Girls on the Run of Berrien County, a program of the United Way of Southwest Michigan, is accepting applications for a variety of volunteer positions for the 2016 year.

Girls on the Run is a non-profit program for girls in the third through eighth grades. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running.

The 20 lesson Girls on the Run curriculum combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions.

All of this is accomplished through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff, and the community.

Meeting twice a week in small teams of 8-15 girls, organizers teach life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games.

The program is offered at more than 30 schools across the county, including in Niles and Buchanan.

The 10-week curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.

Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their running buddies, complete a 5k running event.

This year’s Girls on the Run 5K event is scheduled for May 19, 2016, at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.

To find out more, or to volunteer, visit the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s website at uwsm.org and click on the Girls on the Run link.