SCOTM! WALK LEADER MANUAL
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Sumter County On The Move!
Walk Leader Manual
This manual was developed by the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center (USC
PRC) and Sumter County Active Lifestyles (SCAL). This manual is not copyrighted and may be
reproduced in part or in whole for educational purposes only. The USC PRC and SCAL must be
acknowledged as the manual’s author on all reproductions of the manual. No part of this manual
may be sold. Please contact Melinda Forthofer, PhD for questions about replication or the
handbook’s contents.
SCOTM! Faculty and Staff Contact Information
Melinda Forthofer, PhD
Principal Investigator
Sara Wilcox, PhD
Patricia A. Sharpe, PhD, MPH
Lili Stoisor-Olsson, MPH,
MSW
Co-Investigator & Director of the USC PRC
Co-Investigator
Project Coordinator
Ericka Burroughs, MA, MPH
Project Manager
Linda Pekuri MPH, RD, LD
Executive Director, SCAL
Website
http://www.sumtercountymoves.org/
Funding for this manual was made possible by Cooperative Agreement Number U48/DP001936
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the USC PRC. Its contents are
solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the
CDC, USC PRC, or SCAL.
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Table of Contents
Introduction: What the Walk Leader Manual Provides
3
What Does a SCOTM! Walk Leader Do?
5
Wrapping up the Walk
12
Other Expectations
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Resources
14
Credits and Acknowledgments
19
SCOTM! Walk Leader Forms
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Introduction: What the Walk Leader Manual
Provides
T
his manual contains information and tools you need to have to be a successful
SCOTM! walk leader. You may not be able to use all the information provided in
this manual, but the tools and suggestions will help you maintain a successful
walking group. Walking groups are more than a bunch of people walking at the
same time in the same location. Walking groups provide support, accountability, and
encouragement. Some of the ways walking groups help members is by:
 providing a set time and place to exercise.
 providing accountability— knowing that someone is
expecting them to walk helps with self-motivation.
 providing companionship and making the time spent
walking go faster.
Walking groups provide
support, accountability,
and encouragement.
 giving and receiving encouragement from other walkers and the walk leader.
 providing opportunities for people who enjoy walking.
 promoting the fact that walking is a low-risk activity.
 offering security-- walking with a group can reduce safety concerns.
By becoming a SCOTM! walk leader, you can make a difference in the walkers’ lives and
your own. The walking program is aimed at people who are not getting the
recommended amount of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
The walks are not competitive; the groups are encouraged to walk at their own
comfortable brisk pace, and this may vary from person to person. As well as promoting
the physical and mental benefits of walking, walking groups also promote the availability
of Sumter County’s walking trails and paths in the community. By encouraging walking,
we can promote healthier lifestyles that are better for individuals and the community.
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Thus, walk leaders are important in helping promote a
healthier community. The walk leader plays very important
leader’s most important role.
roles. However, the most important role you will play will
be that of a cheerleader, helping members mobilize support and overcome barriers to
achieve their walking goals. To do this, a walk leader should be someone who…
The cheerleader is the walk

is easy to talk to
 is reliable and on time
 has a warm approach and is welcoming
 is familiar with routes and alternatives
 makes the walk fun
 helps members think of ways to overcome challenges
 lets the program coordinator know of problems or challenges members are
experiencing
Most importantly, a walk leader should be someone who is positive and encouraging.
Giving praise, encouragement, and more praise goes a long way in helping people develop
confidence in their ability to be physically active. Simple statements are good ways to
build walking self-esteem.
Keep up the great
pace….
You can do this!
You’re doing
great!
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What Does a SCOTM! Walk Leader Do?
A walk leader is a person to whom the walking group members look for guidance and
encouragement. As a SCOTM! walk leader, you are expected to do the following:
 Schedule group walks periodically
 Motivate group members
 Choose a good walking route
 Choose a good time to walk
 Manage problem situations
 Encourage socializing
 Offer tips for managing challenges
 Keep a positive attitude
 Have variety
Let’s examine each practice more closely.
