The Girls
Having a strong self-esteem is critical in the middle school years and it is at this age that youth begin to get their self-worth from their peers. It no longer matters that mom thinks she's beautiful or dad says she can do anything she wants to do. Students with low self-esteem tend to develop unhealthy ways of gaining social acceptance, often engaging in sex, drinking, drug abuse, or other harmful behaviors.
- In 1970, the average dieting age for a girl was 14. By 1990, it dropped to age 8.
- Girls’ self-esteem peaks at age 9, then takes a nosedive.
- By age 15, girls are twice as likely to become depressed and ten times more likely to develop an eating disorder than their male peers.
The Program
YWCA Sioux Falls’ Girls on Track program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident by using a fun, experience-based curriculum which integrates running. The program is an extension of Girls on the Run, which started locally in 2005 as a Sioux Empire United Way initiative, and serves more than 500 girls in 36 elementary schools. Girls on Track is a ten week after school program for middle school girls who meet twice a week for an hour.
- A pair of female volunteers commit to leading a group of 8-15 girls.
- Each session introduces a new topic, includes group discussion, activities, and physical fitness.
- Session topics include eating disorders, internet safety, tobacco and alcohol use, relationships, self esteem, body image, and commitment to physical activity.
- The program culminates with a non-competitive 5k event.
The Finish Line
Research shows that girls who are physically active perform better academically and have higher self-esteem. Girls on Track participants complete a pre and post survey answering questions about their self-esteem, body image and physical activity. Outcomes from the pilot session include:
- 10% improvement in the number of participants that had a positive attitude about themselves.
- 0% of girls aspiring to have a too thin body, compared to 12% prior to the start of the session.
- 52% increase in the number of participants that look forward to physical activity.
- 66% decrease in the number of participants spending more than 2 hours/day playing video or computer games.
Learn more about Girls on Track by checking out EmBe's website. |