The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) brought together over 275 young women from across Central Alberta at Crossroads Church in Red Deer on May 7, for the inspiring 2025 Climb Girls Resiliency Conference.
The conference is a yearly event organized by the CACAC and its Climbing Tree Mentorship Program.
The Climb dedicates a full school day to empowering high school girls and providing them with invaluable skills to navigate the challenges of anxiety, social pressures, self-esteem issues, grow resilience, and overall health and wellness among young women.
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to connect and build meaningful relationships while participating in a variety of workshops and presentations.
These sessions were led by local businesswomen, community leaders, and professionals who shared their expertise and experiences, offering valuable insights and encouragement.
Now in its fourth year, the conference has seen remarkable growth.
Nicole Jones, CACAC Volunteer Coordinator and Climb event organizer, is optimistic about the future, anticipating even more attendees as the event's popularity continues to soar throughout the region.
“It is our hope that the students will continue to use the techniques they learn at The Climb if they find themselves in situations where they are struggling or feeling anxious.” says Jones.
“It’s important to us that The Climb attendees spend the day feeling seen, heard and supported by the community in which they live.”
Jones, is hoping the conference will expand in the future, inviting more schools in Central Alberta giving more girls the opportunity to participate in the event.
Participants were carefully selected by school counsellors based on their vulnerability and likelihood of experiencing negative learning patterns and behaviours.
The Climb was offered at no cost to participants, allowing CACAC to focus on empowering these young girls without financial barriers.
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