Schedule group walks periodically
You should contact group members to schedule a walk periodically. Group members
are not required to attend group walks. Some may feel comfortable walking alone or
with other people in their social networks. This is okay. Do not pressure group
members to attend group walks, but encourage them regularly to walk. Use the
SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact List on page 22 to maintain a directory of your group. It
is essential that you keep this list in a locked, secure location because it will include
confidential information.
Periodically, schedule group walks at the time that seems to be most convenient for
your members. If some members are unable to meet, encourage them to walk anyway
to meet their weekly goal. Remind group members to log their walking activity in
their SCOTM! Walking Log on page 37 of their handbook.
.
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Motivate group members
Group members may look to you for guidance in strengthening their individual
walking programs. Here is some information that may help your group members:
 Encourage members to set goals using their SCOTM! Weekly Personal Goal
Contract on page 31 of their handbook. Walkers should walk at least 150
minutes a week to achieve health benefits. Some walkers may need to ease
into this, especially if they have not been active in a while.
 Remind walkers that they do not have to walk 150 minutes all at once. They
can work up to 150 minutes by walking as little as 10 minutes at a time.
 Remind walkers that they do not have to walk with the group. Encourage
them to connect with others in their social networks. These social networks
can include family, work, place of worship, neighbors, etc.
Choose a good walking route
Keep the route simple – difficult routes can be discouraging. Make it easy to follow. An
existing trail or marked route is easiest, but simple written directions can also work. It is
important to walk the route at a specific pace so you will know the length of the route and
the time it will take to walk it. This will also help walking group participants know the
pace and length of the walk. Use the chart below as a guide to help you choose an
appropriate route. While it is ok to start at a slow pace, try to work toward walking at least
3 miles per hour.
WALKING SPEED
TIME
(miles per hour)
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
SLOW (2 miles per
hour)
0.5 miles
1.0 miles
1.5 miles
MEDIUM (3 miles
per hour)
0.75 miles
1.5 miles
2.25 miles
FAST (4 miles per
hour)
1 mile
2 miles
3 miles
NOTE: This information should only be used as a guide. Walking speed may vary
among individuals of different ages, abilities, leg length, and levels of fitness.
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Other walking route considerations
 Accessibility – The route needs to have a starting point that all members can get to
by foot, bicycle, public transportation, or car.
 Appeal – Consider the physical
environment (shade, interesting scenery,
historical area, etc.)
 Traffic – Avoid busy roads. Look for
quieter streets and locations. If
unavoidable, make sure that crossing a busy
street is safe and well-marked.
 Safe surroundings – Choose a route that avoids narrow alleys and other areas
where people may feel unsafe.
 Level of difficulty – Try to match the route to the fitness level
of the group. Try to have hills or inclines in the middle of the
walk so that the participants are warmed up before the hill and
have a chance to cool down afterward.
 Use the Sumter County Walk Map (included in your packet)
to help you choose a location.
5BCChoose a good time to walk
 If it is a workplace walking group, ask interested coworkers if it would be better
to walk before or after work or maybe during the lunch break.
 Consider the time of year. The walk time may need to be at cooler times of the
day during the summer. The hottest time of day in the summer tends to be 3:005:00 p.m. During the winter, you will need to consider the amount of daylight if
your walks are early in the morning or later in the evening.
 If your walking group likes to socialize, you may want to finish your walk at a
café or park. Think of what is available and the times they are open.
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Manage problem situations
Sometimes situations occur that can lessen the enjoyment of the group’s walk, and they
can be difficult to handle. Three common problems are difficult people, gossip, and
mismatched participants. There are many ways to deal with these problems, and the
following are suggestions that may help.
46B Difficult people
47B
Sometimes you will find people who are unhappy about some of the walk
arrangements and complain and disrupt the group. Don't feel bad; remind those
participants that they do not have to walk with the group in order to be part of
SCOTM! They can choose to walk at another time, at another location, and with
other people. Be sure you maintain contact with them and continue to encourage
their walking.
