Brigade Kickoff Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 1: Brigade Kickoff
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To build community, establish safe-space norms, and introduce the program's focus on growth, self-esteem, and resilience through the "Growth Garden" metaphor.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Kickoff Slides
Bloom Journal Pages
Washi Tape & Markers
Chart Paper
Session Agenda
10m
Welcome & "The String Web" Icebreaker
Stand in a circle. Toss a ball of yarn to someone after sharing one thing you like about yourself. Keep holding your piece of the string to create a web of connection.
15m
Our "Garden Rules" (Norms)
Facilitate a discussion on what makes a space feel safe. Write ideas on chart paper. Aim for: Confidentiality, Respect, No Judgment, "I" Statements.
20m
The Growth Garden Metaphor
Show Slides. Explain that self-esteem is like a garden—it needs watering (positive talk) and weeding (managing negative thoughts). Introduce the Bloom Journal.
15m
Journal Creation & Reflection
Distribute Journal Covers. Allow girls to decorate. Reflection prompt: "One thing I hope to 'bloom' in over the next 8 weeks is..."
Facilitator Tips
Watch the dynamics: Identify if any girls are more dominant or quiet early on. Gently encourage participation.
Model Vulnerability: Share your own "bloom" goal to build trust.
Consistency: Use the same greeting or "check-in" every week to build routine.
Brigade Kickoff Slides BLOOM
BRIGADE
Welcome to your 8-week journey of growth, strength, and connection.
Week 1: Let's Get Growing
What is the Brigade?
Self-Esteem
Knowing your worth and celebrating who you are.
Resiliency
Learning how to bounce back when things get tough.
Solving Problems
Finding smart ways to handle life's puzzles.
Our Garden Rules
01
What’s said in the garden, stays in the garden.
02
No "shade" allowed – only sunshine and support.
03
Use "I" statements and speak from your heart.
04
Be brave, be messy, and be YOU.
The Growth Garden
Your mind is like a garden. Your thoughts are seeds.
Positive thoughts are the water and sunlight.
Challenges are the fertilizer (they help you grow!).
Negative self-talk are the weeds we need to clear.
Bloom Journal Prompt
"One thing I hope to 'bloom' in over the next 8 weeks is..."
Decorate your cover while you think!
Bloom Journal Week 1 Workbook THE BLOOM
JOURNAL
GROWING THROUGH IT ALL
Property of
"Flowers don't worry about how they're going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful."
Week 1: Foundations
Date: ____________________
LET'S GROW!
Current Vibes
How are you feeling about yourself today? Shade in the flower that matches your mood.
Low Energy
Okay
Strong
Good
Tired
Seeds of Intention
"One thing I hope to 'bloom' in over the next 8 weeks is..."
Today I discovered that I am...
(Write a positive word about yourself here)
Mindset Makeover Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 2: Mindset Makeover
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To introduce the concept of Growth Mindset, explore the power of "Yet," and understand how the brain changes through practice and effort.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Mindset Makeover Slides
Bloom Journal Week 2
"The Power of Yet" Poster/Printouts
Pipe Cleaners (for brain modeling)
Session Agenda
10m
Check-in & "The Magic Maze"
A quick puzzle or maze that is intentionally difficult. Observe reactions. Briefly discuss: "Who felt like giving up? Who felt excited by the challenge?"
15m
Neuroplasticity: The Elastic Brain
Use slides. Use pipe cleaners to show "neural pathways." Twisting them together represents learning a new skill. The more we do it, the stronger the "rope" gets.
20m
Growth vs. Fixed Mindset Sorting
Group activity. Provide cards with phrases like "I'm not good at this" or "This is hard, but I can try." Girls categorize them and practice "flipping" the fixed mindset to growth.
15m
Journaling: Adding "YET"
Distribute Journal pages. Reflection: "Identify one thing you aren't good at... YET. How will your brain grow as you practice it?"
Key Language to Use
Avoid saying:
"You're so smart/natural at this!"
Instead try:
"I can see how hard you worked on that strategy!"
Mindset Makeover Slides MINDSET
MAKEOVER
Week 2: The Power of YET
The Two Mindsets
Fixed Mindset
Believing your talents and intelligence are "set in stone." You either have it or you don't.
"I'm just not a math person."
Growth Mindset
Believing your abilities can grow like a muscle through effort, strategy, and help.
"I'm not a math person... YET."
Meet Your Brain
Neurons
Tiny cells that talk to each other when you learn.
Pathways
The more you practice, the thicker and faster these signals become.
