GOLD stands for Girls Overnight Leadership Development. The program, which takes place at a school district's high school, provides a unique opportunity for eighth grade girls to bond with their fellow female classmates, meet and work with many High School female role models, and reflect on and learn about many of the challenges they may encounter in high school before they become freshmen. The night involves group activities, guest speakers, salon time, exciting theme rooms, discussion, lots of food, and much, much more. Interested? Excited? Here are the details for my school's specific event… Who: All eighth grade girls at Oak Hall School. The night is run by a team of sophomore, junior, and senior girls, along with faculty sponsors and chaperones. Guests: Speakers from the University of Florida and Gainesville area volunteer to present interactive sessions to the girls about the following topics: drugs and alcohol, relationships and dating, body image and eating disorders, and time management. When: Spring of eighth grade. This year, the event took place on February 23rd. Time - 8:00pm until 7:00 the following morning. Where: Oak Hall's Upper School. It allows the eighth graders a chance to become comfortable with the high school before they start attending classes in it. Why: Ever had a question about friends, dating, peer pressure, time management, eating disorders, drugs, or alcohol? Or simply, how to survive high school? GOLD will not only help answer those questions, but it will give eighth graders an insider’s look at what high school is really like from girls who have learned how to make the most of their four years before college. In addition, GOLD will put eighth grade girls on the right track towards developing their own leadership potential, inside the classroom and beyond. What to Wear: Sleepover clothes: pajama pants, t-shirt, slippers – girls can even bring their favorite stuffed animal and pillow! Get ready for a night of fun, friends, and more!