Every story begins with an opening chapter. Ours began when 105 girls walked through the doors of the Marietta Center. Some returned eager to reunite with friends, while others stepped into a camp experience for the first time. Each girl entered a space designed to help her explore her potential, express her voice, and know that she belonged.

The summer’s Once Upon a Summer theme became more than a title. It connected every activity, lesson, field trip, friendship, and memory as participants explored courage, creativity, perseverance, and the power of dreaming boldly.

Creativity Without Limits

Throughout the summer, the girls painted, designed, engineered, danced, built, laughed, and imagined together. During Encanto Week, they celebrated the gifts that make every person unique while creating artwork inspired by their identities, families, and communities.

Camp Invention transformed curiosity into innovation. Girls worked together to solve problems, test ideas, and proudly showcase inventions they created with their own hands. Each project became evidence that creativity can flourish when girls have the confidence and support to explore it.

Tiana Week brought another memorable turning point. As participants designed their own tiaras, conversations shifted from decorating crowns to imagining their futures. They talked about becoming doctors, teachers, veterinarians, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and leaders. The crowns represented more than glitter and gemstones; they represented possibility, determination, and belief in themselves.

Adventures That Built Confidence

Some of the summer’s favorite memories were made beyond the center. At Urban Air, girls challenged themselves on climbing attractions and obstacle courses while cheering one another on. During a skating trip, they held hands, helped friends find their balance, and celebrated each completed lap.

A visit from representatives of the Atlanta Dream encouraged participants to dream fearlessly, embrace leadership, and recognize that there is no limit to what they can achieve. These experiences offered more than recreation. They introduced new possibilities, strengthened friendships, and showed the girls that confidence grows every time they step outside their comfort zones.

The summer was not simply about camps, crafts, or field trips. It was about helping every girl leave with a story that was uniquely her own—and the confidence to keep writing it.

Youth of the Summer: Stori Bradley

For Stori Bradley, Summer 2026 marked her first experience in a camp and afterschool setting. As she became familiar with the routines, activities, and people around her, Stori found a growing sense of comfort and belonging.

Her bright personality soon became a source of encouragement for others. She offered hugs and kind words to friends, celebrated her peers’ accomplishments, and enthusiastically joined dance breaks and group activities. By the end of the summer, Stori had become one of the Freshman group’s most compassionate and joyful members.

Her growth reminded staff that the right environment does more than help a child adjust—it gives her the confidence to contribute to the community around her.

Storyteller of the Summer: Sharina Cato

Sharina Cato consistently demonstrated what it means to embody the Girls Inc. mission. She created a warm, energetic, and welcoming environment each morning and took the time to make every participant feel seen, valued, and included.

Sharina also modeled teamwork and service. Whether facilitating activities, supporting classrooms, assisting with meals, or responding to changing program needs, she brought flexibility, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Her commitment helped cultivate a culture where girls felt safe to learn, take healthy risks, and celebrate their strengths.

Plans shifted and unexpected challenges arose, as they do in every good story, but the dedication of staff, families, and community partners kept the center focused on what mattered most: creating brave and affirming spaces where girls could grow.