The Magic Word
YET
"Yet" changes a dead-end into a road map. It means you are on your way, not that you are stuck.
Bloom Journal Week 2 Workbook Week 2: Mindset
Makeover
The Power of "Yet"
Mindset
Fixed Phrase
How we often talk to ourselves...
"I'm not good at this."
"This is too hard."
"I'll never learn this."
Growth Flip
Add the "YET" or change the strategy...
"I'm not good at this YET."
"This takes time and effort."
"I can try a different way."
My "Yet" Goal
Identify one thing (a school subject, a sport, a social skill) that feels difficult for you right now. Write it below and add the power of YET .
"I'm not good at..."
...YET!
How will I grow my brain pathways in this area?
"Mistakes are proof that you are trying."
Inner Sparkle Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 3: Inner Sparkle
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To help girls identify their unique character strengths and values, shifting focus from external appearance or performance to internal worth.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Inner Sparkle Slides
Bloom Journal Week 3
Strength Cards (list of 24 character strengths)
Small handheld mirrors (optional for activity)
Session Agenda
10m
"Check-in: Highs & Lows"
Share one "High" (something good) and one "Low" (something hard) from the week. Practice active listening.
15m
Strengths Scavenger Hunt
Spread strength cards (e.g., Bravery, Kindess, Humility, Humor) around the room. Girls must find 3 that describe them and 1 they want to grow.
20m
Mirror Work & Peer Affirmations
In pairs, girls share the strengths they chose. Then, their partner shares a strength they see in them that wasn't on their list. "I see [strength] in you because..."
15m
Journaling: "The Sparkle Map"
Complete the journal activity focusing on internal values. Encourage them to look past grades and sports skills.
Facilitator Tip: Overcoming Modesty
6th-grade girls often feel "cringe" or conceited when naming their strengths. Remind them that identifying strengths is about honesty , not bragging. Use the metaphor: "Knowing your tools helps you build the house."
Inner Sparkle Slides INNER
SPARKLE
Week 3: Finding Your Strengths
What is
Self-Esteem?
It's not about being "the best" or looking perfect.
"Self-esteem is the quiet voice inside that says, 'I am enough, I have value, and I bring something special to the world.'"
It's NOT what others think.
It's NOT your grades.
It IS your character.
It IS your values.
Which Strengths Live in You?
Bravery Kindness Honesty Creativity Curiosity Zest Humility Fairness Teamwork Perseverance
"Your strengths are like super-powers you already own."
I See This In You...
Turn to your partner. Tell them one strength you see in them.
Try saying:
"I noticed how you [action], and it shows me that you are [strength]."
Bloom Journal Week 3 Workbook Week 3: Inner
Sparkle
What's Inside Matters Most
Worth
My Strength Map
I AM...
Write one strength or value in each line above.
Character Check
When was a time you used your strengths to help someone or solve a problem?
Growth Strength
What is one strength you'd like to develop more? (e.g., Bravery, Patience)
Why is this strength important to you?
"Beauty is being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing and accepting who you are."
Bounce Back Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 4: Bounce Back
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To define resiliency using the "Rubber Band" metaphor, understand that setbacks are temporary, and learn the steps to "bounce back" from failure.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Bounce Back Slides
Bloom Journal Week 4
Thick Rubber Bands (one for each girl)
Egg carton or cups for "Egg Drop" activity (optional)
Session Agenda
10m
Check-in: The Rubber Band Test
Hand out rubber bands. Ask: "What happens when I stretch this? What happens when I let go?" Discuss how humans can stretch and return to form too.
15m
"The Epic Fail" Wall
Facilitator shares a "failure" story. Girls write one small failure from their week on a sticky note. Discuss: "Is this permanent? What did you learn?"
20m
Bounce Back Roadmap
Use Slides. Teach the 3 R's: 1. Recognize the feeling. 2. Reframe the thought. 3. Reach out for support. Role-play common 6th-grade scenarios.
15m
Journaling: Resilience Story
Girls write about a time they bounced back in the past to remind themselves of their own strength.
Defining Resiliency
"Resiliency isn't about never falling down. It's about how quickly you realize you're on the ground and start the process of getting back up."
Bounce Back Slides BOUNCE
BACK
Week 4: The Art of Resiliency
You are a
Rubber Band
When life gets hard, it stretches you. Sometimes it feels like you're going to snap.
Stretch = Challenges
Snap = Giving Up
Bounce = Resiliency
The Roadmap Back
01
RECOGNIZE
It's okay to feel sad, mad, or frustrated. Name the feeling first.
