Submitted by Michele Sokoloff and Alli Behnke
(August 26, 2025) — A mosaic mural to be created by youth focusing on feelings? Yes. There is an energetic group, who identify as Haddam-Killingworth Camp Girls on the Run, creating such a mural for our community in partnership with Lovers Lane Farm in Killingworth. The farm grows cut flowers, has a whimsical forest hiking trail, and a converted barn mosaic art studio owned by artist/flower farmer/educator Michele Sokoloff. The group is led by Alli Behnke, Director of Programming at Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services, HK Intermediate School teacher Becky Rodbourn, and by a team of volunteer Teen Coaches.
In partnership with Girls on the Run-Southeastern Connecticut, HKYFS utilizes its well-known curriculum to blend physical, mental and social/emotional well-being with running, mentorship, connection, confidence building and relationship-building. This program is generously supported and partially funded by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, specifically the Killingworth Community Fund and the Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women and Girls. (Photo, left to right: Avery Crayton, Willa Markim, Sanibel Todd, Villette Harlow) The title of this mosaic mural is “The Feelings Out Loud Project.”
Why a mural that highlights feelings?
Anecdotal data and a recent 2024 HKYFS Community Survey indicated a key area of concern for parents is bullying, confidence, positive friendships, body image, and peer acceptance/inclusion for girls in Grades 3-6. This data is supported by seeking increased counseling, positive youth development, and other support for their young girls. “Fourth grade is the new seventh grade” is a common statement from parents of girls this age. By adolescence, girls begin to experience faster rates of decline in physical activity levels, lower levels of confidence and positive perception of their academic abilities. They also exhibit higher rates of anxiety and depression as compared to their male peers (Sullivan, 2009).
Emotions play a huge role in pre-teen development because this stage is a bridge between childhood and adolescence. They are starting to face bigger academic demands, shifting social dynamics and rapid physical changes, while also becoming more self-aware.
Emotions influence how pre-teens choose friends, handle challenges, and respond to peer pressure. A child who feels confident and secure is more willing to try new things, while fear or anxiety can block learning.
Empathy, trust, and kindness all depend on understanding and managing emotions. Emotions help pre-teens figure out their values, likes, dislikes, and sense of self. Feelings alert them to needs. One example is being able to identify sadness, which may mean they need comfort. Or if a person is feeling frustrated, it may mean they need a break or help.
The Girls on the Run model offers local youth an opportunity to grow as individuals, challenge themselves physically/socially, and create new friendships at a time when that can be difficult. The Girls on the Run crew spent time (and running miles!) identifying and expressing emotions and experiences as comfortable or uncomfortable, providing tools for their growth and well-being. This can be a starting point for calming down, problem solving, and enjoying the simple things in life. The girls have agreed that identifying words for a variety of feelings helps everyone express themselves clearly to friends, family, teachers, parents, and more. “Our group has come together to work hard at running, to challenge themselves, make new friends, explore how to handle tough situations, and have fun. This group of twenty kids, including volunteer teen coaches, bring joy and light wherever they go and are so excited to work with Miss Michele this year,” said Alli Behnke.
The “Feelings Out Loud” Mosaic Mural Project is designed to enable this group of local girls to continue their work and share their growth with the larger community. The Mural will focus on expressing a myriad of emotions through a creative, colorful, unique, collaborative and artistic lens. The group has begun to work on the mural project, which will continue over the months ahead. “I am honored to introduce the creative and historic aspects of the art form of mosaics to these youth as we celebrate feelings proudly and confidently,” states Michele Sokoloff.
An unveiling and installation of the three-feet-by-four-feet mural will take place in Spring 2026 near the Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services office. The coordinators of the project are seeking physical help within our community to assist in the exterior positioning and installation of the mural. If you can pitch in and help, it will be appreciated. Please contact Alli Behnke (alli.behnke@hkyfs.org) and Michele Sokoloff (michele@loverslanefarmct.com).
Photos provided by HKYFS
