Broadcasting from the Dixon Petunia Festival Sweetland Studios, the conversation focused on a program that combines physical activity, mentorship, and personal growth for middle school girls throughout the summer.
Girls on the Go is a six-week running program designed for middle school-aged girls. Participants meet regularly at the YMCA, train together, and work toward completing the NAMI 5K at the conclusion of the program. While running is a central component, the program emphasizes much more than simply crossing a finish line.
Throughout the six weeks, participants gradually build their endurance, often beginning with shorter distances before working toward longer runs. Along the way, they also meet women from local businesses and organizations who share their experiences and encourage the girls to explore future opportunities and goals.
The program also creates opportunities for participants to develop friendships with girls from multiple schools throughout the area. For younger participants preparing to enter middle school, the experience can help ease some of the anxiety that often comes with transitioning to a new school environment.
Although the summer session had already begun at the time of the interview, organizers said girls could still register and participate in the remaining weeks of the program. New participants may need some extra time to catch up with the group’s training schedule, but the opportunity to join and benefit from the experience remains available.
Gould discussed her role as the YMCA’s CATCH coordinator. CATCH, which stands for Coordinated Approach to Children’s Health, allows her to work directly with elementary school students throughout the academic year. A retired physical education teacher, Gould visits local schools and provides nutrition lessons to students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The lessons focus on helping children understand healthy eating habits through discussions about foods that should be eaten more often and those that should be consumed in moderation. Physical activity is also a major component of the program, as students participate in games and activities designed to keep them moving while reinforcing the idea that exercise can be both enjoyable and beneficial.
Affordability is another important aspect of Girls on the Go. The program costs $20 for YMCA members and $30 for non-members. The YMCA also offers scholarship opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from participating in programs and activities.
Program leaders have received positive feedback from both participants and parents. Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, the program provides opportunities for social interaction, personal growth, and confidence building. Activities such as water balloon days and team-building exercises help reinforce that the program is designed to be fun and supportive rather than overly competitive.
The discussion also highlighted several other summer programs offered by the YMCA. The organization is concluding its second season of NFL Flag Football and preparing for the start of youth soccer registration following the Fourth of July holiday. NFL Flag Football will return in the fall for its third season, featuring expanded age divisions that include preschool and kindergarten participants, first and second graders, and students in third through fifth grade.
With programs ranging from health education and running clubs to team sports and youth development, the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA continues to provide opportunities for children and families to stay active, build relationships, and learn valuable life skills throughout the year.
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