After-school programs inspire kids to learn with their peers, introduce mentors into their circle, keep them safe, and help families. A high-quality program for which social emotional activity-based learning is research supported, is after-school enrichment at its best.  This type of programming is exactly what Girls on the Run Rhode Island is providing to 22 sites in Rhode Island and 10 in Bristol County MA this Spring with the help of 156 trained coaches. We are especially excited right now as we are using an upgraded curriculum specifically designed by participant feedback to best meet the whole-body health needs of today's youth.  A multitude of coach voices, including our own, also guided the lesson development so that each practice and its messaging is creative, progressive, joyful, and lasting.    

Public health research is showing a decrease in physical activity involvement starting as early as age 9 in girls. This decrease is worrisome as physical activity is essential to the healthy development of youth.  This is why Girls on the Run starts at grade 3 and goes through grade 8, and why it uses 'running.'  Running is a natural, basic movement for most kids, and it can be adapted to other forms of forward movement.  Thus, we train our coaches on how to adapt the lessons and can offer our programming to children of all abilities.  Like in adults, running at any pace, especially in the fresh air, supports muscle and bone strength and boosts endorphins, thus improving a child's wellbeing and general happiness.  Running is also an activity that works well with a buddy, and this buddy can rotate between friends (new and old) and supportive coaches.  The latter, running with a coach, allows time for youth to check-in, be heard, and set plans to address emotions, solve a problem, or make more intentional decisions based on adult processing support and feedback.  Running is something that helps girls that are not interested in competitive ball sports see themselves as athletes, and it can create a passion for a sport that can be done for a lifetime.  Running also does not require expensive equipment.  The shoes and active wear needed to move with comfort and confidence is something our council is dedicated to providing all participants in need, and we are grateful for the ongoing grants and donations that support this aspect of our non-profit. 

I now want you to hear from those in our programming. Take a quick moment to find strength in the words of recent participants: 

• “It’s all about how to be kind to yourself and support yourself, make new friends and have fun being active.”
• “Girls on the run helps you gain confidence and power!”

To embrace the words of recent coaches, 

• "It is so exciting to see the girls' growth both physically through running and emotionally through confidence boosting lessons.”

• “It's an awesome opportunity to help and support young girls as they navigate peer relationships as well as their own self-confidence and help to instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

And to feel the gratitude in the words of recent caregivers, 

• “My daughter gained tools and strategies to help with positive thinking while working towards an individual and a group goal of completing the 5K.”
• “My daughter became a more motivated and positive person in the end! I am so proud of her.”

Learn more about what we do, how to get involved, our 5K, how to support us, how to register, and how to donate at www.gotrri.org.

Written by Elizabeth McGann, Program Manager, Girls on the Run Rhode Island