Gossip
The best way to stop gossip is to prevent it.
Not gossiping and keeping the conversation
positive during the walk sets a good example
for other walkers to follow. If someone
starts to gossip, put it to an immediate stop,
trying one of these strategies:
 Tell them you would prefer to talk about
that person when they are present.
 Listen politely (without any comment), and change the subject as soon as
possible—do not repeat the information to anyone else.
 If someone confides personal information to you, keep it to yourself.
 Periodically remind members that they should keep information they learn from
others in their group confidential.
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Mismatched participants
There may be someone who is unable to keep up with the group. This could be
someone who is new to walking and does not understand what brisk walking entails,
or it could be someone who wants to walk at a slower or faster pace than the rest of
the group. This can be difficult to handle, as we do not want to discourage walkers.
At the same time, though, you want to meet the walking pace of the group. Again,
there are many ways to handle this situation, and the following are some ideas that
may help:
 Let all new walkers know what the walking
pace will be for the day’s walk. This is good
for both new and regular walkers, since it
prepares everyone for the walk.
 If someone is new to walking, give them a
short demonstration of the walking pace.
 See if a regular walker is willing to stay with
the slower or new walker.
 Ask a regular walker to go ahead with the
group and you stay behind.
 If you find that a walker just can't keep up and is seriously delaying the group,
discuss this discreetly with the person and tactfully suggest they might like to walk
at another time or with others who are better matched for their pace. Most likely,
the slow walker feels bad about slowing the pace, so they may appreciate being
reminded that members do not have to participate in the walking group to be a
member of SCOTM!
Dealing with problem situations is not easy, but dealing with the problems as they
happen may reduce their impact. Remember to smile and keep the walk as enjoyable as
possible. Your attitude can go a long way in ensuring that the walk is enjoyable and
energizing for all participants.
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Encourage socializing
Socializing during the walk not only gives walkers a
chance to interact, but also provides a closing for the
Socializing during the walk
walk. It gives you an opportunity to thank the
makes people feel welcome
walkers for coming and encourage them to continue
and want to return.
walking at other times when the group is not
meeting. It also gives a sense of belonging to the group and provides an opportunity for
walkers to relax with each other.
Offer tips for managing barriers to walking
There are many reasons why walkers do not stick with their walking program. Some of
the more commonly perceived challenges that walkers express are that they…
 do not have time.
 do not have social support (no one to walk with/don’t feel encouraged by
family).
 are not motivated to walk.
Refer to pages 17 &18 for
suggested responses to
 think walking is inconvenient.
barriers walkers express.
 do not like walking.
 think walking is boring.
 do not feel confident that they can be successful in a walking program.
 do not know how to set goals, measure progress, or reward progress.
 do not have parks, sidewalks, or safe and pleasant walking paths convenient
to their homes or offices.
On pages 17 & 18, we have listed some of the reasons for not walking that you may
hear from your group. Suggested responses are listed by each reason. Review these
so you can be prepared to help walkers manage their challenges.
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Keep a positive attitude
9B1
There will be days when things don’t go as planned. Your car doesn’t start, the kids are
fighting, you have a lot of things to do and places to be, you don’t finish what you wanted
to get done… the list goes on and on. It is important to remember we all have tough
days; it is a part of life. As a walk leader, it is also important to let go of all that is
bothering you as you get to your walk starting point. As a leader, your mood can
influence the mood for the entire walk. Coming to the walk with an upbeat attitude goes
a long way in setting the mood for the walking group. Make it fun! Other ways to
maintain a positive walking group are to:
 Build self-confidence in individuals and the group by allowing other members to
help with planning and leading the group.
 Use the social support of the group
members to help you and the group.
Sometimes, just seeing a smiling face can
brighten a day.
A walk leader’s positive
attitude is reflected by the
positive feeling of the walking
group.
 Avoid gossiping during the walk. Set the
right example.
Have variety
20B
Variety can enhance motivation. Remind walkers who seem to be bored with their
individual routines that walking with the group offers variety and can keep their walking
program fresh. When the group meets, you can try adding variety to the walks. Here are
some suggestions for varying your routine:
 Share stories on how walking affects your physical and mental health.
