Have you heard of the Kids Run Club program, and are curious to know more about how it works? Keep reading! Active SWV is proud to have over 30 Kids Run Club locations all over Raleigh, Summers, Nicholas, and Fayette counties since the program began in 2015. In 2019 alone, 1,648 kids participated in the fall and spring sessions offered at schools and community groups through the region. Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about the Kids Run Club program.
1. Are Kids Run Clubs really free??
Yes! Active SWV provides the Kids Run Club materials and training at no cost to the school or participants.
2. How do Kids Run Clubs usually get started?
Typically, a club will start through an interested principal, parent, or teacher. An Active SWV staff member will come meet with you to discuss the best way to move forward with the space and resources available at the location. Prior to the season’s start, Active SWV staff also trains all volunteers, equips them with a resource-rich coaches manual, and provides a waiver that all children must return before participating. The coaches training also serves as a planning meeting where the volunteers and Active SWV staff establish a season start date, practice times, Fun Run date, practice rain plan, and other logistics.
3. Does the PE teacher need to be involved with the Kids Run Club?
The PE teacher does not need to be involved with the club! Although Active SWV encourages and welcomes all staff and parents to volunteer, it’s not necessary to have a PE teacher involved for a Kids Run Club to be successful.
4. Do practices have to take place after school?
No, practices do not need to be held after school – Active SWV doesn’t dictate the Club’s practice schedule. The Kids Run Club practice schedule is set by the volunteer coaches according to what works for them and the space they have available at their location. Clubs can practice before school, after school, in the evening, or during the day as long as the time and place are approved by the school’s administration!
5. How many volunteers are needed to have a Kids Run Club?
Active SWV doesn’t require a particular number of volunteers for a Kids Run Club, or a required ratio of volunteer coaches to participants. Active SWV has groups ranging from 2 volunteers up to 15 coaches per club – it all depends on the capacity of the volunteers. We do recommend that larger groups recruit more volunteer help
6. I’m not a runner and I’ve never coached before – can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! Prior experience is NOT NECESSARY to be a successful Kids Run Club coach! Running is not required, and Active SWV provides all coaches with a free Kids Run Club manual and training that will prepare them to lead the club. All you need to bring is a positive attitude and a passion to get kids active!
7. Who can I contact about starting an Active SWV Kids Run Club?
You can contact Active SWV’s Kids Run Club Director India Tarleton Krawczyk at [email protected], or call the office at 304-254-8488.
