Anonymous wrote:We did girls on the run for 3 years at Janney. It was a great experience until last year when the teachers took it over. Previuosly, parents had run the group with lots of enthusiasm and they really pushed the girls to get in shape. During the winter of 2010-2011 when the teachers took over, they stopped running at 7:45AM and did some nonsense team-building where they sat around in one of the teacher's classrooms. If it was even drizzling slightly, they would not run. When they did run it was such a short distance--that there was virtually no cardio benefit. It was also taken over by this gang of 4th grade girls that have ruined every activity that ny DD has done since 1st grade. There are 8-10 girls in that grade that are a total brats--they do every activity together; the play, origami, scrabble, art, etc., you name it they take it over, socialize and laugh through the whole thing and ruin for any kid who actually wants to seriously do the activity. They ruined the play this year--they are just awful. So, yeah GOTR started off great, but it really depends on who is running it and the behavior profile of the girls involved.

This. GOTR is extremely active at our school and lots and lots of girls sign up to the point where they are running the program almost continuously throughout the school year. Nonetheless, there are lots of firmly anchored girl cliques and many many girls complaining of being left out or bullied, including by girls who have participated in the program. On the whole I'm very skeptical about the long-term benefits of this initiative. It may be that the emphasis on athletics really dilutes the social aspect of the program, so if you're in it strictly to improve your daughter's running skills that's one thing, but I wouldn't expect much from the rest of the curriculum.

We did girls on the run for 3 years at Janney. It was a great experience until last year when the teachers took it over. Previuosly, parents had run the group with lots of enthusiasm and they really pushed the girls to get in shape. During the winter of 2010-2011 when the teachers took over, they stopped running at 7:45AM and did some nonsense team-building where they sat around in one of the teacher's classrooms. If it was even drizzling slightly, they would not run. When they did run it was such a short distance--that there was virtually no cardio benefit. It was also taken over by this gang of 4th grade girls that have ruined every activity that ny DD has done since 1st grade. There are 8-10 girls in that grade that are a total brats--they do every activity together; the play, origami, scrabble, art, etc., you name it they take it over, socialize and laugh through the whole thing and ruin for any kid who actually wants to seriously do the activity. They ruined the play this year--they are just awful. So, yeah GOTR started off great, but it really depends on who is running it and the behavior profile of the girls involved.

Anonymous wrote:I have no issue with GOTR other than that it takes money out of the PTA budget for an only girls program

The only response I have here is that the school pays nothing for Girls on the Run. All costs are borne by GOTR and the families who participate.

Best of luck finding a club or team or program that meets your son's needs. Girls on the Run has truly been a special program for those girls who have participated.

I have no issue with GOTR other than that it takes money out of the PTA budget for an only girls program and now like I said there is a second program at our school only for girls. I actually have more of an issue with the program for girls in science and math than I do for the GOTR running club since that is totally funded by the PTA. If GOTR could not easily make a boys program work, it is not a cop out for me to say I would have a hard time putting a program together on my own especially as an out of the house working mom.

Honestly, at this point you aren't making sense, and I promise I don't mean that nastily. GOTR is an independent organization. Here in the NoVA, MoCO, DC area its programs are based out of schools, based on agreements signed between Girls on the Run and the school districts or individual schools (in the case of privates). In other parts of the country, GOTR programs are based out of churches, community centers, JCCs or other similar locations. I can't personally speak to the presence of programs or lack thereof at your school, as I'm not affiliated with any school or school system. I get the impression that there are plenty of coaches and support for boys through other programs especially sports teams, but maybe I'm wrong on that count.

To blame GOTR for having a focus on girls because that was the mission of its founder is silly. Someone (her name is Molly Barker) had a vision, saw a need and made the time to start this program which has since spread nation wide. I can see you are concerned about this potential gap in boys programming, but saying you don't have the time is a cop out. If there's something you want for your child, work with your school system or others to see what can happen.

None of those options that you mentioned are at the schools and run by the PTA and all have a girl's option as well at least in our area. All I'm saying is that our PTA has two girls only programs and no boys only programs and I've seen this at several other schools too. The problem is that there are not enough men leaders/teachers to help our boys and many moms and women teachers do not feel up to the task. What you posted says it right there. There were not enough coaches for the program and they did not develop a program that catered to boys. Makes sense too since there are still more stay at home and part time working moms than dads. It is a hard obstacle for boys to overcome.

Anonymous wrote:My question is why is there only Girls on the Run and no Boys on the Run or Kids on the Run? Now our schools has a class for Girls interested in math and science careers. Why this specific focus on girls? All the studies I read say that boys have the most health issues growing up and fall the most behind in schools, but the only segregated programs I see cater to girls instead. Not that it is a bad program, but I don't see the need for all this segregation or at least would like to see a balance. Where are the classes or opportunities to help boys get interested in teaching, learn to cook, learning drawing, dancing, etc.?

