Theresa Dardanell
The Candy Cane Dash on December 3, 2016, at Baker Park was the exciting conclusion of the program “Girls on the Run” for a group of girls at Lewistown Elementary School. But this program is so much more than just running. “Girls on the Run” is a ten-week program that combines the physical training required for the run with lessons and games that promote friendships and teach life skills. According to Coach Doug Wallick, the program teaches girls how to make good decisions, recognize bullying and find ways to prevent it, set goals and strive to meet them, and encourages them to make an impact in their community.
The sessions combine self-esteem building lessons and friendship building games with warm-up exercises, walking, and practice running. As the weeks progress, the focus shifts from the lessons to more running practice. Each girl has an adult running buddy to encourage them and help them during the weeks of preparation and during the 5K run. Coach Wallick said that the staff at Lewistown Elementary embraced the program and provided encouragement. Some of the staff even joined the girls during practice runs.
Community service is an important part of the program, and the girls were given the opportunity to choose an organization to help. They worked together as a team to create ten baby blankets, made from fleece, to be donated to a local women’s shelter.
After ten weeks, the girls were ready for the Candy Cane Dash. The goal was not to win but to have fun and celebrate their individual accomplishments. Coach Kaitlyn Graybill said, “The run was great! It was great to see the girls’ excitement and smiles as they crossed the finish line.”
Several other schools in Frederick County participated in this program, which is open to girls in grades third through eighth. According to the website, gotrfrederick.org, Girls on the Run of Frederick County is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International. They provide information about the program and how to get involved.
Lewistown “Girls on the Run” (from left): (back row) Coach Kaitlyn Graybill, Aspen Stull, Brenna Deboer, Caitlyn Lewis, Rachel Herbst, Kayla Delcid, Assistant Coach Doug Wallick, Assistant Coach Cheyann Wallick: (front row) Ashlee Sunday, Abbey Shaffer, Jenna Conley, Emma Wallick.
