b'Keene Middle Schools Pedometer Challenge 2009All it takes is a wall map, some brightly colored push pins, pedometers, afriendly challenge, and a healthy, competitive spirit.Eleven teams, made up of teachers, administrators and school support staff, accepted the challenge to see which team could walk the furthest across the United States in eight weeks.Teams, selected randomly, were assigned pedometers and colored push pins were used to monitor the weekly progress on a map of the United States.Over the course of the competition, new relationships were formed andseveral participants remarked how they enjoyed developing new friendships as much as the physical challenge. It was an added benefit to see how people came out of their comfort zonesand normal working relationships, and bonded together in an effort to achieve the goal, remarked Jenny Audet, KMSs school nurse.From the outset, the healthy walking challenge was well received by every-body who participated. Unlike a weight loss competition, where people who Keene Middle School Pedometer Challenge Team members. CMC/DH-K are content with their weight feel left out, this was open to everybody. And,because walking is something we do every day, making it fun was anotherway to remind us of its health benefits.Weekly prizes were awarded to keep the momentum going, but over time, they came to be seen as an afterthought. People were having fun and they liked how Knowthey felt, even after we had run out of prizes.your And the end result?The White Team logged 1550 miles and claimed victory over the Royal Blue Team, which managed only 1528 miles. In the end every-body won: We never knew that being positive role models of health for our numbers students and each other could be such fun!10 Engaging Our Community In Health88222_CMC2.indd 12 2/1/10 12:26 PM'