Girls on the Run (GOTR) is always active, always evolving, always moving forward.

A national initiative designed to support the development of girls in the third through eighth grades with physical activities like running, GOTR has a mission that is seasonal in nature. On the heels of a successful spring campaign, the Lancaster chapter of GOTR is currently gearing up for its 10-week fall season, which will get underway on Monday, Sept. 11.

In addition, Girls on the Run recently assigned new positions and responsibilities to employees Jennifer West and Kylie Homan.

"While Girls on the Run has two seasons, it is a year-round effort to ensure the success of each season," said West, GOTR's new executive director. "As a staff, it's our responsibility to set up our coaches for success. Then it all starts again. We're always thinking of how we can engage the community more. We know how important it is for girls to have a safe place to land."

Registration for GOTR's fall campaign will run from Thursday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Sept. 15. The season will conclude on Sunday, Nov. 19, with GOTR's inclusive and celebratory 5K run at Millersville University.

"My job is to ensure our program is up and running so we can serve as many girls in the county as possible," said Homan, GOTR's new program director. "It's about establishing our coaches so they can facilitate the program. Running is a component of our program, not a requirement. In each of the lessons, there are physical activity or games. We are encouraging girls to keep moving, based on the ability they bring each day."

GOTR officials hope to make their program available through every school district in Lancaster County, an initiative that will depend upon the availability of volunteer coaches. There is a cost associated with the program, and financial aid is available.

In the spring, GOTR involved 900 Lancaster County girls, thanks in part to the time and effort committed by 380 volunteer coaches.

"Because they're all volunteer coaches, it's almost like starting fresh each season," said West. "We rely on coaches coming back to coach the girls. We're looking for positive role models to show kindness and compassion to the girls."

"We are really focusing on reaching out to the community for coaches of all shapes, sizes and ethnicity," added West. "It's really important for the girls to look into the coaches and see themselves. There aren't really restrictions on who can be a coach, except that you must be in at least the ninth grade."

West, who co-founded the Lancaster-Lebanon chapter of Girls on the Run in 2009, replaced Katie Sandoe as the program's executive director. This past spring, GOTR served its 20,000th participant.

"We knew Lancaster County was going to be so accepting of the program," said West. "Girls on the Run is about conflict resolution, making good choices, being a good friend. Lancaster is the perfect spot for Girls on the Run, but we do rely on the community's support."

For additional information about Girls on the Run or to register, go to http://www.gotrlancaster.org.