Summer is a great time to prioritize resting, as well as reconnecting with family and friends now that the school year is over. Over here at Girls on the Run Memphis, we’re using the good weather and program break to get out into the community to spread the word about all the ways to get involved with GOTR in the fall!

This past Thursday, Girls on the Run Memphis was able to attend two events centered around youth development in the Memphis area. GLAM! Fest is a two-day conference through the Tarik Black Foundation aimed at helping girls aged fifteen and up grow into active community members through philanthropy, professional opportunities, and leadership-oriented workshops. GOTR Memphis presented with a representative from Habitat for Humanity on the importance of getting involved in the community through volunteering and outreach. After a wonderful session filled with valuable conversations and questions, GOTR Memphis went downtown to represent at Memphis River Parks’ Sunset Skate. The energy was electric as all ages of the Memphis community came out to try their hand at roller-skating and stop by the Girls on the Run table to learn more about our organization and spin for a chance to win fun prizes.

So why is GOTR Memphis on the go this summer? 

This Thursday was just the beginning of an exciting calendar of summer events, races, and festivals at which Girls on the Run Memphis will be making an appearance. At GOTR HQ, we want to spread the word about ways for folks to volunteer their time and make an impact on young girls in the Memphis community. This means recruiting coaches to implement our proven national curriculum, as well as caregivers to join as Team Sponsors to support the wellbeing of our participants and encourage them across whatever finish lines they are working toward. Essentially, the more folks we can reach, the bigger impact we can have on youth of underserved gender identities, right here in Memphis.

We also want to lead by example, promoting events that center around staying healthy and engaged this season. It’s important to stay active this summer while out of school and waiting for fall programs to start. We’re excited to have partnered with several organizations this summer to encourage our participants to keep running and focusing on their mental, physical, and emotional health. All Girls on the Run Memphis supporters and participants are encouraged to attend Rylee’s Run/Walk on June 8th and stop by the GOTR table before completing another 5K. You can even use the code GIRLSRUN24 for a discount on your registration fee!

As you enjoy this summer break, make sure to prioritize your wellbeing by taking simple but effective action to stay healthy:

1. Drink lots of water. As the temperature continues to rise, staying hydrated is critical to all aspects of health, including physical and mental strength.

2. Continue to eat three well-balanced meals a day. Getting your morning started with a nutritious breakfast will set you up for a successful day tackling whatever obstacles come your way. 

3. Keep active. The CDC recommends children ages six to seventeen do an hour of physical activity every day to keep healthy. This can be running or walking just like you did at practice with GOTR, but it can also take the form of pickup soccer games or yoga lessons in the park. Whatever you want to do, find a way to get your heartrate up and your blood pumping for an hour each day.

Girls on the Run Memphis wishes you a happy and fun summer, full of beautiful memories and time spent with loved ones. We hope to see you at a community event soon!