More than 100 African American and Hispanic young women took part recently in “Smart Is Pretty” Leadership Camp hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and held at its Camp Whitcomb/Mason in Hartland, Wis.

Thanks to support from Darden Restaurants, 103 young women from Boys & Girls Clubs Greater Milwaukee gathered to show how intelligence is always in fashion.

The “Smart Is Pretty” Girls Leadership Camp was held the week of August 13 at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Camp Whitcomb/Mason in Hartland, Wis. “Smart Is Pretty” stems from the Clubs’ Sista Pride and Senoritas En Accion programs both of which emphasize leadership development, avoiding risky behaviors, developing positive communication skills and improving their decision-making ability in culturally relevant formats.

During “Smart Is Pretty” camp, Club members participated in workshops that focused on community service, healthy relationships, character & leadership and education. For the latter, the girls toured Concordia University in Mequon. While there, they met with Boys & Girls Clubs alumnae who were also former Sista Pride members.

The alumnae talked about college life and pursuing their educational and career goals. As part of their glimpse into college living, Club members had an opportunity to eat lunch with students on campus –something they really enjoyed.

Along with the discussions and college tours, Club members prepared for a team talent showcase, which was done at the campfire. On the last day of Smart Is Pretty, the girls took part in adventurous and fun camp experiences such as canoeing, nature bingo, catching frogs and nature walks.

In addition to the above activities, the girls took part in brainstorm meeting to plan for the Princess of Color conference scheduled for 2013 in Milwaukee. Similar to Smart Is Pretty Camp,” The Princess of Color Conference aims to empower African- and Hispanic- American teen girls to be the best they can be in every aspect of their lives now and in the future.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2012. Known as the oldest and largest youth-serving agency in Milwaukee, the Clubs offers high quality after-school and summer programming for children ages 5-18, focusing on those who have major life obstacles, most often poverty. The Clubs operates 38 sites, which include six primary locations, 31 school sites, Camp Whitcomb/Mason in Hartland. Membership to the Clubs is only $5 per year, per child, but no one is ever turned away based on inability to pay.

For all the latest Club news, visit www.boysgirlsclubs.org, www.facebook.com/bgcmilwaukee or Twitter @bgcmilwaukee.

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