I’m so excited! My daughter recently returned home with a flyer announcing this fantastic program being offered through her school! It’s called, Girls on the Run! Check out their website, philosophy, vision and plan! It’s definitely an attitude of CAN that I want my own daughter to embrace. The problem…my daughter hates to run! I’m not surprised, my husband doesn’t prefer it either, I, however, love it!
Dilemma…my husband and I both think this is a fabulous opportunity for her. Not only for skills, friendships, teamwork, but for self esteem. The program in not just about running. It is goal oriented. It is work oriented. It is people oriented. It is self awareness oriented and it is about a can do attitude. I often have found myself telling my kids that “can’t” isn’t in their vocabulary, that I think they can. However, it is mind over body sometimes. Just like the Little Engine that could.
From their website, they state this about their program: “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.”
Vision
- To provide life-changing, high quality programs for girls
- To provide life-changing and high quality experiences to the women developing and delivering the programs
- To promote and provide an environment that allows girls and women to reach their full potential
- To positively transform how girls and women perceive themselves and their place in society
Editor’s note: Onslow is a proud community partner of Girls on the Run and recently sponsored one of the 5K events. For more information about GOTR, visit their website.
Is this program being offered at other local schools? What do you think? For it or against it?
Tags: 5K and tweens, Activities, balance, communication, exercise, girls on the run, good cause, Kristen Paulsen, onslow memorial hospital, parenting, Self Esteem, tweens
My 11 year old did this program last spring and loved it. The whole family turned out to watch her in the 5K, and she did great. She was not, and still is not, a “runner”, but she finished the race right in the middle of the pack. I’m sure any girl would benefit from participating. the running portion is truly only a small part of the program. The increase in her self esteem was evident, as was her willingness to challenge herself to do more. Since this program, she has wanted to try new things much more and this is quite an accomplishment for my little “shy bug”.
Thank you for sharing your experience. My daughter is NOT a runner and was not happy after first practice, But knows all the girls, the cheersN etc. I’m hoping this is a very positive thing for her! Thank you for sharing and I hope you keep reading and sharing, I love hearing from other moms!