Celebrating Health and Community: Corbin Crites and the Walktober Initiative at Mineral Area College
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, October brings with it a unique opportunity to celebrate health and wellness through walking. At Mineral Area College (MAC), this celebration is embodied in the month-long event known as Walktober, spearheaded by Student Engagement Coordinator Corbin Crites. With a focus on community involvement and physical activity, Crites has organized engaging events that not only promote walking but also connect students with local happenings in the Parkland area.
The Ice Cream Social: A Sweet Introduction to Local Activities
To kick off Walktober, Crites hosted an ice cream social in the student lobby, an event designed to introduce students to various fall activities in the Parkland region. “There are fall festivals, hay rides, corn mazes, haunted houses, and more,” Crites explained. The event was not just about enjoying a sweet treat; it was also an opportunity to provide students with maps and photos of local parks and hiking trails. This initiative encourages students to explore their surroundings while incorporating physical activity into their daily routines.
The ice cream social served as a vibrant gathering point for students, fostering a sense of community and encouraging them to engage with the rich array of activities available in the area. By showcasing local events, Crites aims to inspire students to step outside, enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and get their daily steps in.
The Walktober Step-Tracking Challenge
In addition to the ice cream social, Crites has introduced a month-long step-tracking challenge for MAC students. This simple yet effective initiative encourages participants to monitor their daily steps using a health or walking app. Students are invited to submit their step counts weekly, with Crites keeping track of the totals. The excitement builds as prizes await the top five students with the most steps, including a coveted Apple Watch for the overall winner.
This challenge not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a sense of friendly competition among students. It’s a fun way to motivate individuals to stay active and engaged throughout the month, reinforcing the importance of regular exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A Collaborative Effort: Engaging Staff and Faculty
The spirit of Walktober extends beyond students, as Jeremy Partney, MAC’s Physical Education Department Coordinator, has also launched a Walktober challenge for staff and faculty members. This initiative mirrors Crites’ efforts, offering prizes for the top-performing staff, thereby creating a campus-wide culture of health and wellness. By involving both students and staff, MAC is fostering a community that values physical activity and encourages everyone to participate in their health journey.
A Passion for Student Engagement
Corbin Crites finds immense fulfillment in his role as Student Engagement Coordinator. “What I enjoy most is getting to host fun events and activities for students,” he shared. MAC’s diverse student body, comprising individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, enriches the campus experience. Crites appreciates the opportunity to connect with students, learn their unique stories, and create events that resonate with their interests.
His commitment to student engagement is evident in the thoughtful planning and execution of events like the ice cream social and the Walktober challenges. By prioritizing community involvement and physical wellness, Crites is making a positive impact on the lives of students at MAC.
Get Involved!
For those interested in participating in the Walktober challenge or learning more about student activities at Mineral Area College, Corbin Crites is readily available for inquiries. He can be reached at (573) 518-2206 or via email at ccrites@mineralarea.edu.
As October unfolds, the Walktober initiative at MAC serves as a reminder of the importance of walking, community engagement, and the joy of exploring local activities. With events designed to inspire and motivate, Crites and his team are paving the way for a healthier, more connected campus community.
Conclusion
In a world where health and wellness are paramount, initiatives like Walktober at Mineral Area College highlight the significance of community involvement and physical activity. Through engaging events and challenges, Corbin Crites is not only promoting walking but also fostering a sense of belonging among students. As the month progresses, the excitement surrounding Walktober continues to grow, encouraging everyone to lace up their shoes, step outside, and embrace the beauty of the season while prioritizing their health.
