Compass for Girls — FAQ

Did Compass for Girls replace Chick Chat by HGNA for 4^th– and 5^th-grade girls?

YES.  Chick Chat by HGNA for 4^th and 5^th grade girls was updated and renamed Compass for Girls. It was created by Navigate Adolescence, which was formerly called HGNA. Trek for Girls replaced Chick Chat for 6^th-grade girls, and Trek is offered in autumn.

What is Navigate Adolescence?

Navigate Adolescence, Inc., (formerly Helping Girls Navigate Adolescence, Inc.), is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing kids and their parents the tools needed to navigate adolescence with confidence, resilience, and kindness. HGNA changed its name to reflect that they are now offering programs for boys and for girls.

Will boys and girls be in groups and activities together at Compass?

Compass for Girls and Compass for Boys are both being offered on the same day, Saturday, February 5, 2022. However, they are SEPARATE PROGRAMS with different curricula designed specifically for girls and for boys. Females will facilitate the Compass for Girls program. Males will facilitate the Compass for Boys program. High school volunteers assisting with any groups for girls will be high school girls. High school volunteers assisting with any groups for boys will be high school boys.

When is the registration deadline for Compass?

Registration for Compass will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, January 28, 2022.

Please note, however, that early registration is encouraged as it allows us greater lead-time in hiring facilitators and recruiting volunteers, and gives us greater leverage in negotiating discounts for food and supplies — adding to the overall success of the event, while keeping costs to a minimum. 

What does the Compass registration fee include?

Your Compass registration fee includes: four breakout sessions led by professional facilitators discussing topics surrounding social and emotional subjects such as friendships, self-discovery, and self-care. Additionally, each girl will receive a t-shirt, materials for workshop activities, crafts and a Compass journal.

*Please note: Fee reductions are available based on need.

My Daughter has already attended 4^th-Grade Compass for Girls … will she benefit from attending Compass as a 5^th-grader?

Yes!  The Compass for Girls curriculum is grade-specific. Girls may attend in one or, preferably, both grades.

 What is the refund policy?

A full refund will be provided for cancellations made by Friday, January 28, 2022.  

Can I register my daughter for Compass the day of the event?

Once registration closes, a significant amount of work goes into balancing class sizes with facilitators, printing schedules that are unique to each girl, as well as purchasing and organizing materials by facilitated session. Due to the complexity and energy that goes into these tasks, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate on-site registration.

Can my daughter arrive late to and/or leave early from Compass for Girls?

For your daughter to fully benefit from the many aspects of the workshop and to avoid disruptions to your daughter’s group, we strongly recommend that your daughter attend the entire event.

Can my daughter be in the same group as her friend(s)?

Yes! This is a new option within the registration page for the virtual workshop. Registrants will receive an email with details.

What should my daughter bring to the event?

Workshop materials will be available for pickup prior to the workshop. Registrants will receive an email with details.

What are the qualifications of the facilitators that will be working with my daughter?

We carefully handpick each facilitator based on their professional qualifications and their affinity to our mission of raising emotionally healthier adolescent girls.

We prioritize our recruitment of licensed and/or certified professionals, including social workers, counselors, psychologists, and therapists from local school districts — with the objective of familiarizing our girls with these important and safe go-to people that they can readily speak to during the school year.

How many girls will be in my daughter’s class?

In order to give the girls the best experience possible, we limit each facilitated session to a maximum of 12 girls, except for the “East” section with yoga, which may combine small groups.

I have a high school-age daughter who would like to volunteer… how can she get involved?

Supporting our vision of raising emotionally healthier girls, more empowered girls, with each event we strive to provide leadership opportunities for girls, such as managing icebreakers, assisting with small group discussions and activities, and role modeling. Specifically, we look for energetic high school girls who model positive, respectful behavior. If your daughter is interested in volunteering, please have her email compass@tricityfamilyservices.org with the following information:

• Full name
• Name of high school
• Cell phone number and email address

Who runs Compass?

This year, Compass for Girls is brought to you by TriCity Family Services, Navigate Adolescence, and the Geneva Coalition for Youth with the support of Geneva CUSD 304.  The Compass program was created by Navigate Adolescence, a not-for-profit organization in Downers Grove.  This event is made possible through the tireless efforts of local parents, high school and middle school students, and former Chick Chat participants who volunteer their time for the greater good of our daughters and our communities.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For questions or concerns, please contact Michelle Clark, TriCity Family Services Director of Emotional Wellness Programs, at compass@tricityfamilyservices.org, or at 630-232-1070, ext. 336.