Our Curriculum

Girls on the Run® is a lot more than a running program. We are not your average sports program, or just another fun, after school activity. We have a Mission: We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

To achieve that mission we deliver our message to young girls through volunteer coaches and mentors. Our 10-week 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 race event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

The curriculum encompasses the following 3 concepts:

• Weeks 1-4: All About Me...Getting to Know Who I am and What I Stand For!
• Weeks 5-8: Building My Team...Understanding the Importance of Cooperation
• Weeks 9-10: 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 a team goal.
• Afterwards, cool-down stretching is then combined with participant asked and answered questions.
• Each session closes with positive words from the girls' coach regarding individual and group behaviors