Creative Empowerment Activities for Middle School Girls That Actually Work

Build Confidence, Voice & Connection Without the Eye-Rolls

Middle school can be a rollercoaster. One minute, girls are bold and outspoken—ready to lead the group project. The next, they’re shrinking into the background, unsure of themselves. It’s an age full of growth, questions, and change—and girls need spaces where they can be real, messy, strong, and supported.

The key to empowering middle school girls? Creative, meaningful activities that let them explore who they are without feeling put on the spot.

If you’re leading a girls group, classroom circle, or after-school club, these activities are designed to open up conversation, build emotional resilience, and help girls discover their own voice—no cringey “confidence talks” required.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Middle school girls thrive on creativity, connection, and real conversation

• The best empowerment activities feel fun—but go deep

• Focus on voice, identity, self-talk, and friendship

• Let girls lead, reflect, and express themselves in their own unique way

• These activities work in groups, classrooms, or one-on-one

1. Identity Collage Boards
Have girls create collages using magazine cutouts, printed words, or drawings that represent who they are—beyond what others see. Prompt them with questions like: What makes you unique? What do you love? What are your values?

2. “This Is Me” Slam Book
Pass around a notebook or shared doc where each girl writes something about herself that others might not know. You can also make it anonymous. Share highlights in a way that builds connection and understanding.

3. Rewriting the Inner Critic
Give girls sticky notes and ask them to write a negative thought they sometimes have about themselves. Then, have them reframe it on a new note. Example: “I’m bad at math” becomes “I’m still learning, and I’m getting better.” Stick them on a “Confidence Wall.”

4. Real Talk Cards
Create a stack of index cards with open-ended, non-cheesy prompts like:

• When do you feel most like yourself?

• What’s something brave you’ve done recently?

• How do you handle a bad day?
  Girls draw a card, reflect silently or journal, then share if they feel called.

5. Group “Shine Circle”
Go around the circle and let each girl say something kind or powerful about the person next to her. Keep it fast, low-pressure, and encouraging. It’s amazing how this lifts the whole group vibe.

6. Confidence Jars
Each girl decorates a jar and fills it with affirmations, kind words, or brave moments she’s experienced. Encourage them to keep adding to it throughout the year.

7. Empowerment Skits
Give girls real-life scenarios (peer pressure, speaking up, dealing with conflict) and let them act out how they’d handle it with confidence and kindness. Then debrief what felt strong or challenging.

8. Future Me Vision Letters
Have girls write a letter to their future selves (1 year from now, or as high schoolers). What do they hope for? What do they want to remember? Seal them in envelopes to read later in the year.

9. Role Model Remix
Ask girls to choose someone they admire—famous or personal—and create a poster or short presentation on what makes that person a strong leader or kind human. Then, reflect: What traits do I share with her?

10. Kindness Shout-Out Wall
Set up a bulletin board or digital wall where girls can write anonymous shoutouts to classmates or friends who’ve been kind, helpful, or brave. Celebrate them weekly to build a culture of support.

11. “I Am” Shadow Outlines
Trace each girl’s silhouette on paper or let her draw a self-figure. Inside, write affirmations and strengths. Outside, write what she’s working on or letting go of. It’s powerful visual self-reflection.

12. Stand-Up Statements
Girls stand if a statement applies to them:

• “I’ve helped someone this week.”

• “I’ve doubted myself recently.”

• “I’m proud of something I did this month.”
  It creates connection through shared experience—and reminds girls they’re not alone.

13. Emoji Journals
Each day or week, girls draw or choose an emoji that represents how they’re feeling. Then they write about why. A fun, non-intimidating way to build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness.

14. Brave Goals Challenge
Each girl sets one small, brave goal for the week—like asking a question in class, trying something new, or introducing herself to someone. Track progress and celebrate every step.

15. Group Mantra Art
As a group, create a mantra like “We are brave, kind, and enough.” Have each girl add her creative touch—drawings, colors, symbols—to a large poster. Hang it as a reminder all year long.

These activities aren’t just about “feeling confident”—they help girls become confident by giving them space to explore, reflect, and lead in their own way.

Want even more creative, done-for-you activities designed just for middle school girls?

The FearlesslyGiRL Program Kits are packed with printable workbooks, facilitator guides, confidence tools, and group activities that actually work—so you can lead with heart, not stress.

You’re helping middle school girls build the kind of confidence that lasts. And trust me, they’ll remember the way you made them feel for years to come.

– Kate