Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run® was developed specifically for girls in third, fourth and fifth grade (ages 8-12). The after-school program combines training to participate in a running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts and a community service project. The teams – which consist of 8 to 15 girls – meet two times per week right after school for an hour and a half. Most teams begin meeting at about 3:30 or 3:45 pm.

The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Furthermore, we encourage participants to talk with their family every day about what is going on with them. The 10-week curriculum attempts to help each girl find and stay true to her REAL self.

Why this age?

GOTR is best suited for prevention purposes for girls between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. This is a time when children are still receptive to what adults have to say, yet they are beginning to feel the pull of peer pressure. Studies show that around the time of 5th grade, some girls go to a place that we call “The Girl Box.” The Girl Box is a place where girls feel as if they are valued more for their appearance, who their friends are and what kind of clothes they wear – as opposed to the strength of their character. It is the perfect time to address important personal and relationship issues to a girl – like learning how to manage her emotions, the dangers of gossiping, how and when to speak up for herself and more. It is a great time to develop skills to handle these issues to help each girl STAY OUT OF THE BOX.

Girls on The Run Session Overview

All About Me: Getting to know who I am and what I stand for
Lesson 1: Getting To Know Each Other
Lesson 2: Being a Girl of Your Word
Lesson 3: Making Important Changes
Lesson 4: Taking Care of Our Physical Health
Lesson 5: Being Emotional is Healthy
Lesson 6: Taking Time to Be Thankful
Lesson 7: Drugs Hurt Your Chances
Lesson 8: Values are Valuable

Building My Team: Understanding the importance of cooperation
Lesson 9: Learning About Cooperation
Lesson 10: Learning To Listen
Lesson 11: Gossiping is a Bad Habit
Lesson 12: Bullying is for the Birds
Lesson 13: Standing Up For Myself
Lesson 14: The Keys to Making Healthy Decisions
Lesson 15: Being a Good Sport
Lesson 16: Doing a 5k!

Community Begins With Me: Learning about community and designing our community project
Lesson 17: You Call It
Lesson 18: Community Begins with Me
Lesson 19: Media Literacy
Lesson 20: Finalizing the Community Project
Lesson 21: Completing the Community Project
Lesson 22: Finishing Strong
Lesson 23: The Finishing Touches
Lesson 24: Final Celebration