An immersive literary adventure where fantasy comes to life beneath the trees.
Join us for a magical week of reading, creativity, imagination, and friendship as we transform Forest Hill Park into an enchanted world inspired by Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George.
Over five in-person sessions, girls will enjoy:
Guided reading and discussion
Enchanted forest exploration
Fantasy-inspired journaling and creative writing
Collaborative games and team-building
Hands-on crafts inspired by the story
Meaningful conversations about courage, friendship, loyalty, and discovering the magic within themselves
Who: Girls entering grades 6–8
Where: Forest Hill Park
2370 Lee Boulevard
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Dates & Times:
Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 7
1:00–4:00 PM
Registration includes:
✨ A copy of Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
📖 An Enchanted Field Journal to record discoveries, reflections, sketches, and magical observations
🎨 All crafts and activity materials
🍎 Daily snacks
🌲 Five afternoons of immersive literary adventures in beautiful Forest Hill Park
Throughout the week, girls will step into the magical world of the novel through engaging discussions, enchanted nature walks, creative projects, imaginative games, journaling, and activities designed to spark wonder while building confidence, friendships, creativity, and a lifelong love of reading.
Fantasy in the Forest is intentionally limited to just 8 participants, creating a welcoming small-group experience where every girl is known, encouraged, and given the opportunity to shine.
The program is led by Genevieve McDougal, founder of Empower the Middle LLC, and a middle school educator with 25 years of teaching experience. Every activity has been thoughtfully designed to bring literature to life through imagination, nature, creativity, and meaningful connection.
Genevieve McDougal
📞 216-536-1275
📷 Instagram: @empower_the_middle
Stories in Nature Book Club: A small-group experience for middle school girls to read, reflect, and connect in nature.
Over five in-person sessions, the girls will participate in:
Guided reading and discussion
Nature journaling and observation
Reflective writing prompts
Small group conversation
Creative or hands-on activities that engage with the natural habitat of the park
Who: Girls entering grades 6th through 8th
Where: Forest Hill Park - 2370 Lee Boulevard Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Dates and Times: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 1:00–4 PM
Registration: $225 total — Includes a copy of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and its sequel, The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate, a nature journal, all craft and activity materials, daily snacks, and a week of engaging, hands-on programming.
Throughout the week, girls will participate in guided book discussions, nature journaling, scientific observation, hiking and exploration in Forest Hill Park, creative projects inspired by the novel, and activities designed to foster curiosity, confidence, friendship, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Stories in Nature is intentionally limited to just 8 participants, allowing for a personalized, supportive experience where every girl is known, heard, and encouraged to participate.
The program is led by Genevieve McDougal, founder of Empower the Middle LLC and a middle school educator with 25 years of teaching experience. Girls will benefit from expert guidance, meaningful discussion, and a thoughtfully designed program that blends literature, nature, creativity, and community.
Contact Information:
Genevieve McDougal
216.536.1275
@empower_the_middle on Instagram
April Girls' Empowerment Book Club
Over three in-person session, the girls will:📚 Read and Discuss "The Moon Without Stars" by Chanel Miller 💬 Engage in guided, meaningful discussion around themes of friendship, loyalty, peer pressure, self-discovery, and mental health✍️ Reflect through journaling🎨 Create crafts with a variety of materials 💛 Build confidence in a safe, small and supportive spaceThis group is intentionally kept small so every girl feels seen and heard.
Who: Middle School Girls
Where: Checkered Shelf Bookshop (12419 Cedar Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106)
Dates and Times:
Wednesday, April 15th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 19th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 26th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration: $125 total - this includes the book, "The Moon Without Stars" by Chanel Miller (purchased from a local bookshop), a journal, all craft materials, and snacks.
Contact Information:
Genevieve McDougal
216.536.1275
@empower_the_middle
✨A Poetry Circle for Middle School Girls✨
I am excited to launch our very first Poetry Circle, a small, in-person group honoring Women's History Month through creative expression, poetry, reflection, and connection.
Over the two hour Girls Empowerment Poetry Circle, the girls will:📚 Read and Discuss "You Don't Have to be Everything - Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves" edited by Diana Whitney 💬 Engage in guided, meaningful discussion✍️ Reflect through journaling🎨 Create a collage💛 Build confidence in a safe, supportive spaceThis group is intentionally kept small so every girl feels seen and heard.Details:
Who: Middle school girls
Format: In-person @ The Checkered Shelf Bookshop,12419 Cedar Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Date and Time: Sunday, March 15th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $95 total - this includes the book, "You Don't Have to be Everything - Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves" (purchased from Checkered Shelf Bookshop), a journal, all craft materials, and snacks.
Contact Information:
Genevieve McDougal
216.536.1275
@empower_the_middle
hat this product is about. What’s it made of? How was it made? What are ways to enjoy it?
Showcase what this prod✨ NEW PILOT OFFERING for Middle School Girls ✨
I’m excited to launch a founding pilot of a Girls Empowerment Book Club, a small, in-person group designed to help middle school girls build confidence, find their voice, and foster healthy relationships.
Over 3 one-hour, weekly sessions, girls will:
📚 Discuss Love is a Revolution by Renee Watson
💬 Engage in guided, meaningful discussion
✍️ Reflect through journaling
🎨 Create a picture frame scrapbook
💛 Build confidence in a safe, supportive space
This group is intentionally kept small so every girl feels seen and heard.
Details:
• Who: Middle school girls
• Format: In-person
• Schedule: 3 weekly sessions (1.5 hours each) at the Cleveland Heights Coventry library from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on 2/15, 2/22, & 3/1
• Cost: $125 total - this includes the book Love is a Revolution (purchased from a local book store), a journal, all craft materials, and rental space at the library
*All payments can be made through Venmo @Genevieve-McDougal or Cash App $genevievemcdougal1
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