Peer pressure, puberty, self-esteem — girls in early adolescence have a lot to deal with.That’s why charity Teen Services started a summer camp aimed at empowering and inspiring young women.The two-week camp Precious Gems is aimed at girls ages 11 to 14 years old. It has been so successful Teen Services is hoping to extend the camp to other breaks during the school year.“We don’t have an academic programme anymore,” said Michelle Wade, executive director of Teen Services. “There is definitely a need to enhance our outreach prevention programme. These girls are at that age that can be such a challenge. They are going through puberty and all sorts of hormonal changes and new challenges with academics. They are precious so we called them Precious Gems. We wanted to build their self-esteem and make sure they have verbal and non-verbal coping skills to deal with the pressures of life.”The framework for the camp was put together by Carmelita Curtis, an administrative assistant at Teen Services. The camp has involved a number of fun outings to places such as Sandys 360 and Snorkel Park in Dockyard. Lectures have also been given lectures on topics from puberty to dressing appropriately to skin care. When The Royal Gazette visited the camp they were in the middle of a make-up demonstration.“We came up with an idea so that when they grow older they will know how to conduct themselves and face the challenges of teenage life,” said Miss Curtis. “We have definitely seen a need for that. Miss Curtis said the middle schoolers liked Snorkel Park the best. They rented paddle boats, and just chilled out and chatted with each other.”Tests will be done before and after the programme to determine whether the campers’ attitudes improved. Miss Curtis said already they were seeing some changes in their girls, halfway through.“We have seen some young people who would not settle at first, and they are starting to settle now,” she said. “This is only the last day of the first week. It also seems like we are starting to bond with them, and getting to know them better. On Friday, we will have a closing-out ceremony and give them certificates and a barbecue. We will let them tell us what they have learned, and how they feel they have grown and what they would take out for the next school year.”“When we did make-up and when we went to the snorkel part was the best part,” said Catia Yarde, 11. “I have learned a lot from the programme.”Said 11-year-old Sherrita Rebello: “I feel like I have learned something new every day. We have learned about self-confidence. With the make-up lesson I have learned you have to do your eyes first. I would recommend this camp to my friends. The camp has been fun.”Registration for the camp was $10. Participants also had to pay for bus rides and lunch during their outings.“It is just fun,” said Miss Curtis. “It is nice having the girls here. They are keeping us in touch with what is going on out there.”For more information e-mail teenservices@northrock.bm or telephone 292-4598.