FAQs

+ Why do you only focus on girls?

Run. Jump. LEAD! is a specialized organization with a mission to remove barriers and increase female participation in phsyical activity and sport. We do this through inclusive programming that addressing the specific physical and social-emotional needs of girls.

Some of the reasons why we think this is important are:

• By the age of 12, girls are dropping out of sport at 3x the rate of their male peers
• Only 8% of girls meet the recommendations of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines
• Overall female participation rates in organized sport drops 22% in adolescence and today, just 16% of adult Canadian women participate in sports
• 76% of women wish that they would have learned more about leadership and had more opportunities to learn how to lead when they were growing up
• 94% of C-suite women participated in organized sport

In addition, girls report that they feel they don't have the same positive reinforcement about their sports participation as their male peers. Girls approach physical activity with a unique set of priorities and our programs are specifically designed with these in mind.

You can read more about ways we can keeps girls in sport and their unique set of needs here:

KEEPING GIRLS IN SPORT

THE SOCIAL LINK TO REATINING GIRLS

+ What does a typical RJL class look like?

Our unique program has two components scheduled during each 75 mins class. The first 30 minutes is dedicated to leadership training, and the remaining 45 minutes is for physical activity!

1. Hands-on group leadership training. We learn and practice our skills together in a safe and welcoming environment. Each class will focus on one leadership skill or trait to guide games and activities, such as teamwork, resiliency and communication. We embrace a variety of learning methods, such as group discussion, brainstorming, 1:1 mentoring, partner games, and individual projects.

2. Age appropriate, fun physical activity. We put the FUN in FUNdamentals! Using a multi-sport approach, our goal is to build confidence in physical activity. We get girls moving in a fun, supportive atmosphere using games, circuits, and relays to develop skills in strength, coordination, speed and agility. Introduction to sports such as volleyball, soccer, floor hockey, basketball and field hockey will be taught using modified, fun, and inclusive methods with a focus on game play.

Each class and session is unique and connected, allowing us to build upon the themes and topics covered in the previous classes. The curriculum is original to Run. Jump. LEAD! and the age-appropriate activities are specifically designed for the physical and social-emotional needs of young girls.

At the beginning of each session, parents will get access to a secure, online class app to view photos, follow along with our topics and engage with their leaders after each class is finished.

+ Is each session the same?

Our sessions are 10-weeks long (Fall, Winter and Spring) and each ones has a different curriculum! Each class focuses on a different leadership skill that guides our games and physical activities, and we build our curriculums so that the girls can participate in all or some of the sessions and still learn new skills. Our goal is to keep our participants engaged and no two classes (or sessions) are ever the same!

Please reach out to run.jump.lead@gmail.com if you would like to see a preview of the leadership themes we'll be covering before registering for a session.

+ Where are your programs located?

We currently offer programs at various locations in Calgary. Visit our programs page to see where our current classes are being offered.

+ What class should I register my child in?

Run.Jump.LEAD! offers programs for self-identified girls. Our groups are based on school grade level to ensure similar physical, social, and emotional development. The “Little Leaders” program is for grades 1-3 and “Leaders in Motion” is for grades 4-6. Participants MUST be in the minimum grade prior to the start of the session. Sorry, no exceptions.

+ What facilities do you use?

Run.Jump.LEAD! is committed to offering quality programming in Calgary. We use indoor gymnasium or large multi-purpose fitness rooms (our weather can be so unpredictable!) in various quadrants of the city. Each facility location has been vetted for safety, cleanliness, size and accessibility to ensure the space meets the unique needs of our program.

+ What should my child wear to class?

Participants will be engaging in a wide range of indoor physical activity during our classes. They should come to each class in comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for running, jumping and stretching (for example shorts, leggings, t-shirt/tank top). Please tie long hair back.

A pair of clean indoor running shoes is required.

+ What do I need to bring to class?

Please bring a pair of clean, indoor running shoes, a water bottle and a positive attitude! Please DO NOT bring food - we will not have time for a snack break during class.

+ What are the group sizes and ratios for programs?

Our small group classes offer a high coach to participant ratio of 1:6 to ensure quality programming. Depending on the program, the maximum amount of participants ranges from 8-12.

+ How do you ensure safe sport and inclusivity?

Run. Jump. LEAD! is an organization that is committed to providing a safe environment for its participants, coaches and volunteers. It has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, harassment, discrimination and bullying. Coaches and volunteers must adhere to a strict code of conduct and must sign an ethical conduct declaration. In addition, upon registration, parents of participants will be informed in writing of our zero-tolerance policy.

The foundation of the Run.Jump.LEAD! program is built upon inclusion. No girls will be left behind – when everyone plays, everyone wins. We promote an environment of inclusiveness and respect of all abilities, ethnicity, race, religion, class or sexual identity.

Additionally, the physical safety of participants, coaches and volunteers is of upmost priority. This includes the physical aspects of the equipment and training practices.

+ What are your coaches’ and volunteers’ qualifications, experience and training?

Programs at Run.Jump.LEAD! are run by female coaches and volunteer mentors who have a passion to inspire and who have a vision for a brighter future for young girls in our communities. All of our lead coaches are certified in First Aid and CPR, have their Vulnerable Sector Verification check through CPS and have completed training in; Sport for Life Physical Literacy, Sport for Life Long-term Development in Sport and Physical Literacy, and Jumpstart Keeping Girls in Sport.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, please contact us.

+ My child has special needs and/or a medical condition. Are they able to attend your programs?

Yes! The foundation of the Run.Jump.LEAD! program is built upon inclusion and we are happy to have your child participate. That being said, we do not provide our coaches or volunteers with specific training that pertains to children with special needs. If you child requires support during our classes, we require the attendance of an aide (or parent/guardian).

If your child has any medical concerns or allergies, please let us know prior to the start of the session. The safety and well-being of our participants is our top priority and all of our coaches and mentors are certified in First Aid and CPR. Food is not permitted during our classes.

Please contact us prior to registration to explain your situation to ensure your child is receiving the necessary support they require.

+ What are your cancellation policies?

If a parent/guardian wishes to withdraw a participant, 14 days written notice prior to the program start date is required for a full refund, minus a $15 administration fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made with less than 14 days notice of the program start date or once a program begins.

Run.Jump.LEAD! is committed to the health and safety of all of our participants, coaches and volunteers. We are actively monitoring and following the guidance of AHS and the Government of Alberta as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. This may lead to decisions that impact our programs, including delays and cancellations.

In the event that a program cancellation occurs that is initiated by Run.Jump.LEAD! due to COVID-19 prior to a session start date, a full refund will be issued. If a delay or cancellation occurs after a session has started, a prorated refund (minus a $10 swag/t-shirt fee) will be issued for classes not attended. We do not offer a virtual option for our program.

Please not that there will not be any credits or refunds issued due to missed classes due to illness or otherwise.

+ The program I am interested in is full, is there a waitlist?

If a program you are interested in is full, you have an option to register on our waitlist. Please follow the registration prompts on the Registration Page and if a spot becomes available before the session start date, you will be notified by email. Registration is first come-first served.

+ Do you offer make-up classes?

In accordance to internal policies, Run.Jump.LEAD! will not offer credits, refunds or make-up classes to individual participants for missed classes during a program.