York County Medicine Spring 2020 - 24

YO R K C O M E D S O C . O R G

FEATURE:

D

Volunteering with
Girls on the Run York

o you remember your little neighbor girl? She was always
carefree, smiling, and quick to say "Hi," wanting to help
you. Then, it seems almost overnight, she changed. By
age 9, a girl's self confidence begins to drop. At the age of 10,
physical activity declines and continues to decrease throughout
her adolescence. This once active and happy little girl is now
struggling with her own body, both mentally and physically.
Girls on the Run, a national nonprofit organization, is an
affiliate program of YWCA York. Girls on the Run is "dedicated
to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her
limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams."
GOTR is a 10-week program with a curriculum that uses physical
activity and lessons to teach girls important life skills that they can
apply to all aspects of their lives.
During the 10-week program, there is a lesson on Star Power.
This lesson starts with the girls participating in a visualization
activity where they find a star shining bright in the sky, claim it as
their own and place it next to their heart. The star is to represent
the Star Power that is in every girl. The lesson continues with
girls learning how clouds (such things as negative self talk, being
bullied, getting a bad grade) can cover their star. The heart of
the lesson is learning ways to activate their own Star Power and
someone else's Star Power. During the running part of the lesson,
the girls run with a partner. One girl has a cloud with a problem
on it, the other girl has a star and while running a lap together, the
two discuss how they can activate their Star Power to overcome the
cloud.
Girls on the Run York is overseen by a coordinator; however,
it takes lots of volunteers to make this program successful. Local
elementary, intermediate and middle schools host teams. Each
team must have a minimum of two coaches. All GOTR coaches
will receive training and support along the way. Our coaches are
teachers, parents and community members who want to give back.
A GOTR Coach does not need to be a runner! But a GOTR
Coach must:
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York County Medicine | SPRING 2020

* Believe in the inherent power within every girl
* Want to leave a lasting impact on the lives of girls and
the community
* Have a desire to help girls learn, grow and have fun
GOTR coaches will facilitate the practices twice a week during
the 10-week season using the GOTR curriculum as intended
for each practice. The coaches foster a culture of inclusion
and acceptance at practices, work with their co-coaches and
communicate with parents as needed. In addition to Head and
Assistant Coaches, Girls on the Run also has a Junior Coach
opportunity for volunteers ages 16-18 that are interested in
coaching and helping with a team.
Girls on the Run York also needs volunteer Running Buddies.
During the celebratory 5k each girl must have a Running Buddy.
Running Buddies must be at least 16 years old and be a role
model for their GOTR. As a Running Buddy, you must attend
the practice 5K at the school site and then also complete the
celebratory 5K with your Girls on the Run participant. Running
Buddies provide encouragement, support and serve as cheerleaders
for their GOTR throughout the season and especially during the
5K.
Volunteers are also needed for the end of season celebratory
5K. These roles can include helping at "Cheer" stations,
registration tables, post 5K refreshment area and water stations on
the course. Volunteering at the Girls on the Run 5K is a great way
to celebrate these young girls who have successfully completed the
season.
If you would like to volunteer with the Girls on the Run York
Council and help a girl find her inner Star Power, please visit:
www.ywcayork.org/gotr or contact Jessica Smith at Jessica.smith@
ywcayork.org.
http://www.YORKCOMEDSOC.ORG http://www.ywcayork.org/gotr
York County Medicine Spring 2020

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