Girls on the Run of the High Country

At Girls on the Run of the High Country, we inspire girls in grades 3-8 to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one-of-a-kind.

Over the course of the ten-week program, trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curriculum which includes dynamic discussions, activities, and running games. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

Girls on the Run High Country is an affiliate council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 165 councils across the United States and Canada.

learn. dream. live. run.


Core Programs

Important dates for each program can be found on the GOTR Registration and Camp GOTR pages.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) »

Girls on the Run (GOTR) »

  • Grades 3rd to 5th
  • Eight- to 10-week program
  • Culminates in a 5K
  • The research-based curriculum includes:
    • Understanding themselves
    • Valuing relationships and teamwork
    • Recognizing how they can shape the world at large
Heart & Sole (H&S) »

Heart & Sole (H&S) »

  • Grades 6th to 8th
  • Focuses on five key parts: body, brain, heart, spirit, and connection to others
  • Incorporates movement-based activities and lessons for critical life skills such as:
    • Developing a strong support system
    • Fostering healthy relationships
    • Offering help to those in need
Camp Girls on the Run »

Camp Girls on the Run »

  • Grades 3rd to 5th
  • Week-long program
  • Lessons center around:
    • Building friendships
    • Exploring creativity
    • Playing fun games that keep girls happy, healthy and moving

Vision & Mission

Girls on the Run envisions a world where all girls can know and activate their limitless potential and be free to boldly pursue their dreams. The program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates movement.

Critical Need

Girls’ self-confidence begins to drop by age 9. Physical activity levels decline starting at age 10 and continue to decrease throughout adolescence.

Fifty percent of girls ages 10 to 13 experience bullying such as name calling and exclusion at a time when peer relationships become more central to girls’ lives.

Why It Matters

Girls face social pressures and conflicting messages about how they should act and who they should be. Studies show that by adolescence, girls' confidence drops about twice as much as boys'. Friendships become more complicated and challenging, girls' perception of their academic ability declines, the likelihood of anxiety and depression increases and participation in physical activity plummets.

It doesn't have to be this way.

We believe that EVERY GIRL is inherently FULL OF POWER and POTENTIAL. By knowing they are the leaders of their lives, these are the girls who WILL CHANGE THE WORLD.

Impact

An independent study found that 97% of participants learned critical life skills including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, or making intentional decisions at Girls on the Run that they continue to use at home, at school and with their friends.

Girls on the Run’s intentional life skills curriculum and highly trained coaches positively impact girls’ lives by helping them increase their self-confidence and ability to develop healthy relationships.

Teachers routinely offer feedback that participation in the program increases academic performance and improves classroom behavior.



GOTR of the High Country Advisory Board

  • Gavin Colquitt, App State Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness
  • Carol Cook, App State Department of Health and Exercise Science
  • Hallie Donadio, App State student
  • Talia Freeman, Beech Mountain Resort
  • Ashley Galleher, Zionville Ramps
  • Haleigh Hogg, SkyLine/SkyBest
  • Mary Sheryl Horine, App State Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness
  • Lesley Sinkler Johnson, Beech Mountain Resort
  • Megan Laws, Watauga County Schools
  • Anna Oakes, App State University Communications
  • Kate Prisco, Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation
  • Stacy Sears, App State Academic Services for Athletes
  • Heidi Tait, App State Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness

Support Girls on the Run of the High Country

Help make a difference by empowering girls in the High Country!

Girls on the Run uplifts and inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. We believe that EVERY GIRL is inherently FULL OF POWER and POTENTIAL. GOTR helps girls build friendships, develop essential life skills that increase their confidence and self-esteem, and make a positive impact on their community through service projects. 

Ninety-seven percent of GOTR participants indicate they learned critical life skills including managing emotions, intentional decision-making, resolving conflict, and helping others. Participants also demonstrate increased engagement and performance in other areas of their lives.

Your support allows us to provide a fun and inclusive program for all of our GOTR participants. Contributions make a positive impact through volunteer training and by allowing us to enhance the GOTR experience through special activities and events, such as the "Energy Awards" where girls recognize each other for their efforts, kindness and the unique attributes that make them special.

National Partners

Through their generous financial support and activation strategies, our National Partners elevate awareness of our program and support organizational needs. Each is committed to empowering women, girls and families to be healthy, confident and joyful.

See our full list of partners and sponsors.

Images and video provided courtesy of Girls on the Run International