I can't speak to the in-class issues, but there are no shortage of boy-specific activities out there. Boy Scouts, football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse. There are plenty of single-sex opportunities.

With regard to GOTR specifically, I will say that the GOTR International headquarters did try a pilot program for boys some years ago, and it just didn't work. The focus of Girls on the Run is not the running, but the dialogue and the underlying curriculum. Your average 8 or 9yr old boy is far less likely to sit in a circle and have heart-to-heart conversations about these kinds of issues than your average 8 or 9yr old girl. They also found it challenging to find male coaches to volunteer to coach boys teams.

Boys and girls do have unique needs and I do think there are activities out there to support those needs. If not, find that niche and fill it!

PP. I'm sure the program is wonderful, but I'm just pointing out that currently I don't see any ready made programs just for boys and no I don't have the time and energy to start something on my own at this time. I'm merely posting here so that hopefully someone who does have time might consider opening up classes that help boys in areas that they might need more encouragement. Surely teachers in schools can come up with a program to help boys become more interested in teaching better than I could.

PP you can always start your own organization to serve boys if you can determine there is a need or a market.

Truth is girls have specific needs and issues body image, being able to manage social situations, and general health and well-being. GOTR is a fantastic organization that touches on all of this.

My very unathletic daughter had a great time with the program. We are unable to participate this time but I credit GOTR with getting her excited about exercising and eating right.

My question is why is there only Girls on the Run and no Boys on the Run or Kids on the Run? Now our schools has a class for Girls interested in math and science careers. Why this specific focus on girls? All the studies I read say that boys have the most health issues growing up and fall the most behind in schools, but the only segregated programs I see cater to girls instead. Not that it is a bad program, but I don't see the need for all this segregation or at least would like to see a balance. Where are the classes or opportunities to help boys get interested in teaching, learn to cook, learning drawing, dancing, etc.?

I'm a teacher and GotR coach at a title I school. I agree that it is a fantastic curriculum and well worth the price. Some of that money goes towards providing scholarships for girls who can't afford to pay for the program. We wouldn't be able to have GotR at our school if not for those scholarships. Over 80% of our students get FARMS and there is no way their parents could shell out that much money for a program, no matter how great. So please be happy that you CAN afford to pay and know that it goes to a good cause with a well-run organization.

We have done GOTR twice and are not doing it this year only because our schedule doesn't permit our daughter to attend the training. It is an amazing program. She really enjoyed the all girl time and she worked steadily toward her goal and finished a 5K race in 48 minutes at age 8. I was pretty darn proud of her myself. My husband is her running buddy and they had a great time preparing for the race together.

Well from a quick glance it looks like 24 classes are included - that curriculum had to be developed and created. Program support costs surely exist. Also, financial aid is available for kids who can't pay their own way - i am sure some of the fee goes to support that.

If you were really concerned about this, why wouldnt you reach out to the org directly to ask about the fee and where it goes? Seems very childish to instead come on a message board and try to instigate negative views towards a nonprofit with a good mission, without having looked into it at all.

Rest assured that no one at Girls on the Run is getting rich. I've been affiliated with the program for over 5 yrs and can say unequivocally that it's amazing. What you're getting for that price is not about a t-shirt and water bottle. The curriculum is truly amazing with a focus on the physical, mental, emotional and soul/spiritual development of the girl. No matter what their socio-economic or racial or ethnic background, girls share similar issues as they begin to approach adolescence. Gossiping, bullying, societal focus on appearance, disordered eating. These are all issues that touch our girls in some way. Girls on the Run helps give them some of the thoughts and critical thinking skills necessary to push back against what the world around them is telling them.

As for the cost, it covers a lot of things. Some of it goes to running the nonprofit itself. Yes, when you have an office you have to pay your staff, pay rent and overhead. Putting on a race is not cheap - paying for permits, police coverage, things like barriers and water and finish line snacks. I know it sounds crazy, but that's not cheap. In addition, much of the cost goes to supporting the participation of underprivileged girls. The full fee for the program is $165, but girls from families who qualify for FARMS can participate at a lower rate. GOTR has a commitment to not turning away any girl for financial reasons.

Guidestar is a great resource for learning more about the financials of nonprofits. You have to register to get full access to 990s and other data, but it's there if you want to look at where the money is going: http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/54-2026885/girls-run-nova.aspx

I've seen girls blossom through Girls on the Run and would truly encourage you to have your daughter participate.

DD wanted me to sign her up for Girls on the Run. The mission looks great on paper, but they want $165 to join (and now, another $25 for late enrollment fee). The coaches don't even get paid -- they are all volunteers. So all the fee gets you is a t-shirt, water bottle, and race fee. So where is all the money going? Someone at this so-called non-profit is getting rich.

I can't decide if I should sign her up or not. We can afford it, I just hate to contribute to an overpriced money-making scheme disguised as a non-profit.