Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development - their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.

Girls On Track

Girls on the Run is the name of our organization, but we have two programs:

• Girls on the Run -- for 3rd-5th graders
• Girls on Track -- for 6th-8th graders
  

The psychological research and principal philosophy behind both programs is the same, yet the depth of processing varies in order to be age appropriate. The Girls on Track middle school curriculum allows for more mature processing around certain topics including eating disorders, internet safety, cyber bullying and tobacco and alcohol use.

National Recognition for Girls on the Run®

Featured on CNN, NBC, ESPN, Real Simple, I-Village Live and in the following national publications: Shape Magazine, O, People, Better Homes & Gardens, Runner’s World, Fitness Magazine, Running Times, Cooking Light, Walking, Parent, American Girl, Healthy Kids, Glamour, Women’s Day, Redbook, Southern Living and extensive local media throughout the United States.

Program Design

• Three 24-lesson curriculums teach life skills through group processing, running games and workouts. The three-part curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run® coaches and includes understanding ourselves, valuing teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
• Girls choose and conduct a community service project
• At each season’s conclusion, the girls complete a 5k running event as a group

Partnerships

Girls on the Run® councils collaborate with a variety of non-profit organizations, including community hospitals, recreation centers, public and private schools, YWCA’s, YMCA’s, Boys & Girls Clubs, health departments, law enforcement organizations, running & fitness clubs and universities.

Curricula Organization

The curriculum is divided into three parts:

• The first eight lessons are centered on the girls getting to know themselves. Examining their values, their likes and dislikes, and who they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals include “fueling our healthy pace”, “centering: the importance of slowing down” and “celebrating gratitude.”
• The next eight lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and learning goals include “standing up to peer pressure”, “gossiping hurts everyone” and “it’s okay to choose my friends.”
• The last eight lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a contribution to your community and learning to recognize and deal with the negative messages we often receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.) Lesson topics and learning goals include: “learning about community”, “tuning into a new message (media literacy)” and the development and implementation of a group community project.
  

Seasonal Programming

Girls on the Run sessions are offered in the fall or in the spring.

• Fall Session: Ten or Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from August to December
• Spring Session: Ten or Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from January to May