Self Empowerment

Self Empowerment

A summer camp for teen girls designed to promote confidence and help teens learn to achieve their goals, fostering the best in them mentally, socially, and physically.

Date: July 10th to July 31st

Tuesdays & Thursday: 9:30 am to Noon

Where: Three Oaks Recreation Center

Address: 5517 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Thank you to the City of Crystal Lake for the use of this stunning park. It is a favorite location for us and our friends!

This camp is inspired by wanting to support teen girls that struggle with body image, self confidence, and all the complications in their lives.

Camp curriculum will be covering topics that are valuable to young girls navigating their selves in the world. We may make small changes to the curriculum based on weather, or positive opportunities with local leaders that we find for the teen gals.


We have built a fun curriculum designed to:
- Laugh
- Move our bodies
- Build self confidence
- Encourage camaraderie with peers
- Teach teen skin care
- Navigating social media
and much more!

This project is near and dear to our hearts. Registration is now open.

Email Michele Ornery Mule/Run Glow Repeat owner: dirtrunner100@yahoo.com

Email Program Director Nicki- sn8wright@gmail.com

 🌟 YOU GLOW GIRL: Summer Confidence & Wellness Camp for Teens (Ages 12-17)

Schedule: Twice a week for 7 sessions
Session Length: 2.5 hours

Sessions are subject to change based on weather and other circumstances

Other ladies/teens within the community will be joining us for sessions within their expertise. If you are interested in helping please reach out.

Session Structure

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele 👯‍♀️
Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Marcy, Irene, Michele, and Nicki 💪
Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene + guest experts 🍎
Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Nicki 💖
Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min) – Journaling & take-home challenge

Michele sets the tone for connection and support, Marcy brings the energy with fitness, Irene fuels the body with nutrition, and Nicki builds confidence and self-care. Dream team! 🔥✨

Session 1: Glow From the Inside Out – Building Confidence & Healthy Habits

📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele 👯‍♀️
• Icebreaker: "Two Truths and a Dream" 🤩
• Goal-Setting Pair Work 🎯
• Confidence Pledge & Group Support ✨

Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Irene 💪
• Fun warm-up & posture drills 💃
• Bodyweight circuit for strength 💥

Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene 🍎
• Intro to Healthy Habits 🌱💧
• Hydration challenge 💦

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Nicki 💖
• Creating a morning & evening routine 🌙🌞
• Skincare basics & self-care hacks 🧴

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Journaling: “What does confidence mean to me?” ✍️
• Take-home challenge: Track one positive habit 📅

Session 2: Dressing for Your Best Self

📅 Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (25 min) – Led by Michele
• Compliment Circle: Giving genuine, specific compliments 🥰
• Confidence Mirror: Share what you love about yourself 🪞

  • Positive body image (35min)- Led by Martha

Fitness & Movement (20 min) – Led by Irene
Power & Posture Workout: Strength and alignment drills to stand tall & feel strong 💪

Nutrition & Wellness (20 min) – Led by Irene
• Healthy Snacking & Mindful Eating 🍇🍓

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Nicki
• Take the Color Test: Find the best colors for your skin tone 🎨
• Dressing for Your Body Type: Learn how to wear outfits that flatter YOU 👚

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Journaling: “One thing I love about myself is…” 💖

Session 3: Healthy Lifestyle & Goal Setting

📅 Thursday, July 17, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele
• Mini Partner Challenge 🧩
• Accountability Partner Check-In ✨

Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Irene
• Strength training basics 🏋️‍♀️

Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene
• Meal Planning for Energy 🥗

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Nicki
• Habit Stacking & Goal Setting: Small changes = BIG success 🏆

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Journaling: “One small habit I’ll add this week is…” 💡

Session 4: Skincare & Natural Makeup for Teens

📅 Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele
• Partner Skincare Routine 💆‍♀️
• Makeup Swap & Try-On 💄

Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Marcy
• Dance or movement-based workout 💃

Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene
• Glowing Skin from the Inside Out: Foods for clear skin 🥕🍓

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Nicki
• Hands-on skincare routine practice 🌞
• Natural makeup tutorial 💅

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Journaling: “What makes me feel beautiful?” 🌟

Session 5: Social Media & Taking Great Pictures

📅 Thursday, July 24, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele
• Photo Confidence Practice: Learn to pose naturally 💁‍♀️
• Social Media Uplift Challenge: Write positive comments for each other 💌

Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Marcy
• Outdoor adventure walk & posture work 🌳

Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene
• Social Media vs. Real Life: Avoiding diet culture 🌐

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Tami Suwanski, Photographer 📸
• How to take flattering, natural photos 📷

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Take-home challenge: Post one positive, real picture 🥰

Session 6: Overcoming Challenges & Building Resilience

📅 Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele & Sloane
• Resilience Bingo 🎰
• Mindset Shifts: Turning negatives into positives 💡
• Confidence Power Songs 🎶

Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Marcy
• Obstacle course or team challenge 🏃‍♀️

Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene
• Emotional Eating & Healthy Coping Strategies 🍫💪

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Deana
Yoga for Inner Strength 🧘‍♀️
• Handling setbacks & self-doubt 🤔

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Journaling: “What is one challenge I have overcome?” 🌟

Session 7: Celebration Day & Final Confidence Boost

📅 Thursday, July 31, 2025

Camaraderie & Connection (40 min) – Led by Michele
• Confidence Walk: Girls walk down a “runway” 💃
• Final Confidence Share: What they learned ✨
• Friendship Letters: Write a note to another girl 💌

Fitness & Movement (30 min) – Led by Marcy
• Fun group workout of choice 💃🕺

Nutrition & Wellness (30 min) – Led by Irene + guest expert
• Long-Term Wellness Strategies 🥗🥑

Self-Care & Confidence (40 min) – Led by Nicki
End of Camp: Girls' Choice! 🎉 (They pick their favorite activities from camp)

Wrap-Up & Reflection (10 min)
• Celebrate your journey! Take a group photo 📸


Meet the Team

  • Nicki Wright

    Nicki Wright

    Program Director- Nicki is a Mother of 8 children. She has years of event experience with Ornery Mule Racing.

  • Michele Hartwig

    Michele Hartwig

    Owner of Ornery Mule Racing- Michele is a long-time resident of the Crystal Lake community. She has a passion for supporting women.

  • Irene Gallos Kok

    Irene Gallos Kok

    Owner of GetUFit- Irene is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner. Irene has been a fitness professional since 1997. She specializes in assisting people in improving their wellness on a multitude of levels.

  • Tami Ford Suwanski

    Tami Ford Suwanski

    Photographer- Tami is full of life & positive energy!

  • Sloane Wagner

     State qualifying cross country runner, Sloane runs for Woodlawn middle school. Running anything from mid-distances to fairly long runs, Sloane races anywhere from 2 miles to over 15. In short, Sloane has a very big passion for running and competing.

  • Martha Walker

    Martha Walker

    Martha is a mother to 5 children and as a youth minister, has a lifelong passion for leading students in positive healthy directions.

  • Deana Nyenhuis

    Deana Nyenhuis

    Deana is a financial analyst, lacrosse coach, yogi & endurance athlete. She believes in empowering women through movement and community.

Thank you to our partners. This program is dear to our heart and we could not do it without you.