Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many girls attend a class/retreat?
Keeping a small, intimate group size allows the girls to feel safe, ask important questions, and share freely. 14 is the maximum amount of girls that are allowed to enroll in any one class/retreat. A minimum of 8 girls is required to hold a session or retreat.

2. Do you teach about sex?
Sex education is only offered for 5th, 6th & 7th grade girls.

3. What about my religion? Is sex education presented with a values-based approach?
Girls Club curriculum is not aligned with a specific set of religious teachings. Instead, the content is presented with an energy of self-love, appreciation for the human body, wonder and amazement for the body’s capabilities, and celebration of our unique selves.

4. Do you teach abstinence?
No. When teaching about sex to 5th, 6th & 7th graders, there is no mention of restricting sex until a certain age or life milestone. However, sex is presented with a basic definition at first. “Sex a consensual activity in which two people share their bodies with one another in the most intimate way possible.” The science and anatomy related to sex are taught as well. It is discussed as a special, loving, and adult activity with corresponding adult outcomes. Please refer to the 5th/6th/7th grade curriculum for more information.

5. Do you teach about masturbation/orgasms?
Appropriate/scientific terms are taught for female and male anatomy. However, the terms “masturbation” and “orgasm” are not used. When teaching about the clitoris, whose only function is to experience enjoyment/pleasure, girls are encouraged to understand, explore, view their bodies as a gift.

6. Is information presented about homosexuality/bisexuality/LGBTQ+?
No. If questions on these topics are asked, they are answered with an affirmative tone followed by the phrase, “Great question! I am not an expert on these topics. If you have questions, I bet your parents could answer them.”

7. Do you teach about abortion?
No. This topic rarely comes up, but if it does, it is handled the same way as in question #6.

8. Why do you teach male anatomy?

It is important to have an understanding and appreciation for female and male anatomy. When factual information and terminology are presented/learned, it normalizes language and attitude toward our bodies and male bodies. Once this foundation has been laid and correct vocabulary has been established, it allows for accurate discussion of future related topics.

9. Can I attend the classes/retreat along with my daughter?
While it makes parents feel comfortable to be included in the discussion of these topics, Girls Club is all about the girls’ experience. The first priority is to create a safe, inviting, and comfortable space for the girls to share, ask questions and connect. When parents are present, it changes the dynamic of the group, and it has been noticed that girls share less and are more hesitant to ask questions.

10. What teaching tools do you use in the lessons?
Hand-drawn diagrams are used to teach female anatomy and function along with an anatomically correct female pelvis. The pelvis allows girls to see internal organs and how the uterus sits inside the body. An enlarged vulva pillow is used to show smaller female body parts. Two posters with a female breast and a male penis are used to show more accurate depictions of body parts inside and out.