For young women navigating growing social, emotional and digital pressures in today’s world, targeted programming that centers their growth and voice has become more critical than ever. In a recent Monday interview with RF Media Services, Beverly LeBlanc — an experienced educator and volunteer facilitator for the 2026 Girls Leadership Summer Camp Bootcamp — opened up about the transformative impact the initiative has had on participants, framing it as a vital space for nurturing the next generation of female leaders.
Organized by the I Have A Right Foundation (IHARF), the bootcamp brings together girls from diverse backgrounds to build core life and leadership skills, rather than focusing solely on traditional academic learning. LeBlanc led three key streams of programming during the event: emotional intelligence and mental wellness, responsible digital citizenship, and family engagement. Each session was designed to create a judgment-free zone where participants could openly explore issues that directly affect their daily lives, build greater self-awareness, and practice making intentional, positive decisions for their futures.
One of the most heartening observations LeBlanc made throughout the camp was the level of enthusiasm and vulnerability the young participants brought to every activity. Unlike many structured programs that can feel rigid or disconnected from teens’ real experiences, this bootcamp encouraged open sharing: girls actively exchanged personal stories, collaborated on small group projects, and engaged in honest, thoughtful discussions about the challenges they face. This dynamic, LeBlanc emphasized, reinforced how crucial it is to create intentional spaces where young women feel respected, truly heard, and comfortable sharing their perspectives without fear of judgment.
By the end of the bootcamp, participants had gained far more than just new talking points. LeBlanc noted that the program gave attendees the tools to process and explore their emotions in healthy ways, build mutually respectful relationships with peers and adults, understand how to navigate the digital world responsibly, and develop the confidence to speak up for themselves and others — a core foundation for effective leadership.
A standout element of the camp that LeBlanc highlighted was its intentional parent engagement component, which went far beyond the typical end-of-program presentation. Even fathers, who are often less involved in youth programming focused on girls, showed up in large numbers to share their own experiences, and open up about their hopes and aspirations for their daughters. The productive cross-generational dialogue during these sessions made one thing clear: lasting female empowerment cannot be achieved in silos. It requires active, collaborative buy-in from families, program facilitators, and entire local communities to create a sustained support system for young women.
LeBlanc was quick to extend praise to all stakeholders who made the bootcamp possible, from the I Have A Right Foundation’s leadership to the team of volunteer organizers and participating parents who gave their time and energy to the initiative. She emphasized that programs like this are growing more urgent by the year, as young girls face increasingly complex social, emotional, and digital challenges that traditional education systems rarely prepare them for.
Reflecting on her own role as a facilitator, LeBlanc said she felt deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an initiative that puts young girls’ growth first. Looking ahead, she expressed hope that the lessons and confidence girls gained at the bootcamp will continue to resonate long after the program ends: inspiring participants to recognize their own untapped potential, lift up other young women in their communities, and grow into thoughtful, positive leaders who drive change locally and beyond.