Former professional basketball player and Claflin native Jackie Stiles will help present an afternoon and evening of empowering activities for young girls.

Two programs for girls in grades 2-8 will take place from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Barton Community College gym, said Sara Nettleingham, community development manager with Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. The event starts with Fearless and Female, a workshop geared toward teaching age-appropriate self-defense. Then WNBA star Stiles will present a motivational basketball clinic, teaching girls to set their goals high and believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

CPI Qualified Plan Consultants in Great Bend is cosponsoring this event with the regional Girl Scouts organization, Nettleingham said. "(This is) an afternoon and evening of activities that no girl should miss."

Fearless and Female will be led by Cathy Coughenour from Wichita, a professional speaker, self-defense advocate and certified rape prevention instructor. She is a graduate of the nationally-known Model Mugging program with training and certification by the American Women’s Self Defense Association.

"Cathy teaches age-appropriate lessons in awareness and self-defense that every girl should know," Nettleingham said. "This program empowers girls to have the confidence to recognize warning signs and avoid dangerous situations in their lives. You can find out more at the Fearless and Female website at www.fearlessandfemale.com."

Stiles, who is the NCAA all-time leading scorer, will handle the evening program. "She not only works on the fundamentals of being a confident basketball player, but also speaks about ways to energize your life, set goals and attain the success you want in life," Nettleingham said. "All girls attending will walk away with a renewed sense of confidence in themselves."

Cost for this event is $15 for registered Girl Scouts and $25 for non-registered girls. Contact Dawn at the Girl Scout office toll free, 800-888-0872 to register or with questions.