Girls on the Run

About

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd – 5th grade. We teach life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

Girls on the Run is an Affiliate Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 200 councils across the United States and Canada.

Mission

​We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.

Vision

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Core Values

  • Girls on the Run honors its core values. We strive to:
  • Recognize our power and responsibility to be intentional in our decision making
  • Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness
  • Express joy, optimism and gratitude through our words, thoughts and actions
  • Nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health
  • Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent
  • Stand up for ourselves and other
  • learn. dream. live. run.​

  • Three 20-lesson curriculums teach life skills through group processing, running games and workouts. The three-part curriculum is taught by Girls on the Run® coaches and includes understanding ourselves, valuing teamwork, and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
  • Girls choose and conduct a community service project
  • At the season’s conclusion, the girls complete a 5k running event as a group

  • Academic evaluations of the program show a statistically significant improvement in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem
  • Evidence also indicates an improved sense of identity and an increasingly active lifestyle for program participants

The Randolph County YMCA is very grateful to be able to offer the Girls on the Run program in our area. However, without the help of the Community Foundation of Randolph County-Women’s Fund and Wayne County Foundation Women’s Fund, this would not be possible.

 

The curriculum is divided into three parts:

  1. Part one lessons are centered on the girls getting to know themselves. Examining their values, their likes and dislikes, and who they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also sharing with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals include “fueling our healthy pace”, “centering: the importance of slowing down” and “celebrating gratitude.”
  2. The next lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and learning goals include “standing up to peer pressure”, “gossiping hurts everyone” and “it’s okay to choose my friends.”
  3. Part three lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a contribution to your community and learning to recognize and deal with the negative messages we often receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.) Lesson topics and learning goals include: “learning about community”, “tuning into a new message (media literacy)” and the development and implementation of a group community project.

The 20 lessons conclude with the opportunity to participate in a 5k event.

Girls on the Run East Central Indiana will hold a 2024 Spring season beginning March 4th, 2024.
To register contact Jodie Rusznak at [email protected]

Girls on the Run is offered throughout the year at the following sites in East Central Indiana:

  • Centerville-Abington Elementary
  • Deerfield Elementary
  • Monroe Central Elementary
  • Northside Elementary
  • Randolph Southern Elementary
  • Union Elementary
  • Willard Elementary

We serve Delaware, Henry, Jay, Randolph, and Wayne County. Bring Girls on the Run to your local school or community facility.

Step 1 – Download and review our site information packet here.

Step 2 –  Complete an online site application.

Step 3 – Once we’ve received your site application, we’ll review the application and contact you with the next steps.

 

Contact Girls on the Run East Central Indiana for further information

Contact Jodie Rusznak at [email protected]

765-584-YMCA

Coach a Team!

Head Coach Overview

The Head Coach is a volunteer position that works with a team of coaches to facilitate the Girls on the Run curriculum to program participants. This position entails approximately four hours per week for a 10-week commitment.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Head coach must be a woman
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • CPR and First Aid certified
  • Must consent to and complete a background check
  • Attend Girls on the Run coach training
  • Attend all (two) practices per week for a weekly time commitment of approximately 4 hours
  • Have fun!

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a role model for program participants
  • Prepare, organize and supervise weekly lessons
  • Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery
  • Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants
  • Participate in the Girls on the Run 5K

Assistant Coach Overview

The Assistant Coach supports the Head Coach at a Girls on the Run program site while serving as a role model and mentor for program participants. The position entails approximately 1.5-3 hours per week for a 10-week commitment.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must consent to and complete a background check
  • Attend Girls on the Run coach training
  • Able to attend practices once or twice per week
  • Have fun!

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as a role model for program participants
  • Assist with all aspects of the facilitation of weekly lessons
  • Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery
  • Participate in games and workouts with the girls
  • Participate in the Girls on the Run 5K

Sign-up to become a Coach TODAY! 

Contact Jodie Rusznak at [email protected] or 330-495-4667 for more information.