02
REFRAME
Instead of "I'm a failure," try "This was a mistake I can learn from."
03
REACH OUT
You don't have to bounce back alone. Talk to a friend or mentor.
Let's Chat
"Think of a famous person who failed before they succeeded (like J.K. Rowling or Michael Jordan). What would have happened if they didn't have resiliency?"
Bloom Journal Week 4 Workbook Week 4: Bounce
Back
Elasticity is your superpower
Resilient
My Resilience Story
Think about a time you faced a challenge or failure and eventually "bounced back." Map it out below:
1
The Setback
What happened?
2
The Stretch
How did it feel?
3
The Bounce
What did you do?
The Reframe
Turn these "snaps" into "bounces":
Snap:
"I'm so stupid for forgetting."
Bounce:
Snap:
"Everyone is better than me."
Bounce:
Weekly Mantra
"I don't break, I just bend and bounce back higher."
Say this to yourself when you feel stretched this week.
Chill Zone Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 5: Chill Zone
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To identify physiological signs of stress and anger, and build a personalized "Chill Zone" toolbox of coping skills to manage big emotions.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Chill Zone Slides
Bloom Journal Week 5
Fidget toys / sensory items (optional demo)
Essential oils or scent jars (optional demo)
Session Agenda
10m
Check-in: Emotional Weather Report
Each girl shares their "weather" (e.g., sunny, cloudy, stormy). Discuss how our "internal weather" can change quickly.
15m
The "Warning Signs" Body Map
Use Slides. Discuss how stress feels in the body (tight chest, sweaty palms, racing heart). Girls identify their unique warning signs.
20m
The Coping Skills Buffet
Introduce 4 categories of coping: 1. Calming (Breathing), 2. Distraction (Art), 3. Physical (Movement), 4. Processing (Journaling). Try one from each category as a group.
15m
Journaling: My Chill Zone Toolbox
Girls select their favorite 5 skills to put in their "mental toolbox."
Emphasize Self-Regulation
Remind the girls: "Coping skills aren't about getting rid of the feeling. They are about helping you manage the feeling so it doesn't manage you."
Chill Zone Slides CHILL
ZONE
Week 5: Mastering Your Emotions
Your Body is
a Messenger
Before your brain knows you're stressed, your body does. Watch for these "Warning Signs":
Fast Heartbeat
Hot Face
Sweaty Palms
Tummy Ache
Coping Buffet
Calm It
Deep breathing, meditation, or listening to slow music.
Move It
Dancing, running, stretching, or squeezing a stress ball.
Art It
Drawing, coloring, painting, or building something.
Talk It
Texting a friend, talking to an adult, or journaling thoughts.
Square Breathing
Inhale for 4... Hold for 4... Exhale for 4... Hold for 4...
Bloom Journal Week 5 Workbook Week 5: Chill
Zone
Managing the Big Feelings
Balanced
My Warning Signs
Where do you feel stress first? Circle or mark your "Warning Spots" on the silhouette below.
Top 3 Signals
1
2
3
My Personalized Toolbox
Pick 4 skills from the "Coping Buffet" that actually work for you.
Solve It Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 6: Solve It
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To teach a structured 5-step problem-solving framework (S.O.L.V.E.) and apply it to common middle school social and personal dilemmas.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Solve It Slides
Bloom Journal Week 6
Scenario Cards (Common social conflicts)
Paper clips or puzzle pieces (for hands-on metaphor)
Session Agenda
10m
Check-in: The Human Knot
Stand in a circle, grab hands of two different people across from you, and try to untangle without letting go. Discuss: "How did we solve this? Who led? What was hard?"
15m
The S.O.L.V.E. Method
Use Slides to teach: 1. **S**tate the problem. 2. **O**ptions (brainstorm). 3. **L**ook at consequences. 4. **V**ote on the best way. 5. **E**valuate how it went.
20m
Scenario Squads
In small groups, give each squad a "Scenario Card" (e.g., being left out of a group chat). They must use the SOLVE steps to find a solution and act it out.
15m
Journaling: Problem Solving Pro
Reflection: "One problem I currently have is... My first step (S) is..."
Types of Problems
Social Problems:
Friend drama, gossip, being left out, peer pressure.
Personal Problems:
Time management, messy room, losing things, test anxiety.
