January 14, 2025 —On January 1, Kendal at Hanover residents and staff laced up their sneakers, hopped onto bikes, and dove into pools to take on an exciting and ambitious goal—the Kendal Community Challenge! Together, the community has embarked on a virtual adventure to cover 3,959 miles, the distance from Kendal at Hanover in New Hampshire to Enso Village in Healdsburg, California, while “visiting” the other 8 Kendal Affiliates along the way.
The challenge, which encourages participants to walk, run, bike, or swim, showcases the spirit of collaboration, fitness, and fun that is core to Kendal’s values.
How the Challenge Works
Each participant logs their daily steps or miles as part of this community-wide effort, contributing to the collective goal of reaching Enso Village. Points of progress are tracked on a large, colorful map displayed prominently in the Community Center. New totals are tallied every month, and a pin is moved on the map to show how far participants have “traveled.” The ultimate goal? To celebrate together as a community once they reach Healdsburg, California!
But this challenge is about more than just the numbers:
- Fitness First: Designed to inspire everyone to be more active, it promotes healthier lifestyles for both residents and staff.
- Community Spirit: Working toward a shared goal enhances camaraderie while creating an opportunity to celebrate progress together—mile by mile.
- A Journey Through Kendal Affiliates: Virtually stopping at all 8 Kendal affiliates makes this challenge a symbolic celebration of the connections across the Kendal System.
Where Did the Idea Begin?
Like many great initiatives at Kendal at Hanover, this idea grew from collaboration. It all started in discussions within Kendal at Hanover’s Staff Wellbeing Committee. To begin the new year on a healthy and positive note, the team brainstormed ways to encourage staff to stay active. What started as a simple walking challenge quickly transformed into something even more significant once residents heard about the idea—they wanted in!
The result? A shared initiative that unites both residents and staff in pursuing a healthy, active goal. “I like to walk, and I try to get in four miles per day. When I saw this challenge, it seemed like a fun way to stay motivated,” one resident commented enthusiastically.
“I’m going to love seeing our progress on the map—it’s a great reminder that every step counts,” a staff participant shared. This sense of visible progress will help keep motivation high.
What’s Next?
The momentum behind the Kendal Community Challenge is already growing, and the anticipation for reaching Enso Village is infectious. When they finally “arrive” at Enso Village, a community-wide celebration will mark the occasion, recognizing the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
But this challenge isn’t just about completing 3,959 miles. It’s about fostering a sense of unity, promoting wellness, and showing what’s possible when we work together.
