By By Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
A new summer camp at the YMCA aims to teach young girls that the “runner's high” can boost their self-esteem and help them get active.
The Go Girl Go! camp, which will take place from Monday through Thursday next week, will include running sessions, character education and strengthening exercises, said Rebecca Jordan, a local teacher and avid runner who is leading the camp along with the YMCA's Vivian Layton.
Go Girl Go! is for girls in third through eighth grade. The camp, which costs $25 per person, will be held at the YMCA from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day. Each girl will receive a workbook, T-shirt and daily snack. Girls do not have to be YMCA members to participate.
Jordan said she wanted to focus on young girls because there aren't many sports in the community in which they can compete on their own, without boys. Other than cheerleading and dance, “all of the other sports and activities are co-ed,” she said.
Studies have shown that girls often enter their teen years with a lower self-esteem than boys. The Go Girl Go! camp objectives include: