This season’s second to fifth grade participants enjoyed running, connecting with their families and each other, and learning about feelings and self control. One participant shared that their favorite part of the program was “running and talking and having fun with [their] family.” Another especially enjoyed the stories they heard throughout the program. When asked why appreciating differences is important on a connection call with adult mentors who serve as program coaches, one child responded, “other people can be really interesting!” All of the participants who completed the program survey agreed that Keet Kids Run taught them that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and helped them appreciate the differences that make people special.

Parents and guardians of program participants were grateful to have Keet Kids Run as an option for their children this year. Following a demonstration of the way that keeping emotions bottled up can lead to an “emotion volcano,” or an unhealthy and explosive release of emotions, one guardian commented that the lesson was “needed for a time like this.” Another parent shared that their child especially enjoyed the hands-on activities, “and they were a great way to practice the concepts.” (See photo of cup-stacking game that requires teamwork and positive communication.) Another guardian who appreciated Keep Kids Run said it was a “wonderful opportunity & such a fun experience you have given two of our children. It has been precious in these recent months.”

Participants showed incredible strength of spirit this season, and it was a privilege to watch them grow and learn.  Throughout the program, they learned to process emotions and resolve conflicts in healthy ways, to practice allyship, and to celebrate cultural diversity. Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitkans Against Family Violence, Sitka Counseling, Youth Advocates of Sitka, and the Sitka School District, all members of Sitka’s Pathways Community Coalition, are excited to continue offering Sitka’s young people the opportunity to learn these invaluable skills, and will implement Keet Kids Run I toowú klatseen again this spring.