25 Icebreakers & Connection Builders for Girls Empowerment Groups

Start Strong, Build Trust, and Create a Space Where Girls Can Be Themselves

The first few minutes of your girls group set the tone for everything that follows. When girls feel welcome, seen, and safe from the start, they’re way more likely to open up, take risks, and support each other.

That’s where great icebreakers come in.

But not the awkward kind. We're talking about warm, creative, low-pressure connection builders that help girls feel at ease—and maybe even have a little fun in the process. Whether your group is brand new or meeting for the tenth time, these activities are designed to build trust, spark conversation, and lay the foundation for the powerful work ahead.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Icebreakers set the emotional tone for your group—make them intentional

• Use a mix of silly, thoughtful, movement-based, and creative options

• Always model openness first and let sharing be optional

• These ideas are perfect for middle school, high school, and mixed-age groups

• Many can be adapted for virtual or hybrid formats

1. High-Low-Ha
Each girl shares a high from their day, a low, and something that made them laugh (“ha!”). It’s simple, balanced, and never gets old.

2. Two Truths and a Wish
A twist on the classic—girls share two true things about themselves and one wish instead of a lie. Easier for sensitive groups and opens space for dreams.

3. Common Ground
Call out statements like “I have a sister,” “I love dancing,” or “I’ve felt nervous before speaking up.” Girls step in or raise their hands if it applies. Builds empathy in real time.

4. Name & Motion Game
Go around the circle and say your name + a movement (like a clap or spin). Everyone repeats it. Gets energy flowing and helps remember names fast.

5. Empowerment Playlist Pick
Each girl shares one song that makes her feel confident or happy. Create a shared playlist you use throughout the program.

6. Speed Friendshipping
Like speed dating, but for connection! Girls rotate and answer short, fun questions like “What’s your dream vacation?” or “One thing I love about myself is…”

7. Word of the Day
Each girl chooses a word that describes how she’s feeling or something she wants to bring into the session (like “calm,” “brave,” “curious”). Go around and share.

8. Emoji Check-In
Ask girls to choose an emoji that describes their current mood and explain why. You can use paper cards, drawings, or just say it out loud.

9. Connection Cards
Create a set of question cards like “What makes you feel powerful?” or “Who inspires you?” Let girls pick one to answer—or swap with a friend.

10. All About Me Shields
Girls create a quick “shield” with 4 symbols: one thing they’re proud of, one thing they love, one value, and one goal. Share in pairs or small groups.

11. Glitter Jar Metaphor
Use a glitter jar to represent emotions—when shaken, things feel messy. As it settles, so do we. Invite each girl to describe how “shaken or settled” they’re feeling today.

12. The Compliment Toss
Toss a soft object around the circle. When someone catches it, they give a compliment to another person before tossing it again.

13. Would You Rather
Keep it light or meaningful! Would you rather be able to speak to animals or fly? Would you rather stand up for someone or lead a big project?

14. Stand Up If…
Girls stand up if a statement applies to them (“You’ve ever tried something new and felt scared”). Helps normalize common experiences and build empathy.

15. Mystery Bag
Pass around a bag with small objects inside (stickers, beads, stones). Each girl pulls one out and shares what it reminds them of or how it represents her.

16. Dream Boards Lite
In one session, girls cut or draw just one image that represents a dream or goal. Share and celebrate each other’s hopes.

17. Empowerment Pictionary
Girls take turns drawing words like “brave,” “kind,” or “strong” and the group guesses. Fun, silly, and gets creative juices flowing.

18. My Superpower Is…
Each girl completes the sentence: “My superpower is…” and shares something unique about herself. Encourage all kinds of strengths—listening counts!

19. Connection Web
One girl holds a ball of yarn, says something she appreciates about another girl, then passes it to her. Repeat until everyone’s connected in a big, beautiful web.

20. One Word Story
Go around the circle creating a story one word at a time. It’s unpredictable, hilarious, and a great group bonding activity.

21. Rose, Bud, Thorn
Each girl shares a rose (something good), a thorn (something hard), and a bud (something she’s looking forward to). Great weekly ritual.

22. Affirmation Match
Spread cards with positive affirmations on a table. Each girl picks one that speaks to her and shares why.

23. This or That
Choose quick “this or that” questions: books or movies? cats or dogs? being a leader or supporting behind the scenes? Use it as a jumping-off point for self-reflection.

24. Selfie Check-In (No Phone Needed!)
Girls strike a “mood selfie” pose that shows how they’re feeling—happy, tired, fierce, unsure. Get silly or real, and laugh together.

25. Shine Spotlight
At the end of your icebreaker, spotlight one girl and let the group give her one word that describes her energy or presence. Rotate each session.

Icebreakers aren’t fluff—they’re foundation. They help your girls feel safe, seen, and connected so they can go deeper into the heart of the work. Whether your group is quiet and new or loud and well-bonded, these connection builders will help you start strong—and stay strong together.

Looking for fully planned sessions with built-in icebreakers, journaling prompts, and connection tools?

The FearlesslyGiRL Program Kits include everything you need to create powerful group sessions—without the planning overwhelm. From the first hello to the closing circle, we’ve got you covered.

Thanks for leading with warmth and courage. You’re building something girls will carry with them for life.

– Kate