Guiding: Period Night
A little while ago I was chatting with my son's teacher Karine, whose daughter is one of my Guides. We were talking about the sex-education program she delivers to her class.
I had mentioned that I was thinking about hosting a 'Period Night' at Guides so girls would Be Prepared.
We will be going to camp for five days in a few months and started thinking about how scary it could be to get your period at camp. As a unit, we tend to be all about outdoor skills. Well girls... you need to Be Prepared for anything and everything in the great outdoors!
Karine told me that in her grade five class, at least three girls a year start menstruating. For an age reference these are second year Guides ages 10-11.
So I asked her to join our Guide unit for a safe space talk on periods.
Notify Parents
The first thing I did was send an email out to parents. I informed them of the upcoming date of our meeting. I told them that a local educator would be in to help with the technical facts. I shared the video link we would watch, and the games and activities we would do. I also encouraged parents to get in touch with me if they had any questions or concerns.
All of my parents were on board. But this gave time for them to have a talk with their girls if they had not done so already, and to reach out with any questions. The important thing is to make it fun!
Discussion
We first had our educator Karine give a straight talk about the mechanics of menstruation. You could invite a doctor or a nurse to attend to.
She had some handouts of the female reproductive parts, and explained what your period is, how it comes and why.
All of our Guides had spoken with their parents, but they still had a lot of questions.
Get to Know Your Supplies!
We then did a Pathfinder activity from the Girls First (GF) program called 'Get to Know Your Supplies' under the theme My Physical Self (GF), and passed around pads (sanitary napkins) and tampons; about 10 different brands of the products. We discussed how to use each, how often to change, and about personal hygiene. We encouraged them to investigate each product.
Science Experiment
We then decided to add a Science Lab (GF) experiment! We added it to our Unit's Own (GF) activities.
We measured out multiple cups of food coloured water... and no not blue like the old TV commercials.
We had the girls estimate how much liquid each product could hold. We then proceeded to measure out and see how much each could hold. We discussed average amounts during your period and time frame.
We discussed how it is normal to be uncomfortable during your period, and different remedies to feel better. However, if you every have a lot of pain to tell your parents.
Funny Video
We then watched a funny video called Camp Gyno. The link is part of the above mentioned 'Get to Know Your Supplies (GF)' activity.
We had some laughs!
Game
We then played 'Puberty Jeopary (GF)' for Guides. I transferred the information to a bristol board. I also used post-its for the dollar amounts.
Girls sat in their patrols. We used squeaky toys as our buzzers. Girls would ask 'Hygiene for $100 Alex'!
'This is the result when sweat mixes with bacteria on a person's skin' I read.
Buzz... or rather squeak!
'What is body odor/B.O.'?
I gave the post-it with the dollar value to the patrol.
This was an informative game that was so funny! The girls really get competitive.
Period 'Prepared' Kits
We purchased a few boxes of teen style pads and tampons. We gave them out to each Guide. I shouted pads and tampons for everyone!
Girls should prepare a small bag, the size of a pencil case or small little make-up bag. They should have 2-3 pads and a clean pair of underwear in the bag. They can add other things to like wipes, pain relievers...if they wish.
We encouraged girls to keep this discreet pack in their back packs for school and to bring with the to sleepovers or camps.
This can definitely fall into a Unit's Own (GF) activity.
Final Discussion
The main thing we wanted our Guides to take away from this meeting was not just the information or mechanics of menstruation.
We wanted the girls to Be Prepared, but to host a safe space where they know they can always approach us. Many girls have different family dynamics at home. We encouraged them to talk to their dads, mothers, sisters, aunts, Guide leaders, teachers.... it is about creating a dialogue where they can feel comfortable and confident to approach a safe person to ask questions or ask for help; no matter what it is!
It was a very successful evening. This meeting will be repeated every year just like Guiding History and Girl Guide cookies so every year new Guide's can be confident and prepared!
Below are more links and activities related to menstruation that we will definitely use in the future.
***Don't forget to like (heart), comment and share below!
Update Since Blog Posting
Thank you to all the Guiders who have been commenting and discussing this blog post on all of our Guiding Facebook groups. What an amazing bunch of women, and girls around the world are lucky to have you! The discussion starts with us and continues with our girls. Thank you!
To answer some questions...
1. Our meeting runs and 1 hour and 45 minutes. We did the above mentioned meeting in 1 hour and 35 minutes.
2. We did quickly discuss menstrual cups, but will discuss this further in the future. We felt that they can be difficult for young girls (Guide age) to use. Also, they may not need to be changed as frequently, but you do need to be near a sink, water and soap which may be difficult for girls in stalls at school.
I did find this basic Pros & Cons of Using Menstrual Cups and a video that gives an "Inside" Look at a Menstrual Cup and how to use them.
3. We do not require a permission form. To be clear, many of these activities are part of our Girls First National Girl Guiding program. It is regular programming. If you checked your Activity Level Chart, I guarantee that pads and tampons will fall under 'regular equipment', and it is a green level activity!
However, I would recommend a dialogue with parents, sharing information to be covered and an opportunity for questions or concerns. Menstruation seems to still be a taboo subject with many people and cultures. If you are open with families about your plans, you will likely find that most, if not all are on board. Remember, we are not talking about sex. We are talking and learning about our own physical body and changes.
4. I am an advocate for anything reusable. Reusable pads are fine, but may not offer the protection and confidence for younger girls who are just starting out.
Here are a few links for patterns and service project kits that were shared with me!
5. There are lots of ways that girls can make a difference with community service. For instance, a Guider shared this link with me for a service project from Australia, called Share the Dignity. They collect feminine products and supply homeless, at-risk and women experiencing domestic violence with dignity at a time they need it most.
There is likely a similar project in your area. If not, make one!
6. New period proof underwear may be the new savior for young girls. The reviews seem wonderful, but have not had the chance to check them out myself. Maybe our unit will pick up a pair to test.
Thank you all for the amazing ideas and feedback. As mentioned, this will be a big yearly talk with discussions though out the year. We will build on information and ensure each girl has the knowledge to be confident and comfortable.
For those of you who asked if there was 'a craft for that?' Below you can find a few that other Guiders shared with me!