CHAMBERSBURG – A fifth-grade girl wiped sweat from her forehead and looked up with a smile. “You pushed me just enough to do more than I thought I could,” she said. Her words summed up what Go Girls Go! is all about: “I believe in myself. I can do anything I put my mind to.”
This spring, the Go Girls Go! program celebrated its biggest season yet, with 267 girls from 12 schools across Franklin County participating in the 10-week program that combines fitness, friendship and life skills. Guided by nearly 100 volunteer mentors, the season ended with a joyful and energetic 5K run that brought families and supporters together from all over the community.
Started in 2016 by the Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County, Go Girls Go! helps girls in grades 4 through 6 develop confidence, healthy habits and strong relationships. Groups meet twice a week after school to learn about nutrition, self-care, kindness, goal setting, and running.
“It’s not just about running,” said Heather McEndree, who has mentored since 2021. “The health and wellness lessons are engaging and really help the girls grow. Plus, the movement isn’t always running; it’s games, teamwork and fun challenges.”
More than a race
While the final 5K gets much of the spotlight, organizers say the real magic happens during the season.
“Every season, the biggest highlight for me is watching the girls who don’t think they can do this,” said Corinne Haupt, SAP Liaison and GGG Mentor. “It’s not about the fast girls, because they already know they can run. It’s about the ones who are unsure, who haven’t been given a chance before. Then race day comes, and they show up. They push themselves. They finish. You can’t help but be proud.”
In fact, every single participant finished the 5K in under an hour this spring, which was the sixth time for the program.
“That’s huge,” said Lynn St. Clair, coalition coordinator. “It shows how far they’ve come in just 10 weeks.”
The program currently reaches 12 schools, including Chambersburg, Waynesboro and Tuscarora districts. Participation is growing thanks to increased awareness and interest from school staff and parents alike.
A volunteer-powered program
Go Girls Go! runs almost entirely on volunteers, especially mentors who walk or run alongside the girls during practice and on race day.
“We try to keep a five-to-one ratio between girls and mentors,” said Haupt. “That way, every girl gets encouragement, support, and someone to talk to.”
Mentors don’t need to be athletes. They just need to be willing to show up and cheer girls on.
“You don’t have to be a runner,” said Haupt. “You just have to be a good encourager. That’s all the girls need, someone who believes in them.”
Many mentors return season after season, forming lasting connections.
“I started in 2023, and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” said Jackie McMahon, mentor and teacher at South Hamilton Elementary School. “Seeing the girls encourage each other, push through tough days, and finish the 5K, it’s hard to put into words how meaningful that is.”
Some former participants even return as junior mentors in high school, continuing the cycle of support.
Family, community and legacy
The program’s impact reaches beyond the girls. Parents, teachers, and community members all play a role.
“We had one family where all four members were involved,” said St. Clair. “The daughter was a former participant who now runs track and cross country in college. Her mom mentored this season, and her dad helped, too. That kind of legacy is amazing.”
Another girl, years ago, crossed the 5K finish line at 59:59, just under her goal. “She said, ‘I can do hard things. I can be a veterinarian.’ That stuck with me,” St. Clair continued. “She learned something bigger than just running.”
Each season, the program ends with a flood of thank-yous, from families, teachers and especially the girls.
Here’s what several of the participants said they learned this spring:
- “I can do hard things.”
- “I ran more than I thought I could.”
- “I can do anything I put my mind to.”
- “I pushed myself, and it worked.”
Keeping it accessible
Go Girls Go! keeps the program affordable for all families. The fee is just $10 per season, and even that is waived if needed.
“We never want cost to be a barrier,” said St. Clair. “Shirts alone cost more than that. Sponsors help us cover the rest.”
Support has come from local businesses, school districts, running clubs and even other community events. This year’s program received funds from the Run Your Ice Off race.
What’s next?
The Go Girls Go! team will spend the summer prepping bins, sorting shirts and getting ready for the fall season.
“We’re always looking for new mentors,” said Haupt. “If you’ve ever wanted to help build a girl’s confidence, or just be that adult who shows up, we’d love to have you.”
And if you’re wondering whether you need to love running?
“Not at all,” she added with a laugh. “Many of us don’t. But we believe in these girls. And we believe they can do hard things.”
To learn more about mentoring, sponsoring, or registering for the fall season, readers may visit https://www.hcpfranklinpa.org/ggg.
