to 13.
"We wanted something that really showed beyond this idea that young girls — or those who identify as female — are delicate. There's a lot more to it. A wild rose grows where it wants, when it wants. There are some thorns. Those things all sort of encompass this age group, and that is what we want. Show up as you are," said Perryman, co-founder of the club, which has its first gathering Tuesday, Aug. 18.
The club is focused on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle as well as holding space for open conversations for girls, something both women wish they had access to when they were younger.
"Creating a safe space for girls to come and interact — and doing it safely, following COVID protocols as well — and where they can come and experience new things," said Newman.
Some activities will include time at Alice Lake Provincial Park, trying e-bikes, and a visit to Second Chance Cheekye Ranch, among others.
The focus will be on movement and trying new things, and not the extreme hikes or sports that are common to the corridor but aren't always inclusive.
Trust will be built where the girls can feel comfortable talking about anything and asking questions.
Both women acknowledge they aren't trained professional counsellors but come to the group with lived experiences and will turn to other professionals if topics veer away from their expertise.
"We have a plan in place that if there is a sensitive topic that is out of our wheelhouse... we would try to find someone that we can reach out to that can help us guide that conversation," Newman said.
The desire for the club grew out of both women thinking about what they lacked as tweens.
Newman says she was described as a "Tom Boy" as a young girl. She was athletic and tried everything — including catching snakes — but she lacked confidence, due in part to a hearing impairment that went undiagnosed until Grade 7.
"I dealt with a lot of insecurities," she said. "I thought I wasn't smart. I didn't understand the material. The teachers thought I wasn't listening on purpose."
She wants to create a space that she could have used where participants are accepted and can build self-esteem, she said.
Perryman said when she was a tween, she was afraid to try new things.
"I feel like I missed out on a lot for fear of failing or looking foolish," she said. "Whether it was just jumping off the dock, or water skiing, I didn't give it my best, or I didn't try at all. And I feel like that was a barrier for me. I regret that. I wish I had done more — tried more."
It is the courage to try she has in spades today that she hopes to pass on to the younger generation.
To register for the Wild Rose Club, go here.
