Raising girls is hard. And my daughter is only four. If you are a girl mom, no matter the age of your daughter, you realize this is true. Girls face social pressures and conflicting messages about how they should act and who they should be. Studies show that by adolescence, girls’ confidence drops about twice as much as boys’. Stressors related to COVID-19 have undoubtedly affected girls, between social isolation, anxiety and more limited opportunities for physical activity.
Just as moms need a village to not only survive, but make lasting friendships and gain personal confidence, girls need a village too. That is where Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas comes in.
What is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. It is for girls in grades 3-8.
Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas is an independent council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 200 councils across 50 states and the District of Columbia. Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas was established in 2011. We now serve Sedgwick, Butler, Harvey, Reno, Marion, Saline and Sumner counties and has had over 4000 participants over the past six years.
Why Choose Girls on the Run?
They believe that every girl is inherently full of power and potential. By knowing they are the leaders of their lives, these are the girls who will change the world.
The core values of Girls on the Run guide their way and they stand firm in our long-standing commitment to building a world where every person can know and activate their limitless potential. They value the dignity and humanity of all people and are dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible (IDEA) organization. Girls on the Run inspires ALL girls to build confidence and make intentional decisions, while fostering care and compassion for self and others. Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional and physical skills in every girl while encouraging healthy habits for life, such as
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confidence
Lessons are designed to build girls’ self-worth and help them feel greater confidence in who they are. Activities help girls recognize their personal strengths and teach them how to stand up for themselves and others.
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character
By gaining awareness of the power they possess to make intentional decisions, girls learn to choose positive actions which demonstrate respect and responsibility towards themselves and others.
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care
Throughout each season, girls learn to respond to others and themselves with care and compassion. Lessons and activities further develop their abilities to sympathize and empathize both within and beyond their social groups.
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connections
Girls on the Run lessons focus on cooperative skills and team building through a positive group setting. Girls learn firsthand how to create positive connections with parents and caregivers, teachers, peers and their communities.
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Plus, you can check out this study down by Dr. Maureen Weiss, an expert in positive youth development, of the impact on Girl’s on the Run. It is extraordinary to see the statistics that proof what a positive impact this program has.
As a (amateur) runner myself, I can attest to the positive body image and mindset I have gained from running solo. Imagine what more the young girls of Wichita can gain through a dedicated, organized team of girls their own age!
Camp GOTR: Girls Have Power
If you are looking for something fun for your daughters to do this summer, make sure to check out Camp GOTR: Girls Have Power!
During this dynamic week-long session, girls will learn about the power they possess to recognize emotions in themselves and others, and how to express their feelings through fun and interactive activities such as “Emotion Detective”, building workshops, creative skits, and more!
Price: $100-175 (includes lesson handouts, materials, shirt, water bottle, bracelet, and snacks and more)
Duration: 1 week (4 options)
– Week 1: June 14-18 at Andover Community Center
– Week 2: June 28 – July 2 at Tanganyika Wildlife Park
– Week 3: July 5-9 at Maize Recreation Center
– Week 4: July 19-23 at the Urban League of Kansas (this week is only $10 and participants must qualify for free or reduced lunches)
– Week 5: July 26-30 at Watson Park
Make sure to follow Girls on the Run
**This post was sponsored by Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas.