8 Group Mentoring Activities That Spark Confidence, Courage & Connection

Because Growth Happens Best in Circles, Not Rows

When girls gather in circles—whether it’s a weekly after-school group, a weekend retreat, or a casual hangout—the magic is connection. And from that connection, confidence and courage begin to grow.

Group mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to support teen and tween girls. It reminds them they’re not alone. That their voice matters. That being real is way better than being perfect.

These 8 simple, meaningful mentoring activities help girls build trust, explore their identity, and leave each session feeling stronger, braver, and more supported.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Mentoring works best when girls feel emotionally safe and seen

• These activities build connection, encourage reflection, and spark real growth

• Perfect for girls’ groups, after-school programs, coaching circles, or summer sessions

• Focus on voice, belonging, and brave expression—not performance or perfection

• No fancy materials needed—just heart, intention, and a safe space to share

1. Shine Circle Check-In

🧡 Use it: At the start of every session
Go around the circle and ask each girl to share:

• One word to describe how she’s feeling today

• One thing she’s proud of or grateful for

This ritual builds connection and normalizes the full range of feelings.

✨ Why it works: It gives every girl a voice right away and helps the group feel grounded and real.

2. Compliment Circle (With a Twist)

🧡 Use it: To build trust and boost self-worth
Each girl writes her name on the top of a piece of paper. Pass the paper around the circle, and each girl adds one kind word, compliment, or strength she sees in that person.

When everyone gets their paper back, have a quiet reflection moment or journal about how it felt to read kind words from others.

✨ Why it works: Girls learn to receive kindness and see themselves through a more empowering lens.

3. “I Am” Identity Art Posters

🧡 Use it: As a self-expression + confidence boost activity
Give each girl a blank poster or sheet of paper to create their “I Am” poster. Prompts include:

• I am brave when...

• I feel most myself when...

• I want to grow in...

• I care deeply about...

Let them use markers, stickers, magazine cutouts, or affirmations. Share (if they want!) and celebrate every unique voice.

✨ Why it works: Helps girls own who they are and discover shared strengths.

4. Real Talk Roundtables

🧡 Use it: To practice brave conversations in a safe space
Create discussion cards with real-life topics like:

• Friendship drama

• Body image and comparison

• Social media stress

• Speaking up for yourself

Split into smaller groups or stay in one circle and let girls choose a card to discuss. Pair each topic with reflection questions or journaling prompts.

✨ Why it works: Builds empathy, deepens trust, and gives girls tools for real-world challenges.

5. The Brave Challenge Wall

🧡 Use it: To stretch comfort zones and build confidence
Create a board or poster where girls can write brave things they’ve done or want to try:

“I tried out for a team.”
“I spoke up in class.”
“I’m working on setting boundaries.”

Revisit it weekly to add new moments and celebrate progress!

✨ Why it works: Normalizes fear + growth, and encourages action-based confidence.

6. Mentor Match-Up Q&A

🧡 Use it: To connect girls with older mentors or peers in the group
Pair girls up (or use adult mentors if you have them) and give each pair 3–5 deep-dive prompts like:

• “What’s something you’ve learned about confidence?”

• “What advice would you give your younger self?”

• “When did you feel most proud of yourself?”

Then rotate partners or come back together for a group share.

✨ Why it works: Creates mentorship moments that feel real, reciprocal, and memorable.

7. Storytelling Circle: “My Turning Point”

🧡 Use it: To foster vulnerability and courage
Invite girls to share a story about a time they felt scared, challenged, or unsure—and what helped them move through it. Offer sentence starters if needed:

“There was a time I felt… but then I…”
“Something hard I’ve overcome is…”

Always give the option to pass. After each story, the group can say, “Thank you for sharing your truth.”

✨ Why it works: Builds deep trust, normalizes struggle, and turns personal growth into collective wisdom.

8. Gratitude Glow-Up

🧡 Use it: As a closing ritual for any group session
Each girl shares:

• One thing she’s grateful for

• One thing she learned

• One person in the group who made her feel good today

You can also write gratitude notes or share out loud in a circle.

✨ Why it works: Ends every session on a positive, connected, heart-centered note.

Want a Ready-to-Use Mentoring Toolkit?

The FearlesslyGiRL Program Kits include done-for-you group mentoring activities, journaling prompts, session guides, and printable tools to help girls grow in confidence, courage, and connection—with zero planning stress on your end.

Because mentoring isn’t about fixing anyone.
It’s about creating the space where every girl can rise, just as she is.

And the leader who holds that space? That’s you.

– Kate