Girls on the Run/Girls on Track
Age Range: 8 to 13
In today’s society, pressure is often placed on girls to fit a certain image. Movies, magazines and other media often send negative messages to girls. These messages may create feelings of worthlessness and lower self-esteem. Developing a positive body image and fostering a healthy lifestyle are two ways to increase self-esteem.
Girls on the Run International is a program aimed at girls aged eight to thirteen that works to bolster self-esteem and encourage healthy lifestyles by combining running and life skills. The program was started in 1996 by triathlete Molly Barker and has since grown to reach over 30,000 girls in the United States and Canada. In order to offer age-appropriate activities, the program has evolved into Girls on the Run for 3rd through 5th graders and Girls on Track for girls in 6th through 8th grades. Both programs feature lessons and activities that address the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being aspects of girls’ development.
The program is delivered in 24 lessons, presented twice a week over 12 weeks. The curriculum is set by the national office and is broken into three parts.
Each day begins with a warm-up activity to introduce the day’s lesson, a stretching routine that serves as a question and answer time, and running activities and games that incorporate the day’s lesson. The cool-down segment allows for additional discussion time and ends with positive words from the coach regarding individual and group behaviors.
At the end of the session, participants have the opportunity to complete a 3.1-mile non-competitive running event with their teammates.
Girls on the Run is a fully developed program that has been shown to positively impact girls’ self-esteem which in turn, can lead to healthy decision-making and reduce the risk of unhealthy behaviors. With planning and involvement from dedicated individuals, Girls on the Run can be brought to
any community.
Results
The ability to run and complete a 3.1-mile event is just one outcome of the program. It is hoped that participants will end with a stronger sense of identity, healthier body image, and greater sense of team involvement. These attitudes are tested before and after the program. A 2005 study conducted by researchers at Old Dominion University found statistically significant increases in girls’ self-esteem, body size satisfaction, and physical activity participation rates. Improvement was also found in health behaviors
and attitudes, attitudes towards physical activity, and sense of empowerment.
Lessons Learned
The Girls on the Run International website is an invaluable resource for municipalities interested in the program. In addition to detailed information on the application and implementation process, described below, the site contains resources and advice leaders should utilize before beginning the application process. For example, communities have found that ongoing fundraising is essential to cover operating costs. This can be the most difficult part of setting up and maintaining a Council. Existing Councils have received funds through grants and through partnerships with other local organizations and businesses. Besides meeting funding needs, successful Councils have established networks of volunteers and professionals to assist with start-up and ongoing support. A cautionary note: One New Jersey council found that it had to face the competition from other sports and athletic programs.
Implementation
Since its early days, Girls on the Run International has received funding and support from New Balance, a running apparel and accessory company. New Balance provided consulting advice and financial assistance to establish the organization’s national office in Charlotte, North Carolina. This office serves as the headquarters and training site for coaches and directors of individual programs, or Councils. In 2005 Girls on the Run gained another corporate partner, joining Kellogg’s in their Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes initiative. The campaign uses the cereal’s mascot, Tony the Tiger, to encourage kids to eat right, respect their bodies, and work hard. Additional funding for the national group has also been provided by donations and grants.
Communities wishing to offer Girls on the Run/Girls on Track programs must first apply and become an approved Council. There are three levels of Councils, each specifying the number of sites where the program may be held, the number of girls who may participate and other operational details. Membership is paid to the national office annually and varies based on Council level and number of girls participating. There are two levels of Council — affiliate and independent. An affiliated program is offered through an independent non-profit entity such as a school, YMCA, park and recreation department, hospital, health department, community foundation or college. Independent Councils are not affiliated with an outside organization and are established as separate non-profit organizations.
Before beginning the application process it must first be determined if a Council already exists in or nearby the community. The national office maintains a listing of all Councils to minimize duplication and facilitate partnerships. If there is no Council to partner with, Girls on the Run International has a well-defined application process. Establishing a Council takes both time and funding. Training for coaches is held twice each year, in June and October, with registration deadlines in April and August respectively. The national office suggests creating a steering committee to assess needs, develop interest, and gather funds. Besides initial Council fees and training expenses, ongoing fundraising will be necessary to sustain the program.
Implementation Guide
New Jersey Councils
New Jersey currently has four Councils. Three operate as affiliates in partnership with schools in Lower Township, Old Tappan and Somerset County. The fourth, New Jersey East, is an independent Council.
Middle Township and Lower Township
Girls on the Run was started several years ago in Middle Township by a school district staff member. When this leader left to assume a new position in Lower Township, the Middle Township program only survived a year and had to be dropped for lack of support. However, the organizational skills and knowledge were transferred to Lower Township through this same individual. The program there not only got started but has been extremely successful. Over 100 girls in grades 3–6 are involved at two district schools. Even with 10 teachers and aides participating, there is not enough capacity to meet demand and girls are sometimes turned away. Parents and school administrators have also embraced the program with enthusiasm. Funding is provided from grants and support from the school district.
Old Tappan
The Girls on the Run program at Old Tappan Elementary School began in the spring of 2000 and is conducted through the PTA. That organization is responsible for both the funding and the operation. The program is offered to grades 3–5.
New Jersey East
New Jersey East started in 2001 and offers both Girls on the Run and Girls on Track programs at various host sites in Jersey City, Madison, Maplewood, Mendham, Millburn, and Summit, and to students at an elementary school in the South Orange-Maplewood school district. As an independent Council, New Jersey East is self-sustaining and is funded by grants, donations, sponsorships, and registration fees. The Council has slightly modified the curriculum, offering the program once a week for 10 weeks. Each session is limited to 20 girls and sessions often fill up quickly. Registration fees cover all lessons and activities and include a T-shirt, newsletter and discounts at local running stores and on 5K races. A sliding fee scale and scholarships covering up to 90 percent of program fees are offered to assist families and allow all girls to join.
Strengths
Innovative Ideas
Resources
www.girlsontherun.org/
The national website for Girls on the Run. This should be the first stop for anyone wishing to implement the program in a community. The website has extensive information on all aspects of the program. The detailed sections on starting a Council are invaluable.
www.girlsontherunnj.org/
Website for the New Jersey East Council. Contains information on the Council’s programs and activities.
Contacts
Girls on the Run International®
500 East Morehead Street, Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 376-9817 or (800) 901-9965
Fax: (704) 376.1039
info@girlsontherun.org
New Jersey East Girls on the Run
Phone: (973) 379-5078
girlsontherunnj@aol.com
