Start a Site FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about starting a GOTR site at your school.
Knowing that I have to provide a Site Coordinator and at least 2 Coaches, do both of these roles have be filled by a teacher or administrator?
No, but should a teacher and/or administrator want to take on either of these roles we are more than happy to have them. These roles could be filled by the same person. It could be a parent who strongly believes in GOTR. Whoever takes on the Site Coordinator role must be comfortable with parents calling and/or emailing them and asking questions about the program logistics.
Why is the group size capped at 15? What if we have fewer or more?
The group size is based upon curriculum considerations. Because much of the lesson plan is related to team building and group dynamics, fewer than 8 girls and more than 15 make it difficult to provide the experience we seek to offer to the girls. If a site does not have the minimum number of 8 girls by the end of registration we will notify the parents and give program refunds.
What is included in the price of the program?
Cost of the program: $150 (25 hours of instruction plus race day averages $5 per hour of instruction)
Included in the fee price are:
- a well developed curriculum based on the research of adolescent psychologists
- lessons conducted by a GOTR certified coach;
- race registration for the designated GOTR end of season 5K
- a GOTR t-shirt and a race day t-shirt;
- end of season certificates and awards;
- GOTR Coach training costs;
- Fees for liability insurance;
- Fees to our national program (required by the national office);
- All administrative assistance to coaches, sites, girls and parents.
When does the program start and end?
We currently have two sessions of GOTR® in each year; one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Fall programs usually start during the month of September and will end in either November or early December. Spring programs usually start in early March and will end in May.
There is no order to the curriculum. A program or girl can start in either the fall or spring.
What if a girl is unable to pay the program fee?
Our current fee per session is $150 per girl. However, we offer scholarships, based upon Free and Reduced lunch guidelines, which provides for fee reductions. GOTR of Central Maryland is aware that we serve a wide range of girls. In the event that a girl is unable to afford the cost for the program, we will do everything we can to offer scholarships to those in need. Our ability to do so is limited by our capacity to raise funds.
Can we choose a different 5K Run for our end of season race?
One of the values that Girls on the Run promotes is a sense of community. A big part of participating in GOTR is the sense of community that comes from attending a race with all the sister sites – imagine the impact on a young girl when she realizes that there are GOTR programs everywhere! In addition, on race day, adult women and men volunteers serve as race guides for the girls. These volunteers act as cheerleaders for the girls, guiding them throughout the race and cheering the girls on. We are unable to provide this important part of the race experience if a site doesn’t attend the selected race.
I want to start a program, what are my next steps?
If you would like to begin the process of starting a new site with GOTR® of Central Maryland, please contact us via e-mail at communityoutreach@gotrcentralmd.org or via phone at 410-707-0055.
