Congratulations participants of the Camrose PCN 60 day 2014 Goin’ for a Jaunt Virtual Trek!  You walked, ran, swam, biked, danced and MOVED!! The virtual trek was created to provide a fun way for you to works towards a healthier you and you are well on your way!!  

The 2014 Goin’ for a Jaunt Virtual Trek, which began on February 18th had 425 participants joining in on this unique fitness challenge – together logging over 134 million steps.  You virtually travelled the province of Newfoundland, which increased your physical and mental well-being while receiving valuable health and fitness tips along the way.  

A key partner in the success of this year’s trek was the Augustana Fitness Center. They played a substantial role to the success of the trek with keeping track of participant progress on their bulletin board, being part of the kick-off and fitness tips videos as well as providing the grand prize of a One Year Membership. In partnership with the Fitness Center, the PCN is excited to announce this year’s winner of the grand prize draw, Robert Warren! Every person that completed the trek was entered into the draw.  

The Group Challenge of the trek, measured the progress of the groups against the progress of other groups within the trek program. The Group Activity Graph compared activity against other groups in the program based on the percentage of active members for their past seven days. The group challenge took the total of all the steps for the group, and averaged it by the number of steppers in the group. This way it didn’t matter if the group is large or small, it was all fair.  The PCN is pleased to announce THE HAPPY WANDERERS as the 2014 group winners! Members of THE HAPPY WANDERERS include Pat Lofvendahl, Bill Maertens-Poole, Marlene Maertens-Poole, Wilf Maertens-Poole and Bev Maertens-Pool.  

As part of a partnership with the Camrose Healthy Lifestyle Coalition, the Camrose PCN also enjoyed having PACE Outreach students as part of the 2014 Goin' for a Jaunt Virtual Trek! The Coalition decided to offer support and resources to an identified community group/organization/school through their efforts in the Virtual Trek. Out of a draw of several community groups/organizations/schools, PACE Outreach School was selected. The students at PACE were very diligent in tracking their activities and worked hard throughout the trek to increase their activity levels.  At the end of the trek, the Coalition treated the PACE students and staff with a healthy “wrap up team lunch!”

Two new initiatives for the trek this year included a partnership with the City of Camrose which allowed the PCN Team to host Monday lunch time walks at the Camrose Recreation Centre Walking Track.  Participants really enjoyed the opportunity to utilize the track each Monday – kick starting their week of activity.  Round Hill School also opened their doors to their community to come in and walk in the school gym as an alternative option to walking outside in the winter months.   

The PCN continues to receive a lot of positive feedback on the virtual trek tool – with people using it to keep them motivated in their fitness activities.  To keep the momentum going, the PCN is pleased to announce people will be able to continue using the tool for their own personal fitness journey.   While the official PCN trek is complete, we encourage everyone to use it as their own personal fitness tool.   Even if you didn’t join the official trek – it’s not too late to join!! See how far you can journey across Newfoundland over the next year!  Reward yourself each time you make it! 

“I am so pleased the Camrose PCN can “model the way” for active lifestyles and provide people in our community with opportunities for increased physical activity,” states Stacey Strilchuk, Executive Director of the Camrose PCN.  “We know physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits but it’s important to remember physical activity should be fun too!”

For more information, please contact:
Colleen Lindholm
Communications Lead
Camrose Primary Care Network
Email: colleenl@camrosepcn.com