Steps for Schools

The health of Idaho’s children begins with kids getting exercise. Community leaders help by setting good examples and being role models.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s Steps for Schools walking challenge empowers Idaho’s lawmakers to get involved. Steps for Schools encourages state legislators and other elected officials to walk at least 5,000 steps a day in February during the legislative session.

Each participating lawmaker chooses a school or school district that will receive funds if the participant reaches the step goal. The money can be used by schools or districts to purchase physical education equipment or support a walking program.

Steps for Schools participants who walk at least 5,000 steps a day earn $500 for their selected school or district. Participants who walk 10,000 steps a day or more earn $1,000 for the school or district.

The Steps for Schools walking challenge encourages participants to be active during the busy session, which is good for their own health. Steps for Schools has four goals:

1. To remind lawmakers to think about childhood health issues in Idaho
2. To highlight our lawmakers as good role models for our children
3. To create awareness about health issues in Idaho
4. To promote childhood wellness throughout Idaho