(HILLSBOROUGH, NJ) -- At Girls on the Run, there is nothing we take more seriously than the health and safety of our participants, coaches and volunteers. After careful consideration, Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey (GOTRCNJ) has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person program at all sites this spring, as well as the celebratory 5K events in Fair Haven and Somerville.
We are extremely disappointed, but recognize our greater responsibility is to ensure a safer community for all. Given these unprecedented times, we are providing families with options to receive a refund. As a nonprofit organization we rely on program fees to support our operations and ensure all girls in our community have an opportunity to participate. COVID-19 will certainly make a significant impact on our organization’s finances and has required us to put alternative plans in place to ensure the survival of the GOTRCNJ Council.
GOTRCNJ will continue to provide inspiration and support to the five counties we serve. Even though we’re unable to meet in person for lessons or the 5K events, we have assembled two different strategies to continue to drive our mission, and we are providing fun and interactive lessons that girls and families can do at home. These GOTR at Home lessons aim to provide girls of all abilities with an opportunity to learn and grow, just as they would have at their scheduled practices. GOTR at Home lessons, combined with YouTube video series are available in an easy-to-follow written format so girls and grown-ups can participate together.
Additionally, the #GOTRGotYourBack campaign will align with the Girls on the Run lessons and will include content, resources and activities to help girls and families stay physically active, connected and engaged. While the GOTR at Home program resources are intended only for families of GOTR girls who are currently enrolled, it’s important to note that the digital campaign will offer alternative tips and activities for all families, volunteers, and followers to enjoy.
GOTRCNJ believes the GOTR at Home lessons and #GOTRGotYourBack campaign are giving girls and our communities the opportunity to connect with others, find useful resources and continue to be inspired and motivated, until we can meet again in person.
Girls on the Run is a national physical activity-based positive youth development program for 3rd-8th grade girls. Participants develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care, create positive connections with peers and adults and make a meaningful contribution to community and society. Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches that guide and mentor the girls. The ten-week program concludes with all participants completing a celebratory 5K event which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey is proud to serve 2,200 girls at 117 sites in the counties of Camden, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset.