 Have a scavenger hunt looking for varieties of trees or flowers.
 Plan a nature walk on the Cypress Trail or a walk in the historic district.
 Begin a book club to include group members, and discuss books during the walk.
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Wrapping up the Walk
At the end of the walk, remember to…
 make sure everyone is together and is feeling okay.
 mention the time and date of the next walk if applicable.
 allow time for walkers to ask you questions or just to talk to you.
 thank people for coming.
 encourage walkers to continue walking to achieve at least 150 minutes weekly.
 invite people to stay for refreshments if applicable.
Other Expectations
Member check-In
In addition to scheduling and leading walks periodically, we ask that you contact your
group members at least twice a month to check in with them. Try to determine if
they are encountering any barriers with their routine. For example, you can ask your
members questions like…
1. How is your walking routine going?
2. Have you experienced any challenges meeting your weekly goal?
3. Is there anything that SCOTM! can do to help you achieve your goals?
SCOTM! leader workshops
For more tips on how to support your walking group, attend the SCOTM! monthly
workshops. Each month, we will discuss topics of interest to your group. Workshops
will be offered twice a month at different times to accommodate various schedules. If
you cannot attend, feel free to send a member who can share the information with
you and the rest of the group. We welcome input on topics that will help support your
group. You will receive information regarding the workshop opportunities from a
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member of the SCOTM! staff. Workshop topics and delivery dates will also be posted
on the SCOTM! website, http://www.sumtercountymoves.org/, and Facebook page
as they are scheduled.
2B
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long will I be enrolled in SCOTM!?
You will be enrolled in SCOTM! for 12 months. During the first six- month phase,
SCOTM! staff will have contact with you. During the next six-month phase, staff
will not contact you until it is time for you to complete additional measurements.
However, we will be available if you have questions. Most importantly, we strongly
encourage you to continue your walking program during and after enrollment.
2. Do group members have to walk together all of the time?
No. Encourage your group members to walk at least 150 minutes a week. They
may choose to walk alone or with someone else. The goal is for them to walk.
3. Should group members report their walking activity to me if they do not
walk with the group?
No. However, encourage them to log their walking activity on the SCOTM!
Walking Log even when they walk with the group.
4. Who do I contact if there is an accident?
If someone requires medical attention, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
5. Can I ask other people to join our walking group?
The best way for someone to hear about SCOTM! is from you. We encourage
you to spread the word about the SCOTM! program.
Where can I schedule a walk if the weather is not appropriate for outdoor
walking?
Refer to the SCOTM! Guide to Indoor Places to Walk in Sumter on page 25 of the
member handbook.
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Suggestions for Managing Barriers to Walking
What you may hear…
Suggested Reponses
“I don’t have time to
walk.”
Monitor your schedule for a week. Identify at least five 30minute time slots you could use for walking. If you do not
have 30 minutes at one time, identify three 10-minute time
slots per day.
Walk to work or shopping, organize school activities around
walking, walk the dog, park farther away from your
destination, etc.
“I get bored walking.”
Explain your reasons for walking to friends and family. Ask
them to support your efforts.
Invite friends and family members to walk with you. Plan
social activities involving walking.
Develop new friendships with walkers at your place of work or
worship.
Walk with your walking group.
Bring your iPod or mp3 player to listen to your favorite
walking music. (To be safe, keep the volume low enough that
you can still be aware of your surroundings.)
Vary your routine. Use your Sumter County Walk Map to
identify a new route each time you walk.
“I’m tired after work.”
Schedule walking for times in the day or week when you feel
energetic.
Convince yourself that if you give it a chance, walking will
increase your energy level; then, try walking.
“I can’t get motivated.”
Plan ahead. Make walking a regular part of your daily or weekly
schedule and write it on your calendar.
Invite a friend to walk with you on a regular basis and write it
on both of your calendars.
Track your progress using your pedometer and SCOTM!
