SHELBURNE, Vt. -
Every day it's one step closer to catching up with them-- a negative body image, peer pressure-- a whole slew of self-esteem issues await these girls as they race toward high school.
"What this program really is focusing on is helping girls, particularly in their adolescent years, build some self-esteem," said Sybil Keefe, a coach for Girls on the Run.
The national after-school program called Girls on the Run is growing in Vermont.
"In Shelburne we had 42 girls register which is three times the size it's been in the past," Keefe said.
The program meets after school for 24 practices. Its focus is positive development for young girls and it starts early; grades three, four and five. The goal is to get into these girls heads before society does.
"Not fitting yourself into the typical girl box and this program really shows the girls how to be and live outside that box," Keefe said.
It also teaches them how to deal with negativity head on. Emma McMahan says she's no longer worried about doing the right thing.
"Sometimes on the bus I can see other people being hurt or seem like they're kind of upset when someone is bothering them. Now I know what to do, like standing up for them," she said.
"I've seen as many changes in her as I have really in myself, just the positive energy that being with the girls brings," Keefe said.
Girls on the Run started 12 years ago with 15 girls. Today it's grown to 2,500 girls and 125 schools statewide.
"The energy really is what keeps it going," Keefe said.
Giving these girls the endurance they'll need to enter the human race, and the halls of high school.
The last practice took place this Wednesday. The program closes with a 5K this Saturday at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction.
Click here for more on Girls on the Run.
Sybil Keefe
