Stepping Up for Schools and Communities
Walking Challenges
The Foundation offers annual walking challenges for elected officials in Idaho:
- Steps for Schools: This February challenge is for Idaho legislators and constitutional officers who walk for a public school or district of their choice.
- Mayor’s Walking Challenge: This October challenge is open to all Idaho mayors who walk to earn funds for a program or project that encourages physical activity.
Why Walking Challenges?
These walking challenges serve several purposes. First and foremost, they help enable us to build trusted relationships with stakeholders whose decisions impact health in Idaho.
These relationships are vital to help us learn about things happening in Idaho. They also remind these elected officials about the importance of physical activity and highlights them as positive role models for children.
These programs are low-cost to administer and provide great brand recognition for the Foundation and Blue Cross of Idaho. These challenges attract more media attention, and they’ve become tradition and a routine event for our longtime elected officials.
How The Challenges Work:
1
Elected officials wear an activity tracker and commit to walking every day during the month of the challenge.
2
Elected officials earn funds by averaging 5,000 ($500) or 10,000 ($1,000) steps a day that month.
3
Funding can be used by the city or schools for programs or projects that promote being physically active.
Mayor’s Walking Challenge History
The Mayor’s Walking Challenge began in 2014 and takes place each October.
| Year | Participants | Amount to Idaho schools |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 14 | $7,300 |
| 2015 | 27 | $46,500 |
| 2016 | 25 | $50,750 |
| 2017 | 34 | $59,000 |
| 2018 | 69 | $62,000 |
| 2019 | 75 | $68,000 |
| 2020 | 81 | $76,000 |
| 2021 | 83 | $65,500 |
| 2022 | 98 | $84,000 |
| 2023 | 104 | $86,500 |
| 2024 | 108 | $93,500 |
| 2025 | 121 | $107,500 |
| 2026 | TBD | TBD |
Steps for Schools History
The Steps for Schools walking challenge began in 2015 and takes place each February during the legislative session.
| Year | Participants | Amount to Idaho schools |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 15 | $16,000 |
| 2016 | 21 | $11,950 |
| 2017 | 25 | $11,950 |
| 2018 | 34 | $17,000 |
| 2019 | 45 | $22,500 |
| 2020 | 52 | $38,250 |
| 2021 | 60 | $50,000 |
| 2022 | 70 | $53,500 |
| 2023 | 74 | $48,000 |
| 2024 | 75 | $48,000 |
| 2025 | 53 | $40,500 |
| 2026 | 66 | $49,000 |
What They’re Saying
Participants talk about Steps for Schools and the Mayor’s Walking Challenge
I want to thank you for hosting this great program. It’s such a great way to foster physical activity metrics for us while also benefiting schools. Just love it!!!
Melissa WintrowIdaho State SenatorI am proud to have been able to help my local school, while bettering my health and enjoying all the beautiful weather that the Pacific Northwest had to offer. To be able to get out and walk, especially with kids, is such a forgotten pastime. I enjoyed October so much; I will let my Clerk sign me up next year.
Lonnie OrrMayor of OldtownIt’s important for mayors to get involved in the local schools and interact with the kids… the greatest reward is walking and visiting with young children to promote active lifestyles.
David DavisMayor of JeromeI was really motivated to do well in the Steps for Schools walking challenge. Some days I even found myself out walking after dark just to get my steps in. It helped me build a consistent habit, and honestly, I wish we could keep the challenge going into spring.
Scott BedkeLieutenant Governor
