BY KAREN BOSSICK

Girls on the Run is looking for volunteers who would like to empower girls, help them build self-confidence—and do a little running, as well.

The Wood River Valley chapter is looking for coaches for its spring season, which begins April 7.

The afterschool program involves leading girls through a research-based curriculum that addresses things like leadership while participating in a variety of team-building games. The finale is a 5K run.

“Each season, people from all walks of life across Southern Idaho step into the role of Girls on the Run coach,” said Terresa Johnson, who heads up on the program in the Wood River Valley and Magic Valley. “Many arrive with a simple hope—to give back, to mentor, to make a difference. What they discover is something even more powerful: an experience that transforms not only the girls they serve, but themselves as well.”

In fact, Johnson said, the program not only helps build confidence in the girls, but 74 percent of current coaches said volunteering has boasted their own confidence and 84 percent said it enhanced their life skills.

To learn more, visit https://www.gotrsouthernidaho.org/.