Fall Kids Run Clubs
The Kids Run Club program gives kids throughout West Virginia the opportunity to be active in a structured and safe environment, teaching them healthy skills and building their confidence in physical activity. Every fall and spring, Active SWV offers the Kids Run Club mini-grant, which gives schools the opportunity to start or continue a Kids Run Club at their location. The mini-grant includes funding and support to ensure that clubs are successful and fun for the school, volunteers, and youth participants alike.
Fall 2023 Season Recap
The fall, 388 kids participated in Kids Run Clubs across 14 different schools. Ten of the schools were returning to the program, and four were new and joined the Kids Run Club community for the first time. Our returning schools include Hinton Area Elementary, Sophia Christian Academy, Mt. Nebo Elementary, Kanawha City Elementary, Ridgeview Elementary, Nichols Elementary, Richmond Elementary, Bluefield Intermediate, Panther Creek Elementary, and Hilltop Elementary, and our new schools are New River Intermediate, Baileysville Elementary, Lashmeet Matoaka Elementary, and Chamberlain Elementary.
Thank you to our Schools, Coaches, and Participants
Active SWV would like to extend a special Thank You to all of the schools, volunteers, and participants who made the 14 Kids Run Clubs happen this year. Without volunteers to lead the clubs, the Kids Run Club program simply would not be the success it is today.
Hear in their own words what some of our Kids Run Club coaches had to say about their experience this season:
“Yes, I would volunteer again. I enjoyed it very much. After a few kids joined the club there was more interest in it. Now that others have seen and understand what it is I believe it could become very successful. The kids loved it not only for the activities, but for the togetherness and the sense of belonging.”
“It has increased their confidence as several students that do Run Club are the ones that didn’t make sports teams in the fall.”
“The kids absolutely loved it and it helped create positive connections with some of the behavior issue kids outside of the classroom.”
“I would volunteer again…I love to teach students lifelong physical activities and help give them an opportunity to participate in physical activity after-school.”
“I will continue to be the head coach for our school because I love encouraging kids to run and be active! It is also wonderful to see kids wanting to sign up year after year! We are a small school and to see so many kids interested in this club is inspiring!”
Coming up: Spring Kids Run Clubs
The next Kids Run Club mini-grant cycle will open at the end of February to support clubs starting in spring. Read more about the Kids Run Club program and how your school can apply for a mini-grant here!
