When you come here, you learn to be a lady.

More than 30 girls from Hall County schools echo this sentiment as they attend the annual girls leadership program organized by Newtown Florist Club.

The six-week summer day camp at Fair Street IB World School teaches girls in middle and high school about current issues, women’s history, health awareness and self image.

"Today we learned that your name can express who you are — good or bad," said Kia Shields, 11. "So you make yourself a good reputation and learn how to be a lady."

The girls researched their names on computers early Monday and talked about reputations in the afternoon.

"As ladies and adults, you can’t believe all that you hear," Amanda Teasley, 30, a Gainesville State student doing research on the group, told the girls after they discussed rumors surrounding Michael Jackson’s death. "By the time you get into high school, how many rumors will be started about you? How will you respond?"

Prove it wrong through your actions, they agreed.

"The girls learn leadership and new things outside of their boundaries," said Annette Woods, a member of the Newtown Florist Club. "Conflict resolution, team building and health."

Three women from the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Life Center visited to talk about their lives, respect and the importance of education.

"Get as much education as you can," said Bernice Austin. "When I came out of school, a high school degree could get you a job, but now you can’t. Whatever you do, finish high school and get some type of degree."

Wilma Watkins discussed her first day of school and how she loved living on a farm.

"I brought in the wood for my momma to heat the stove to cook bread. You’ve got it made with the heat, picture shows, videos and music," she said, smiling. "Remember to get out and have fun but have it in a good way. Trust is really important, so make sure you have friends to go to and make sure you really know them."

Rosita Robertson discussed her childhood living in public housing in Denver, her recent recovery from breast cancer and her missionary work in El Salvador.

"Make the best of being in a country where you can find jobs, have welfare if you need it and eat more than one meal per day," she said as she described poor conditions of children in El Salvador. "Children have to wash their clothes in the river by hand, cook meals on an open fire and bathe outside with cold water."

The students listened in awe as the women described what it was like to grow up without electricity, with strict discipline and cheap food prices.

"I wouldn’t make it," said Khadija Hollis, 14.

"To have to work so young, my gosh," said Jazmine Bailey, 14. "And to have to walk to school."

The women encouraged the girls to get involved in the community and to be aware of themselves.

"The older I get, the more I appreciate the knowledge and respect my parents taught me," Austin said.