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

Self Care, Self-Awareness, Knowing Self
Lesson 1: Getting To Know Each Other
Lesson 2: Plugging Into the Girl on the Run Cord
Lesson 3: Choosing to Be a Girl on the Run
Lesson 4: Positive Self Talk and Why I Choose It
Lesson 5: Fueling Our Healthy Pace
Lesson 6: Being Emotional is Healthy!
Lesson 7: Celebrating Gratitude
Lesson 8: Centering: The Importance of Slowing Down
Lesson 9: Valuing what’s Really Important

Selecting Healthy Relationships and Keeping Them Healthy
Lesson 10: Learning About Cooperation
Lesson 11: Standing Up to Peer Pressure
Lesson 12: Standing Up for Myself
Lesson 13: Gossiping Hurts Everyone
Lesson 14: Beware of Bullies
Lesson 15: It’s Okay to Choose Our Friends
Lesson 16: Practicing Our 5k

Empowerment: Celebrating and SHARING Our Strengths
Lesson 17: You Call It
Lesson 18: Tuning Into a New Message
Lesson 19: Learning About Community
Lesson 20: Designing Our Community Impact Project
Lesson 21: Implementing Our Community Impact Project
Lesson 22: Honoring Our Greatest Gifts
Lesson 23: The Finishing Touches
Lesson 24: Final Celebration!