Changemaker Chronicles: Circle Program

Interview with Maggie McGovern, Communications & Development Manager & Elana Midura, Assistant Director of Programs and Outreach

Circle Program

“A summer camp experience, exclusively for girls, combined with year-round mentoring, has a powerful impact”, explains Elana Midura of Circle Program in Plymouth. Circle Program serves over 80 Lakes Region teens and girls from financially insecure backgrounds, enriching their lives through community, connection, camp, and mentorship. Established in 1993, the program combines residential summer camp experiences with year-round one-on-one mentorship, fostering personal growth and lasting relationships.

A core focus of Circle Program is empowering young women and breaking down gender stereotypes. Midura highlights the importance of girls connecting with one another and seeing themselves in roles beyond traditional expectations. The camp introduces participants to women in male-dominated fields, broadening their perspectives on career possibilities.

Circle Program encourages campers to live healthy lives by establishing a connection with the natural world and promoting healthy decisions. The experience of living in nature without digital devices fosters a deep sense of community among the campers, says Midura. “They learn to communicate in real-time, free from the pressures of social media”, she says. She notes that a number of the girls have faced online bullying, and the opportunity to disconnect is highly beneficial to their mental health. As they navigate camp life together, they build strong bonds, gain leadership skills, and develop resilience.

Maggie McGovern, the program’s Communications and Development Manager, emphasizes that success looks different for each camper. Some may go on to attend four-year colleges, while others simply achieve stability and happiness, equipped with the confidence and skills to take care of themselves. McGovern relays one inspiring example of a young woman who joined the program at nine or ten years old, later became a counselor-in-training, and is now both a mentor and a community college student. She is a role model for the young campers showing them that they, too, can follow a similar path.

Girls typically join Circle Program in their 5th or 6th grade year through referrals from teachers, guidance counselors, social service agencies, or family members. The program begins with a three-week residential summer camp which lays the foundation for personal and social growth through activities such as swimming, kayaking, hiking, drama, dance, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education. The 15-18-year-old campers enjoy an adventure program where they plan an out-of-state camping trip themselves.

Volunteer mentors play a crucial role in the program's success. Following the summer camp, each girl is paired with a volunteer female mentor from her community. These mentor-mentee pairs meet throughout the school year for individual activities and participate in monthly group events organized by the Circle Program. This structure ensures continuous support and development, with the program aiming to maintain connections with participants through their high school graduation.

The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction has been a longtime supporter of Circle Program, helping to offset the cost of sending girls to camp, which runs about $8,000 per year for full programming. Community involvement is crucial in sustaining the program, and there are many ways people can contribute. Donations help fund camp expenses, while job opportunities for counselors, nurses, and kitchen staff ensure the program runs smoothly. Volunteers with special skills, such as crafting or other hands-on activities, are invited to lead group sessions. Additionally, Career Day events introduce campers to various professional paths. The program is always looking for large spaces where 40 girls and their mentors can come together for group activities. By supporting Circle Program, the community plays a vital role in shaping the lives of these young women, helping them grow into confident, capable leaders.

By fostering a supportive environment through camp and mentorship, Circle Program significantly contributes to the personal development of young women, empowering them to become confident, self-reliant individuals engaged in their communities.​

Article written by Beth Osgood Dodge. If you are a Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction funded nonprofit contact Beth at beth03253@gmail.com to arrange an interview and let us spread awareness for your mission!