Frequently Asked Questions about Girls on the Run® of Berrien County 

My daughter does not enjoy running.  Will she like Girls on the Run (GOTR)?

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is much more than a running program!  We are a character development program that encourages positive self-esteem, healthy living, and goal setting.  Girls can skip, walk, hop, or dance to meet their goals.  Ultimately, we want them to complete a 5K event in whatever way they feel comfortable.

What do the program fees include?

Registration fees for GOTR cover costs for:

T-shirts

Snacks

Curriculum materials

New Balance running shoes

Program administration

5k Fun Run entry

When is the celebration event for GOTR of Berrien County?

The celebration event for GOTR is the 5k Fun Run on May 27th, location TBD. Your daughter’s registration for the 5K event is included in her GOTR program fees. A small entry fee will be charged for community runners wishing to participate in the 5k.

 Who are the GOTR coaches?

GOTR coaches are volunteers (typically teachers or parents) who participate in an extensive GOTR training, undergo a background check, and are certified in CPR and First Aid.  They are well prepared to support your daughter throughout her GOTR experience.

Why only 15 girls per team?

Our curriculum is designed to provide girls with a positive learning experience in a safe environment.  Registration is limited to 15 girls so that each girl can take an active role in the games and activities. Limiting group size also allows each girl to receive more individualized attention from coaches.

Why would a site be canceled?  What happens if my site is canceled?

Our curriculum is designed to encourage teamwork and community.  Therefore, each site must have at least eight girls register in order to conduct GOTR games and activities.  If eight girls do not register for the program at a specific site, it may be canceled and full refunds will be given. Final decisions will be made by the site liaison and the GOTR council director.  Sites may be combined to reach the minimum number of girls.

If my daughter has to drop out of the program, will I be issued a refund? Why are refunds not issued after the program begins?

We truly hope that your daughter stays with the GOTR of Berrien County program, but we know that sometimes things happen.  If your daughter withdraws from the program before March 8th when she receives her New Balance tennis shoes, you will receive a 100% refund.  Refunds are not issued after this date or after she receives her shoes.  Our timeline is as follows: application forms are due January 22, 2010, the girls will be sized for shoes prior to February 8th.  The girls should receive their shoes during the first week of the program which begins March 8th.

What happens to the information on my daughter’s registration and health history forms?

GOTR of Berrien County will track ethnicity, age and location for reporting purposes only. This and all health information is confidential and will not be given to sources outside of GOTR of Berrien County and GOTR International. Coaches will be notified of important participant health information, so they can meet emergency needs if they arise. 

New Balance running shoes are included in the registration fee.  How/when will my daughter get her shoes?

New Balance is a national sponsor of GOTR. GOTR Berrien has decided that a pair of New Balance tennis shoes will be included in the registration fee.  Girls will be sized at their school between January 25 and February 8th.  The shoes will be delivered to their site the first week of programming which begins March 8th.  Please see refund question above for further details.

What should my daughter bring to GOTR practice?

Your daughter should bring clothing to change into that allows comfortable, free movement. In colder weather, she should bring a sweatshirt or other protective item. Practices will be held indoors if the weather is poor or cold. If your daughter’s site does not store her New Balance shoes for her, she should wear them (or another suitable pair of shoes). Inappropriate running shoes such as clogs, sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.  For this reason shoes will be stored at the site, she will not be able to take home her new tennis shoes until after the end of season 5k event on May 27th.

What should my daughter NOT bring to GOTR practice?

We ask your daughter to participate fully in lessons – and the program is fun, so we expect she’ll want to! We ask all girls to throw away chewing gum and candy, and keep valuables in their lockers or at home. Girls should not bring homework, cell phones or other distractions to practice – this way girls can concentrate fully on learning about themselves and the world around them.  GOTR Berrien is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

How can I participate in GOTR with my daughter?

You may receive a curriculum of your daughter’s lessons upon request. We encourage you to ask her about the topic of the day, and congratulate her for her participation, or number of laps completed that day – our girls do their best! The final 5k Fun Run held on May 27th is a wonderful opportunity for not just parents, but family and friends to run, jog, walk or otherwise complete the event with your daughter!

If I have other questions or concerns, who should I contact?

Prior to the start of the program please contact the GOTR of Berrien County Council Director, Peggy Schaffer at (269) 925-7772, extension 30 or Email: peggy.schaffer@uwsm.org  After the program begins you are encouraged to talk to your daughter’s coach.  Coach contact information