GOTR Program Overview

The GOTR program uses a 24-lesson curriculum designed to promote good choice for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The curriculum, designed specifically to address “girl box” issues, uses warm-up, and workouts which encourage emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Girls on the Run of McHenry County prepares girls for a 5K run/walk event and challenges and encourages girls, whatever their fitness level. Watch our video to learn about the program from the girls, coaches and the Executive Director.

GIRLS ON TRACK

Girls on the Run is the name of our organization, but we actually have two programs:

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

The Girls on the Run curriculum has been in use since the fall of 1996. Since that time thousands of girls have been through the program-but what we soon discovered is, they were having so much fun and getting so connected, they wanted something that would carry them through middle school. We originally wanted to call it Girls on the Run for Middle Schoolers. The girls who were participating told us they wanted something they could call their own. Hence the birth of Girls on Track.

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.

Our Curriculum

Our Approach Girls on the Run delivers our message to young girls through volunteer coaches and mentors. Our 10-week character building program meets twice a week. It involves experiential learning through running and teaches very specific and well-defined social and personal skills. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K run event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

Curriculum Structure

Girls on the Run programs are based on activities that function specifically 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 bring 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.
  • Then, during the workout period, the girls participate in a variety of running activities that utilize a game or a team goal.
  • Afterwards, cool-down stretching is combined a review and discussion of the day's lesson that encourages participant questions.
  • Each session closes with positive words from the girls' coach regarding individual and group behaviors.