With snow predicted and wind chills in the single digits as I write this column, it sounds a bit crazy to talk about going for a walk, but that is just what I’m going to do. Walk Kansas is a signature program for K-State Research and Extension that has been around since 2000. Each year this fitness challenge motivates people from all walks of life to get moving. The dates for the 2018 campaign are March 18th through May 12th.

To participate in Walk KS, you will need to start by recruiting a team of six people. Many times teams consist of family members, friends or co-workers. Come up with a fun name, register your team, and report the minutes that team members exercise each week, beginning March 18th. All of the registration details can be accomplished on line. There is a fee of $8 per team member or $17 per person if all team members wish to order a t-shirt. Payment by check or cash will need to be made at either the Hays or Great Bend offices. Brenda and Theresa, our office professionals in the Great Bend and Hays offices can answer specific questions you may have as you register your teams.

February 19th is the date that on-line registration will open for residents of the Cottonwood Extension District. We would like to complete team registration by Monday, March 12th if possible.

Several interesting activities that support this fitness challenge are planned for April and May. Mark your calendar for April 3rd and join me at the Hays office at noon, for the free educational program titled, “Healthy Cooking Styles.” Based on a fact sheet I wrote last year, you will learn about water sauteing, slow stewing and other healthy ways to prepare grains and vegetables. Another date to mark on your calendar is Friday, April 13th, at noon, at the Big Creek Crossing Mall. I will be leading a Walk KS halfway pep rally. Anyone who is a member of a Walk KS team will be treated to a progressive picnic at the mall. I will have a short presentation complete with door prizes as well. Folks who are not on a Walk KS team may pre-register for this event by paying $5 due by April 6th. Reminders will be sent to team captains as the date gets closer.

A wrap up celebration for the Walk KS program is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9th, at noon at the Great Bend Recreation Center. A free “Wise bucks” luncheon will be provided for any Walk KS team member. The public may pre-register by May 2nd for lunch and pay $5.

So get your walking shoes ready and your team pulled together and join the 2018 Walk KS program in your community!

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent and District Director for the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected]