WHAT IT IS

Girls on the Run is a national non-profit educational and running program for pre-adolescent girls (3rd-8th grades) that strengthens girls physically, emotionally, and socially in preparation to face the upcoming pressures of adolescence.

The 12-week, 24 lesson curriculum combines self-esteem enhancing life-lessons, discussions, and running games in an encouraging, girl-positive environment where girls can feel free to express themselves and build their confidence.

The goal of Girls on the Run is to empower girls early in their lives to find strength, courage and self-respect from within and draw upon it as they face the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.

The Girls on the Run program is based on the belief that it is critical to reach girls at this early age to prepare them for adolescence and prevent at-risk behaviors such as eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, obesity, and promiscuity. Some issues that the Girls on the Run sessions address are:

• Self-esteem
• Body image
• Healthy eating and life-style habits
• Dangers of drugs and alcohol
• Emotional health
• Peer pressure
• Anger management
• Gossiping
• Stereotyping and discrimination
• Importance of good communication skills
• Teamwork
• Community

Girls on the Run uses the physical activity of running in combination with these life lessons because studies show that females who participate in physical activities or sports experience higher levels of self esteem and confidence, as well as lower levels of depression than those who do not. Exercise has also shown to boost girls' self-esteem by offering them tangible experience of competency and success. To this end, throughout the program, the girls train to run or walk in a 3.1 mile community running event.

Finally, the program emphasizes the importance of contributing to the community. In the last weeks, the girls use the skills they have developed to design and carry out a group community service project.