Abstract
There are many benefits associated with physical activity, such as physical health and improved psychological development. Even with a substantial amount of documented benefits, the majority of youth are not meeting the recommended levels of physical activity, especially girls who are globally less active than boys. One way to improve specific needs of girls is through classroom and activity community-based programs, such as the eight-week program, Girls Rock. Girls Rock consisted of 23 girls in Grades 4, 5 and 6, from four different Boys and Girls Club locations, with the objectives of increasing positive body image, self-esteem, self-efficacy and fundamental movement skills. The present research study conducted an outcome evaluation to assess the effectiveness of Girls Rock in achieving its objectives. Data collected pre- and post-intervention, through questionnaires and observational assessment, revealed that participation in Girls Rock significantly increased positive body image, self-esteem, and self-efficacy, and partially increased fundamental movement skills. This information can be used to attain the future goals of recruiting more participants, retaining those already involved, and expanding to other clubs. It is important that Girls Rock continues to be evaluated to ensure the program's objectives are being met, and to discover ways to improve Girls Rock. Furthermore, Girls Rock, and intervention programs alike, is critical because it provides young girls the education required to increase key variables in their lives, which carry on until adulthood.
