From New Friends to a 5K Finish Line | Girls on the Go at the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she welcomes Ellie Hanlon, Marketing and Development Director, and Brenda Gould, CATCH Coordinator with the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA.

Learn about the YMCA’s Girls on the Go summer program, which helps middle school girls build confidence, make new friends, stay active, and train for a 5K while connecting with women leaders throughout the community.

The conversation also explores the CATCH program, healthy habits for children, youth fitness, and the many summer opportunities available through the YMCA, including soccer and NFL Flag Football.

Topics include:
• Girls on the Go summer running program
• Building confidence and friendships
• Training for the NAMI 5K
• The CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Children’s Health) program
• Nutrition and physical activity education
• YMCA scholarship opportunities
• Youth soccer and NFL Flag Football programs

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🎤 Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Meet Ellie Hanlon and Brenda Gould from the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA

00:38 What is the Girls on the Go program?

00:59 Training for the NAMI 5K and building confidence

01:25 Leadership development, empowerment, and community connections

01:43 Making new friends before entering middle school

01:54 Can participants still join this summer's program?

02:47 What does CATCH stand for?

03:03 Brenda's role in local schools and children's health education

03:29 Teaching nutrition, healthy choices, and active lifestyles

04:06 Program costs, scholarships, and accessibility

04:24 Parent and participant feedback from Girls on the Go

04:32 Water balloon day and building friendships

05:02 Breaking the stigma around running and focusing on fun

05:44 Other summer programs at the YMCA

05:48 NFL Flag Football update and upcoming soccer season

06:00 New NFL Flag Football age divisions announced

06:13 Final thoughts and YMCA summer activities

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