Walking Log. You may be surprised at how well you are doing.
Reward yourself for achieving the weekly goals you set using
your SCOTM! Weekly Personal Goal Contract.
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Suggestions for Managing Barriers to Walking
What you may hear…
Suggested Reponses
“Walking is painful for
me.”
Walk appropriately considering your age, fitness level, skill level,
and health status.
Walk at a comfortable pace until you are able to pick up the pace.
“Walking is dangerous:
there is crime.”
or
Important: If you feel pain in your chest, seek medical help right
away. If the pain is elsewhere and does not lessen when you slow
down or persists for a long time, see a doctor in case you have
some sort of injury that needs medical attention.
There is safety in numbers—walking with a group helps make you
more visible to drivers and will provide a stronger deterrent to
criminal activity. Walk routes with sidewalks or use a walking
track.
“There is no safe place to
walk.”
“It's too hot/cold/rainy Dress for the weather. Great rain and snow gear is available, as
out.”
are hats and breathable fabrics for hot weather. Refer to the
SCOTM! Guide to Indoor Places to Walk in Sumter in your member
handbook for indoor options.
Walk the halls and climb the stairs in hotels.
“I’m going on vacation.”
Stay in places with treadmills.
“I don’t have childcare.” Trade babysitting time with a friend, neighbor, or family member
who also has small children.
Walk with the kids as you discuss their school day. You can
spend time together and still get your exercise.
Try to walk when the kids are in school, or walk around the
playground or ball field while they are playing.
“I’m too old to walk.”
Look upon your retirement as an opportunity to become more
active instead of less. Spend time walking the dog and walking
with your grandchildren. Children with short legs and
grandparents with slower gaits are often great walking partners.
Now that you have the time, make walking a part of every day.
Go for a walk every morning or every evening before dinner.
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Credits and Acknowledgements
Sections of this manual have been adapted from:
 Sumter County Active Lifestyles Volunteer Walk Leader Manual (2007)
 Prevention Partners: Fall into Fitness:
http://www.eip.sc.gov/publications/FallIntoFitness.pdf
 CDC Suggestion to Overcoming Walking Barriers: Adapted from CDC
Overcoming Barriers to Exercise:
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/barriers.html
 Walking Info: http://www.walkinginfo.org/index.cfm
Other sections of the SCOTM! Walk Leader Manual were authored by Ericka
Burroughs, MA, MPH, in collaboration with other members of the SCOTM! faculty
and staff.
Picture Credits
Pictures are courtesy of the USC PRC, SCAL, or Microsoft Office Clip Art unless
otherwise noted below.
 Megaphone: http://blog.careergumbo.ca/tag/achieve-goals.aspx
 Walking group on page 9:
http://www.connecttoresearch.org/understanding_research
Funding for this manual was made possible by Cooperative Agreement Number
U48/DP001936 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center (USC PRC). Its contents are
solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official
views of the CDC, USC PRC or Sumter County Active Lifestyles.
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Notes
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Forms
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact List
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ___________________________________________________
Member
Telephone Number
and/or email address
Best time to call
Be sure to keep this list confidential and locked in a safe, secure place.
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact Form
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ________________________________________________
Month _______________________________________
Year _______________________
Member Name
Member Concerns
Dates Contacted
(Optional)
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact Form
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ________________________________________________
Month _______________________________________
Year _______________________
Member Name
Member Concerns
Dates Contacted
(Optional)
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact Form
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ________________________________________________
Month _______________________________________
Year _______________________
Member Name
Member Concerns
Dates Contacted
(Optional)
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact Form
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ________________________________________________
Month _______________________________________
Year _______________________
Member Name
Member Concerns
Dates Contacted
(Optional)
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact Form
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ________________________________________________
Month _______________________________________
Year _______________________
Member Name
Member Concerns
Dates Contacted
(Optional)
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SCOTM! Walk Leader Contact Form
SCOTM! Walk Leader: ________________________________________________
Month _______________________________________
Year _______________________
Member Name
Member Concerns
Dates Contacted
(Optional)
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