Girls on the Run, a nationally-renowned, physical activity-based, youth development program, is seeking volunteers to expand its operations in Aroostook County.
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- Girls on the Run Coach Nora Pangburn, left, congratulates program participant Isabel Berry upon finishing her first 5K event in June. (Contributed photo/Shaye Elizabeth Photography)
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- Girls on the Run program participant, Julia Bartley, second from left, finishes June’s 5K Celebration at Mantle Lake Park in Presque Isle with her running buddies, from left, Jason Bartley, Mandy Graham and Max Bartley. (Contributed photo/Shaye Elizabeth Photography)
The program uses running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8, according to organizers.
“Much more than a running program, Girls on the Run inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind,” said Heidi Bartley, the head coach of the Presque Isle-based program.
Trained coaches lead small teams through a 10-week curriculum that includes discussions, activities and running games. The program culminates with girls working on a service project to help their communities, and with their being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.
The Maine chapter of Girls on the Run was established in 2012. The council now serves girls at more than 45 sites at schools, YMCAs and community centers across the state.
In Presque Isle, five trained volunteer coaches facilitated the curriculum for the first Aroostook County team of 15 girls last spring at the Presque Isle Community Center.
The volunteers helped equip the girls with the physical and emotional skills necessary to complete a 5K at Mantle Lake Park in Presque Isle in June.
“We had an amazing turnout to celebrate our girls’ achievements,” Bartley said. “They worked hard each week to meet this challenge and now they have seen their hard work pay off.”
The event also served as a fundraiser to expand the program to more sites in Aroostook County in 2018. Plans are in the works to offer the program at at least four more sites, according to Bartley.
“In order to make this happen, we are looking for volunteer coaches,” Bartley said. “We welcome enthusiastic, dedicated and positive volunteers who are committed to empowering girls with valuable life lessons. Coaches are parents, teachers, school administrators, college students and other community members who are committed to developing and celebrating our girls.”
Bartley said all volunteers receive Girls on the Run National Coach Training and all curriculum and supplies are provided. The position requires about two to four hours per week for a 10-week commitment.
For more information, including how to find a site or how to get involved, visit girlsontherunmaine.org or Bartley at heidi.bartley @girlsontherun.org.
