Girls At Bat: Transforming Lives in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia
Bible Hill, a growing village of 5,000 in Nova Scotia, has seen a remarkable transformation in its community ball fields. Traditionally dominated by competitive minor baseball leagues, these fields came alive with laughter, inclusivity, and empowerment through the Girls At Bat program—a Jays Care initiative designed to inspire young girls to fall in love with sport and embrace their full potential.
Haley Smith, a dedicated program supervisor, recalls the program’s impressive journey: “We started indoors in February 2024, unsure of what to expect. By June, we were running back-to-back sessions with over 100 girls having participated—proof that this program filled a long-standing gap for young females in our area.”
Girls At Bat offered something unique to Bible Hill. Unlike the highly competitive nature of existing sports programs, this initiative focused on fun, social connection, and inclusivity. With a welcoming approach, it became a beacon for girls aged 6 to 15 who may have never envisioned themselves playing sports. Parents marveled at their daughters’ newfound enthusiasm, with some stating, “We never thought our child would enjoy being on a baseball field.”
Inclusivity was central to its success. Haley and her team adapted the program to ensure participation for girls with disabilities, leveraging their previous experience with Challenger Baseball. “We wanted to make sure everyone felt they belonged,” Haley shared, highlighting the importance of the non-competitive environment.
The results went far beyond the game. Parents and participants alike felt the profound impact. Haley recounts moments where girls initially reluctant to participate ended the program in tears—not of frustration, but of joy, wishing it wouldn’t end. Coaches looked forward to every session, embracing the camaraderie and enthusiasm that Girls At Bat brought to their work.
One summer evening stands out as a testament to the program’s spirit. During a heatwave, the team swapped baseballs for water balloons, proving that the program was about more than just skills—it was about creating joyful, lasting memories.
Despite challenges like limited resources and field accessibility, Bible Hill’s team showed remarkable resilience. They secured extra equipment and made adjustments to accommodate all participants, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity. Haley praised Jays Care for their responsive support, particularly in providing gear and answering questions promptly.
Looking ahead, Bible Hill is determined to keep Girls At Bat as a core part of its annual programming.
