'Girls on the Run' empowerment group seeking fall commitments

Area girls pose for a group shot during the end of season celebratory 5K event in Portsmouth recently. (Courtesy photo)

Girls on the Run of New Hampshire is currently accepting new sites for the fall 2019 season.

The organization that advocates for physical fitness, strength and character among schoolage girls had several teams in Rochester elementary schools this spring, including Maple Street Magnet, William Allen and the School Street School, which has already committed for this fall.

The site registration deadline is July 26.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that teaches key life skills to girls in third through eighth grade through dynamic discussions and fun games that creatively integrate running.

Each site must have a minimum of two volunteer coaches, a safe space for physical activity, and be able to provide an outdoor meeting location.

At each site, volunteer coaches lead teams of 8-15 girls through research-based curricula that include lessons on confidence, treating others with care and contributing to the community. During the 10-week program, girls complete a community service project and become physically and emotionally prepared to participate in a celebratory 5k event.

To learn more about starting a new Girls on the Run site, visit https://www.girlsontherunnh.org/Start-Site or contact Betsy Cissel at betsy.cissel@girlsontherun.org