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Girls on the Run pairs fitness with self-esteem

 

Cleo Mellish (front) and Holly Wagner receive encouragement from their Science Hill running buddies in the Girls on the Run program. Times-News photo.

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Exercise may be good for physical fitness, but it can also promote higher self-esteem, a healthier body image, and a sense of belonging.

Girls on the Run, a nonprofit character development program, hopes to promote that message this summer.

"It (Girls on the Run) is a character development program for girls (ages) 8 to 13," said Ani Boyd, council director for Girls on the Run of Northeast Tennessee - an independent affiliate council of Girls on the Run International. "Basically, we use running to talk about and teach lessons in healthy living, self-esteem and self-respect. It's less about competitive running and more about helping girls figure out who they are, so they can make good decisions when they get to adolescence and high school."

The program normally runs for 12 weeks after school. During that time, participants spend time training to run a 5K race, while also exploring the concepts of self, team building and community development.

This summer, however, Girls on the Run will also offer a camp, which will take place July 9-13 at the Eastman Employee Center.

"What we're doing in Kingsport this summer is giving the Kingsport area a taste of the program - to kind of serve as a springboard for launching our fall program," Boyd said. "We'll do different parts of the curriculum, so it will be condensed."

The camp will meet Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Instead of running a 5K, participants will train for and run in the Fun Fest Crazy Mile on July 13.

Registration for the camp is $130, but scholarships are available. Participation is currently limited to the first 15 registrants. However, Boyd said another session could be added if interest is high enough and volunteers are available.

Boyd said she thinks girls who participate in this summer's camp will take away a lot more than just a fitness lesson.

"We just wrapped up our fall program, and hearing the girls finish the program and what they learned, some of that was just really inspiring," Boyd said. "Knowing that they normally quit when things get hard and doing this program and running the race showed them that they don't have to - they can really do anything that they put their mind to. I think they (camp participants) will really just get a better sense of who they are, feel comfortable in their own skin, and know that they're good because they're unique."

For more information on Girls on the Run, to learn about volunteer and donation opportunities, or to register for camp visit www.gotrnetn.org.

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