Girls on the Run® councils across the United States and Canada serve girls in their local communities under the umbrella of our parent organization, Girls on the Run International. Our 24-lesson curriculum is designed for 3rd – 8th grade girls and combines training for a 5k run with lessons that inspire them to recognize and honor their individual strengths and talents and to celebrate their inner selves. The culminating event of the 12-week season is the opportunity for the girls to participate in a non-competitive 5K running event. For most of the girls, this is the first time that they have ever attempted a physical goal of this magnitude and completion of the 5k provides an incredible feeling of strength and a real sense of accomplishment.

Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County has two programs:

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

The principal philosophies and psychological research for both programs are the same yet the depth of processing the topics varies with the two different curricula. We can go into more targeted and age-appropriate discussion regarding certain topics (eating disorders, tobacco and alcohol use, personal/internet safety and harassment to name a few) with the middle school participants, whereas with the younger girls the discussion remains a bit more vague or may not occur at all.

The curriculum is designed to aid and support girls in their emotional, physical, social and intellectual development.

Expectations

Girls on the Run promotes physical, emotional, social and intellectual development in 3rd through 8th grade girls. The girls complete the 12-week program with a stronger sense of identity, greater self-confidence, a healthier body image and a better knowledge of what it means to be a member of a team and a community.  Due to the importance of group dynamics, the experiential learning process of the GOTR curriculum, and preparation for a 5k:

  • girls commit to the two day per week practice schedule
  • attend at least 85% of the sessions
  • girls are required to register no later than the fourth day of practice each season

Curriculum Structure

Girls meet twice per week for 12 weeks, for a total of 24 sessions. Each of the Girls on the Run and Girls on Track sessions adheres to a formal structure that combines physical activities with experiential learning activities.

This is followed by a wrap-up that includes cool-down stretching and final discussion. Each session closes with positive words from the team coach regarding individual and group behaviors.

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, along with deeper discussions.
  • Then, during the workout period, the girls participate in a variety of running activities that utilize a game or an individual or team goal.
  • Afterwards, cool-down stretching is combined with a discussion time in which the girls answer and ask questions.
  • Each session closes with positive words from the girls’ coach regarding individual and group behaviors.

The curriculum encompasses the following 3 concepts:

. Weeks 1-4: Self-care, self-awareness, knowing self
. Weeks 5-8: Connectedness: Selecting healthy relationships and keeping them healthy
. Weeks 9-12: Celebrating and sharing our strengths

Click here for the topics covered in Girls on the Run (Grades 3-5).

Click here for the topics covered in Girls on Track (Grades 6-8).