Girls on the Run is a nationally recognized, 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 programs is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.
The Girls on the Run objective is to reduce the potential display of at-risk activities among its participants. The goal is fewer adolescent pregnancies and eating disorders, less depression and suicide attempts, as well as fewer substance/alcohol abuse problems and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.
Girls on the Run has been using a successful 12 week program since the fall of 1996. Since that time, thousands of girls across the country, in 3rd – 5th, and 6th – 8th grades have benefited from the program. I have been in contact with the Cincinnati chapter of Girls on the Run, and the leaders are excited about the possibility of having a program on the west side of Cincinnati.
We are currently looking for girls in 3rd – 5th grades who are willing to be involved in the program, as well as adult women who are enthused enough to be trainers for the girls in the program. Our goal is to have at least 10-12 girls, and four to six trainers ready to begin the program in the spring of 2010.
GOTR is usually set up as an individual pay-to-participate program, although some locations decide to fund the program directly. Each girl’s fee is based on their household income, ranging from $10 - $150 per girl. This fee is currently based on the honor system with each girl’s family selecting the appropriate fee for their income level. Any girl unable to pay may be eligible for a full scholarship and should submit an application to Girls on the Run. Included in the fee price are:
- 24 0ne-hour lessons conducted by a certified GOTR coach
- Fitted New Balance running shoes
- Healthy snacks at the end of each lesson
- Lesson handouts and materials
- Girls on the Run t-shirt
- Girls on the Run water bottle
- Entry into the GOTR 5k race
- Finisher’s medal and goodie bag
- End of season party
Look forward with me for a moment if you will. Envision this program taking off on the west side with Shiloh being at the hub. With the number of elementary schools and middle schools just here in Delhi, the possibilities are mind boggling. What a great way to do our part to ensure that our girls enter their teens with a solid, positive attitude and a strong set of morals and values!! If you are interested in being a part of this new endeavor, please contact Den Rebennack at the church soon so we can begin to work on this for the fall.
For more information see:
Girls On The Run Cincinnati