Girls on the Run of Central Maryland

Life skills are defined as competencies learned in one domain or context that are successfully transferred to other domains and contexts (e.g., at home, at school, with friends, and in the community). During the program, girls learn specific skills and strategies such as: managing emotions, resolving conflicts, helping others, and intentional decision-making.

The curriculum is designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological, and physical skills and behaviors. Over the course of the program, girls develop in the areas of Confidence, Caring, Character, Connection, Competence, and Contribution (5c’s +1). Each lesson of the curriculum focuses on one or more of these life skills.

The GOTR curriculum is based on current research in the field of elementary education, social-emotional learning, and positive-youth development. Each 75-minute lesson focuses on themes that girls can relate to such as making and being friends, recognizing and managing emotions, and working as a team. As part of the program, each team creates and executes a local community service project to show girls that they have the power and potential to make a difference in their community and on society. Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. Important social, psychological, and physical skills and abilities are developed and reinforced throughout the program. Each season concludes with the girls and their running buddies completing a 5k event, which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

We have an excellent committed staff of 5 who are dedicated to fulfilling our mission. We also rely on over 1,000 volunteers each year to help us successfully execute our programs. Over 300 of these volunteers are coaches, who spend 15-20 hours per month (while we are in season) delivering our program and mentoring young girls.