Summer Walking Program Kicks off at Dearborn's Fairlane Town Center

Kids and their families are encouraged to stay active–rain or shine–this summer with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Kids ‘N Kicks Summer Walking Program at in Dearborn.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan-sponsored program is open to area families, and is free. The program runs through Aug. 17.

“Summer time and fun at the mall are two perfect occasions to introduce young people to the lifelong benefits of walking as a lifestyle habit," Bridget G. Hurd, director of Community Responsibility for Blue Cross Blue Shield, said of the program.

Last year, nearly 550 families from around metro Detroit participated in the program. 

Participants can register at the Customer Service desk, where they will receive a start-up membership kit to keep track of how far they walk during the summer. The membership kit includes a walking log, Fairlane Town Center map with walking route calculations, a Bingo card, weekend wake-up information, health information from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and an orange neck tote to hold the walking log and center map.

New this year, walkers can participate in Healthy Eating Bingo.

Each week, there will be three designated fruits or vegetables placed in locations throughout the center. When a walker spots a fruit or vegetable, they will confirm it with customer service and receive a sticker for their bingo card. Every time a walker gets a Healthy Eating Bingo, they will receive a special prize.

Nadia Al-Ansari, 9, of Dearborn; twins Jasmin and Jocelin Barba, 10, and their brother David Barba, 4, of Dearborn; and Shayla Card-Nowlin, 14, of Detroit were the top walkers for the 2011 program. The combined total of all 2011 participants came to nearly 1,700 miles, or the distance of walking from Dearborn to Charleston, SC, and back.

At the end of each Kids ‘N Kicks visit, participants record the distance walked in their walking logs and take it to the Customer Service desk for a completion stamp. Participants will receive a special treat each visit and a milestone prize for every five Kids ‘N Kicks visits.

Fairlane General Manager Catherine O’Malley said they're excited to have the program back to the mall for its fourth year.

“The program continues to grow in popularity throughout our community," she said. "Every child who takes part in Kids ‘N Kicks will get to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and have some fun while they’re at it.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Kids ‘N Kicks Summer Walking Program at Fairlane Town Center includes four special Saturday Weekend Wake-Up events in conjunction with the program. Space is limited and reservations must be made in advance by calling 313-593-3546 orsending an email to jkincaid@taubman.com.

Here's a look at some of the special events at Fairlane coordinated with Kids 'N Kicks:

• Sat., July 14 at 11 a.m. in Center Court — Zumba.  A Zumba fitness instructor will lead children in a fun, easy-to-follow, dance-fitness program. Comfortable clothing and sneakers are suggested. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate. Reservations must be made by July 13.

• Sat., July 28 at noon in Center Court — Oakwood Wow! Nutrition & fitness to look & feel awesome.  An Oakwood nutrition educator will teach children how their bodies respond to good food and vigorous movement. Reservations must be made by July 27. 

• Sat., Aug. 4 at noon in Center Court — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan good health activity presentation. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will provide a health coach to discuss healthy food options and the benefits of an active lifestyle. The coach also will lead children in fun exercises. Reservations must be made by Aug. 10.

The Kids ‘N Kicks summer program will conclude August 17, with an end-of-summer recognition ceremony for all participants, including a healthy lunch, award certificates and goody bags.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Kids ‘N Kicks Summer Walking Program at Fairlane Town Center participants can walk with their family at the center, located at 18900 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn, during the following hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.