Girls on the Run is a national youth development program designed around physical activity. The goal is to build confidence in girls during their most formative years — grades three through eight — while also establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

In the Upstate, Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System offers the program at more than 15 sites in Greenville, Pickens and Laurens counties.

It’s not just about running. A lot of girls who come into the program don’t like to run. It’s more about empowerment for the girls, positive body image and all-around life lessons. At the end of the season, the girls will take part in a community 5K. For many, it is their first experience running in a race.

At the heart of Girls on the Run are amazing volunteer coaches whose commitment and passion change the lives of thousands of girls each year. The coaches are dynamic role models dedicated to empowering girls to become healthy and confident young women. Teams of volunteer coaches facilitate an easy-to-follow curriculum with groups of 8-20 girls over the course of 10 weeks.

Volunteer coaches are needed for several of the community-based GOTR sites for the spring season. If you’re interested in being a volunteer coach, learn more at ghschildrens.org/GOTR-coach, email EWilliams11@ghs.org, or call 864-455-3132.