What is Girls on the Run?
A life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.
Girls On the Run in the Sioux Empire is facilitated by YWCA. Last school year over 300 girls participated in the program at elementary and middle schools throughout the Sioux Empire.
How does it work?
The 12-week character building program of experiential learning through running teaches very specific and well-defined social and personal skills. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K race event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
The curriculum encompasses the following 3 concepts:
- Weeks 1-4: All About Me...Getting to Know Who I am and What I Stand For!
- Weeks 5-8: Building My Team...Understanding the Importance of Cooperation
- Weeks 9-12: Community Begins with Me...Learning About Community and Designing Our Own Community Project
Girls on the Run promotes physical as well as emotional, mental and character development. The girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team.
Typical Girls On the Run Session
Girls on the Run programs are based on activities with specific functions to enhance the learning process.
Each meeting is structured as follows:
- The session begins with a getting-on-board and a warm-up activity that brings the girls' focus onto the day's topic.
- The warm-up is followed by a stretching routine that allows for a topic-related question and answer time.
- Then, during the workout period, the girls participate in a variety of running activities that utilize a game or a team goal.
- Afterwards, cool-down stretching is then combined with participant asked and answered questions.
- Each session closes with positive words from the girls' coach regarding individual and group behaviors.
More Information
Learn more by visiting www.girlsontherun.org or contact YWCA at 336-3660.