Twenty-one local third, fourth and fifth grade girls from area schools capped off their fall season of Girls on the Run with a Cocoa & Cookies stand that raised over $400 for Kenwood School’s Outdoor Classroom project.
Said team coach and parent Daisy Simpson, “Many people are aware that running and being active are part of Girls on the Run. What they may not realize is that it also provides a social-emotional curriculum.
One of the lessons was about “Community,” and the girls brainstormed all the communities of which they are a part. Another was about “Compromise,” in which the girls brainstormed project ideas, chose which project to do and how it would benefit part of their community.
The girls decided to benefit Kenwood Community School, even though many of the team members attend different area schools. The “Planning” lesson was about identifying individual strengths as they assigned roles and tasks for the project.
All the work was 100% led by the girls — the coaches were there to support, but the girls accomplished it all and had great time along the way!”
Girls on the Run is a nationwide after-school program for girls in grades 3-5.
The Kenwood team was founded three years ago and just completed their fifth season (both fall and spring seasons are offered.)
The program blends physical activity with purposeful social-emotional topics such as positive self-talk, emotional reflection, making and choosing friends, inner strength, and gratitude.
All seasons lead up to an ending celebration in which each girl and a selected “buddy” run or walk a 5K.
Kindergarten teacher Cathy Sullivan, sponsor of the Outdoor Classroom project at Kenwood School, said, “We are so grateful that these capable young athletes chose to benefit our school with their community impact project. What a wonderful result! We believe that when it’s completed, the outdoor classroom will truly benefit the entire neighborhood, beyond the school.”
More community-based fundraisers will be announced in the coming months, providing opportunities for members of the community to engage.
Girls on the Run is seeking coaches for next year. For more information, visit www.gotrmn.org.
