Growing Through Girls on the Move

written by Erin Schwab

In communities across Canada, girls’ participation in physical activity drops significantly as they get older. According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2022–2024), only 37% of girls aged 5 to 11, and just 8% of girls aged 12 to 17 are meeting recommended daily physical activity levels. That reality underscores why programs like Girls on the Move matter so much.

Girls on the Move – Medicine Hat

Girls on the Move is an eight-week physical literacy program in Medicine Hat designed to create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where girls and those who identify as girls feel safe, welcomed, and excited to be physically active. The program empowers participants through movement by strengthening physical literacy, building confidence, fostering social connection, and supporting lifelong engagement in physical activity.

Building Skills and Confidence Through Movement

Each weekly session blends 45 minutes of structured physical activity with 45 minutes of unstructured or semi-structured play. This balance supports skill development while also allowing girls the freedom to explore, create, and simply enjoy moving their bodies.

Activities are rooted in physical literacy principles and focus on developing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing, and coordination. Whether navigating an obstacle course, practicing kicking and striking skills, or participating in cooperative games, participants build competence in a low-pressure, encouraging environment.

The impact is clear:

• 91% of participants reported that they moved more because of Girls on the Move. 
• 86% reported trying something new. 
• 100% of parents and caregivers reported increased opportunities for their youth to participate in physical activity and sport.
  

A Space Where Girls Belong

At its core, Girls on the Move is about more than physical skills, it’s about belonging.

By offering the program at no cost and adapting activities to meet diverse abilities, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles, barriers to participation are reduced. The program also celebrates cultural diversity by introducing traditional Indigenous games and international games that reflect the identities within our community. These experiences promote teamwork, mutual respect, and a deeper understanding of one another.

The social impact is just as powerful:

• 95% of participants said they were able to be with and make new friends. 
• 77% felt like they were part of the group. 
• 100% of adults reported an improved sense of social connectedness and belonging for their youth.

Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Activity

Girls on the Move intentionally addresses gender based inequities in sport and recreation by creating a positive, girl-focused space during a critical developmental period. Participants are encouraged to take risks, celebrate progress, and explore leadership opportunities without judgment or pressure.

By the end of the session, girls leave with more than improved movement skills. They leave with confidence, motivation, friendships, and the tools to see themselves as leaders in active spaces. In fact, 100% of adults felt the program provided their youth with the tools necessary to be leaders in their community.

From locomotor skills and object control to cultural games, creative play, and high-energy team challenges, each week builds toward one goal: helping girls discover that movement is joyful, empowering, and something they belong in.

 

In a time when too many girls are stepping away from physical activity, Girls on the Move and Ever Active is helping them step forward together.