The Girls on the Run Board of Directors is eager to announce the new Council Director that will lead the organization back to prepandemic programming: Randee Pierce began her tenure as Council Director the first week in December. Ms. Pierce came to Girls on the Run with 10 years of experience innon-profitworkandas a running and mental health enthusiast. She returned to Ardmore from the Houston area and has already joined Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Hunnicutt to implement GOTR Winter Camp 2022. Her work as Director of the Ardmore Children’s Shelter will provide the experience needed to get GOTR back to normal.
Likesomanysmallorganizations and large companies, Girls on the Run of Southern Oklahoma endured multiple challenges in the past two years and is optimistic to move forward. The Council Director position changed hands multiple times and the pandemic made delivering programs very difficult.
More than two years ago, the founding Council Director moved on from the organization and Shana Tate Hammond worked as Council Director during the most difficult period of the Council’s existence. She left the organization in August 2022 as her role in the Chickasaw Nation legislator returned to normal after the pandemic. In July of 2022, the Chickasaw Nation began ‘opening back’ up completely, and Ms. Tate wanted to focus solely on her work with the tribe. With her departure from Girls on the Run being in August, the Board of Directors determined that holding a Girls on the Run regular fall season would not be possible as staff turnover also became a challenge.
In getting back to normal, Winter Camp GOTR is being offered the last week of December for 3rd- 5th grade girls and 6th-8th grade girls as coaches in training. Camp GOTR provides a one-of-akind opportunity to develop self-confidence and learn life skills campers can use now and as they grow. Girls enjoy building friendships that include interactive lessons, being physically active and expressing creativity through arts and crafts. Lead by caring and qualified coaches, thisweeklongcampcombines the best of the program with all the fun of camp! Grownups can register girls now at www.girlsontherunsook. org. Camp will take place in Ardmore from December 2630th with a Gallery Walk to conclude the week! Financial aid is provided on the honor system.
Girls on the Run offers programs designed to inspire girls of all abilities to recognize and embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional and physical skills while encouraging healthy habits for life.
In today’s unpredictable world, the strategies learned at Girls on the Run are more important than ever.