From Summer Programs to Birthday Parties: Miss Nancy's Girls Club Brings The Fun

DANVERS, MA – Nancy Purcell thought parents were joking when they asked her to come to their homes for birthday parties. She started a summer program for girls in 2009, bringing in local women of note to teach skills and facilitate crafts, creating activities for young women with nothing to do over the summer.

Now, with the support of her family, Purcell is branching out. She just launched Miss Nancy's Girls Club Parties to bring her popular program into the home for girls ages 4 to 12.

"There was a lack of affordable fun for girls, mainly in the summer," said Purcell on Wednesday. So she created a summer program through Danvers Recreation and other towns, facilitating activities for half days from Monday through Thursday. She brought in women like Stefani Palmisano of Goodies Ice Cream Parlor and the Danvers Girls Varsity Field Hockey coach to teach the girls new skills and show them what they could be when they grow up.

"I try to show them that you can be and do anything you want," said Purcell. Her family encouraged her to take that show on the road.

"I just thought that this was the perfect time," she said. "There’s not a lot of options for young girls out there."

Purcell said she's aiming to fill a niche for affordable fun: Her parties are $125 for two hours with 10 girls. Every additional guest is $8, and she works with the parents to tailor the party to the girl's interests.

She described the activities as "old fashioned fun," with crafts, nail painting, journaling, and more. In her summer program, she's had staff from Home Depot come in and teach the girls how to use a hammer and nails.

"I think it’s hard to find good friends and have fun with friends. It’s more of an independent world," Purcell said. She said she makes a point to bring in female role models, from chiropractors to health food professionals.

"Miss Nancy is the best," said Rosemarie Young, of Hoods Pond, Topsfield, where Purcell has held programs. "She gives the kids 100 percent and we have had repeat sign ups for the last few years because of her wonderful program. The girls always want to come back for more!"

Purcell can be reached by emailing MissNancysGirlsClub@aol.com.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Purcell