STRIDE

Success + Teamwork + Respect + Inspiration + Determination = Excellence in Character

STRIDE is a fun fitness and running program for boys in grades 3 through 5. Boys have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions about various life topics in a safe, encouraging environment that helps them develop character, while building running endurance to compete in a 5K.

The STRIDE Mission

We encourage boys to exhibit excellence in character in all aspects of their lives, make healthy choices, and build confidence by leading them through a curriculum that incorporates fun activities and running.

Our Vision

To provide a high quality program for all boys in 3rd through 5th grade where the focus is on fun and fitness.
To increase the confidence of participants by helping them feel good about themselves and their abilities.
To create an opportunity to share information about various topics to help them reach a “whole person” excellence by being better individuals, students, team members, athletes and members of their community.
To provide a valuable experience for our coaches with a program that will improve their lives and the lives of the participant.
To improve the participants fitness level, by training and preparing them to complete a 5K.

How STRIDE Works

We hold sessions two times a week for a total of 10 weeks. The sessions are right after school and last for 75 minutes. Each session includes a lesson/discussion and a running workout. At the end of 10 weeks, the boys will run in a 5K race to demonstrate the endurance they have gained.

Interactive Sessions with Discussion and Application

Your son will develop strength of character by participating in interactive and comfortable discussion groups with our trained coaches. These boys learn to work with, understand, and encourage each other rather than compete. If your main goal is to have your boy challenge himself, then STRIDE can help.

Boosting Confidence by Completing the 5K

Does your son struggle with self-confidence? When your son trains and completes the 5K hosted by STRIDE, he will realize his innate ability to accomplish hard things. We encourage each boy to focus on performing at his personal best and not competing with the others around him.

Discussion Topics That Change Lives

The coaches introduce the topic and give the boys the opportunity to talk with each other about the challenges they face each day. The coaches’ job is to help the boys recognize their own strength by incorporating each topic into the running workout and rewarding each boy at the end of each session. Our coaches cover the following topics:

Character Counts
The Good Friend
Working with a Team
Bullying
Eating Healthy
Shoot for Your Goals
Make a Difference in Action
And many more

Register for STRIDE

Scholarship Program

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit believes in providing membership and program services to all who desire to participate. The YMCA’s financial assistance program, supported in part by the Annual Campaign, uses all available resources to provide support to those who have financial need and qualify for assistance. Scholarships are determined on an individual basis using a sliding scale and are reviewed regularly. Those applying for financial aid towards the STRIDE program will be asked to pay a deposit that will be counted toward their total.

Financial aid is based on income, not everyone who applies will be awarded, and those awarded will not always receive the same amount. The participant is responsible for any remaining payment not covered by financial aid and deposit.

Download the YMCA Scholarship Application here. This should be completed and returned to any local YMCA along with the appropriate paperwork. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the season.

For more information or assistance with your application please call the Girls on the Run and STRIDE main office at 313-223-2790.

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