Solve It Slides SOLVE
IT
Week 6: Becoming a Problem-Solving Pro
The S.O.L.V.E. Steps
S
STATE THE PROBLEM (Clear & simple)
O
OPTIONS (Brainstorm every idea)
L
LOOK AT CONSEQUENCES (Pros & Cons)
V
VOTE ON THE BEST WAY
E
EVALUATE (How did it go?)
The Big Jam
"You find out that your best friend invited everyone to the movies except you. You saw the pictures on Instagram."
Apply SOLVE:
1. What is the real problem? (S)
2. What could you do? (O)
3. What's the best choice? (V)
Remember: Don't react... SOLVE!
Bloom Journal Week 6 Workbook Week 6: Solve
It
Putting the pieces together
Thinker
The SOLVE Map
S
State the Problem
What exactly is wrong?
O
Options
Idea 1
Idea 2
L
Look at Consequences
If I choose Idea 1, what happens? If I choose Idea 2...
V
Vote on Best Way
Little Puzzles
I can SOLVE these by myself or with a friend.
Friend disagreement
Losing a textbook
Being late
Big Puzzles
I need an ADULT to help me SOLVE these.
Bullying
Feeling unsafe
Someone being hurt
Kind Heart Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 7: Kind Heart
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To identify the "inner critic" (negative self-talk), practice self-compassion, and learn to speak to oneself as a kind friend would.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Kind Heart Slides
Bloom Journal Week 7
A small stuffed animal or "Kindness Buddy" (demo)
Session Agenda
10m
Check-in: The "Friend" Test
Ask: "Think of something you said to yourself this morning. If you said that to your best friend, would they still be your friend?" Discuss.
15m
Naming the Inner Critic
Use Slides. Explain that we all have a "Mean Girl" or "Critic" voice inside. Give that voice a name (like "Bully Brenda") to make it less powerful.
20m
The 3 Elements of Self-Compassion
Teach: 1. Kindness (being nice to yourself), 2. Common Humanity (knowing others struggle too), 3. Mindfulness (noticing feelings without judgment).
15m
Journaling: A Letter to Me
Girls write a short, kind letter to themselves as if they were writing to their favorite person in the world.
Watch for Self-Sabotage
Girls at this age may feel "weak" for being kind to themselves. Remind them that Self-Compassion is Strength —it helps you stay resilient and keep growing.
Kind Heart Slides KIND
HEART
Week 7: Self-Compassion & The Inner Friend
The "Inner Critic"
That voice that says: "You're not good enough," "Everyone is looking at you," or "You always mess up."
Taming the Critic:
Name it! (e.g., "The Grump")
Question it! (Is it actually true?)
Replace it! (Talk to yourself like a friend.)
Self-Compassion Is...
Self-Kindness
Being warm and understanding to ourselves when we fail.
Common Humanity
Knowing that everyone makes mistakes and struggles.
Mindfulness
Observing our pain without letting it take over.
Writing to a Friend
"If your best friend was feeling exactly how you are now, what would you say to them? Write that exact same message to yourself."
You deserve your own kindness.
Bloom Journal Week 7 Workbook Week 7: Kind
Heart
Self-Compassion
Gentle
A Letter to Me
Dear Me, I want you to know...
With love,
The "Friend" Flip
When I think: "I'm such an idiot for failing that test..."
I should tell myself:
I Am...
Enough
Worthy
Learning
Strong
"I treat myself with the same kindness I give to my best friend."
Full Bloom Celebration Session Plan Bloom Brigade
Week 8: Full Bloom Celebration
Facilitator Guide
Session Objective
To celebrate individual and group growth, reflect on the 8-week journey, and set positive intentions for the future. Formal "graduation" from the Bloom Brigade.
Time
60 Minutes
Materials Needed
Full Bloom Slides
Bloom Certificates
Snacks / Decorations
Finished Bloom Journals
Session Agenda
10m
Retrospective: "I Remember..."
Review the journey. Ask: "What was your favorite activity? What's the biggest thing you learned about yourself?"
15m
The "Bloom" Gallery
Girls lay their journals open to their favorite page. Everyone walks around (silent gallery walk) to see the beautiful growth of the group.
20m
Graduation Ceremony
Call each girl up. State one unique strength you've seen in them over the 8 weeks and present their certificate. High-fives/clapping encouraged!
15m
Future Garden Intentions
Final reflection: "How will I keep my garden blooming after today?" Share snacks and enjoy the connection.
Closing the Circle
Endings can be emotional for some girls. Ensure they know that the "Brigade" spirit lives on in them. Encourage them to keep using their journals as a resource when they hit a "weedy" patch in life.
