Growing ever stronger: Girls on the Run pick up steam

Thu, 06/08/2017 - 11:00am

CUMBERLAND – The Midcoast branch of Girls on the Run finished its second season, Sunday, June 4, with a state-wide 5K run in Cumberland. The run, held every season, proclaims the end of a 10-week mentorship program, which, this season, included a service project with PAWS.

Over the course of the spring, girls met twice a week at the PenBay YMCA. During this time, they not only improved their running skills, but also learned life-long skills in teamwork, empowerment, communication, and service, according to Coach Caroline Moore

“The girls worked so hard, and have been intertwined in the community through the YMCA and a service project for PAWS,” said Moore.

Informational fliers for PAWS can be found hanging in local businesses, created as part of the girls’ self-designed project.

All 20 program participants attended the Girls on the Run Maine 5K at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. The 5K brought together Girls on the Run teams from across Maine, with more than 700 girls running.

Family, friends, and coaches served as "running buddies" during the event.

The initial GOTR program began in 1996 in North Carolina. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide nonprofit designed to boost and maintain confidence in young girls. Though running is the primary focus, the itinerary includes group discussions and team-building activities.

This Girls on the Run program is for girls in grades three through five. Plans for a fall team are already in the works.

Contact Caroline Moore (moore.carolinep@gmail.com) if you are interested in coaching or learning more about the program.

See our previous articles:

Area Girls on the Run program ends inaugural season, looks forward to spring

Camden resident takes steps toward leadership program for area girls

 

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com