How the Girls on the Run Program Works

Our Approach
Each 6-week session is delivered to young girls through volunteer coaches and mentors. Our 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 event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

The curriculum lessons encompass the following 3 concepts:

1. All About Me: Getting to know who I am and what I stand for!
2. Building My Team: Understanding the importance of cooperation.
3. Community Begins With Me: Learning about community and designing our own community project.

Curriculum Structure
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 team goal.
- Afterwards, cool-down stretching is combined with final interactive processing time.
- Each session closes with positive words from the girls' coach regarding individual and group behaviors.