An after-school program for girls is spreading throughout local elementary schools, and it's no surprise.
Girls on Run gives girls a sense of belonging, offering them meaningful and engaging experiences.
As we recently reported, it's ostensibly a running club, but it's so much more. It provides self-confidence, emotional health and having good relationships with friends.
"Practice" begins with a five-minute snack and a brief time for the girls to talk about their days.
Coaches go through a lesson with the girls, with subjects ranging from understanding their emotions to how to value friendship. Then they go for a 30-minute run.
The physical aspect isn't just about running. Coaches encourage the girls to do whatever they like, be it running, walking, skipping, jumping or dancing, as long as they're being participating in physical activity.
At the end of practice, girls will do a cool-down and receive their "homework," usually a task like saying "hi" to a teammate throughout the week. The girls report their progress at the following practice.
A lot of the activities are designed to encourage teamwork.
For the girls who participate, it's simply fun. But it's also developing competence, confidence, connection, character and caring. It's sort of like the pureed cauliflower sneaked into the mac and cheese.
The program is new to North and East elementary schools but has previously been established in Callaway Hills, Thorpe Gordon, and South elementary schools. Belair and Callaway Hills hope to participate in the spring.
The national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started in 1996 as a way to enhance girls' social, emotional and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences.
We think it will not only help them navigate life, but make them champions in life. We hope the program continues to succeed and spreads throughout other local schools.
News Tribune