Okay, so I've been told off for the 'fashion mags and make-up' comment! But what does make younger teenage girls different to boys to work with? Not being an authority I polled some other youth leaders, all female, about the fairer sex. Many thanks to these experts. The starting point is the same - we are looking for opportunities to train and disciple the girls biblically.
The impression I got from the experts was that working with teenage girls is less about getting out of your canoe and teaching the lost tribe. It is far more likely that the members of the 'tribe' will visit us and seek us out. So the 'missionary' work becomes more like the work of a guide. Helping the girls find their bearings in a confusing place, providing a fixed point from which to move out and explore a new city. One similarity with working with boys is that hard work is still necessary for long-term gain.
Practicalities
Teenage girls are concerned with individual identity, perhaps more than group culture. While 'tribes' exist among them there is more awareness of one's own appearance, acceptance and value. Belonging becomes an even bigger issue, because not belonging has a very personal edge. This difference manifests itself in several ways.
