Our school-wide goal is $300,000 this year. As the cost of funding these programs increases each year, we rely on the generosity of our community to keep our programs running. We understand that every family is different and appreciate donations of any amount. We ask that you consider giving as generously as you can, at a level comfortable for your family. A donation of $300 per student through our Pledge platform for Walkathon will help BESCA reach our goal.

Save time and pre-purchase your WAT Marketplace tickets!

Ticket purchases and a limited number of themed T-Shirts will also be available in-person at WAT.

Each student must have a signed Permission Sheet with them to Walkathon. Bring the permission sheet to your teacher at registration to receive your lap card.

The Silent Auction is a big part of our fundraising at the Walkathon. Items are donated by local businesses, community members, and Booksin families. All proceeds go to BESCA and our auction typically makes up 10-15% of the overall revenue for the event.

The Silent Auction will be held online starting Monday, October 14, 2024 and continue until 1:00pm at our Walkathon event on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Physical items will be viewable at WAT.

Rules and Safety

• Please leave all pets at home: To keep everyone safe and comfortable, pets aren’t allowed at Walkathon.

• Booksin is an alcohol-free zone: As this is a family-friendly event on school grounds, no alcohol is permitted.

• For safety, please leave wheels at home: Bikes, scooters, skateboards, shoes with wheels, and similar items should stay off campus during the Walkathon.

• Stay and enjoy the fun with your kids: Walkathon is for the whole family! This isn’t a drop-off event, so please stick around and keep an eye on your children to make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience.

Honoring Integrity

• The Walkathon route is 1/3 of a mile and will be clearly marked with fencing and boundaries. The course is one-way and to receive a punch on their Lap Card, each walker must complete a full lap on their own. The lap punching area, as well as the entire route, will be monitored at all times.

• Walkers must carry their own Lap Cards and have them punched personally—no one else can carry or punch a card on their behalf. Maintaining the integrity of the Lap Card is important to ensure walkers receive proper credit, prizes, and awards. Students are responsible for keeping their Lap Cards in good condition—please avoid tearing, ripping, or writing on them. If a lost Lap Card is found, please take it to the DJ Booth.

• To keep it fair and meaningful for everyone, it’s important that all participants maintain honesty and integrity throughout the event. We ask everyone to be mindful of their actions and support WAT in a way where all accomplishments are earned and celebrated fairly. Let’s work together to ensure that every student’s success reflects their true effort.

• All participants—students, alumni, parents, staff, and volunteers—are expected to act respectfully toward others throughout the event.

• Collect Pledges: Your primary job is to help your children meet their goal of raising at least $300 in pledges per student. You can solicit pledges from family, friends, and neighbors. We value every donation, no matter the size. We also understand that the circumstances for every family are different and ask that you do your best to support us in our fundraising goals. Detailed information on collecting and reporting pledges will be sent home.

• Buy Marketplace Tickets: BESCA’s food, beverage, and activity (did someone say crazy hair?) booths at the Walkathon Marketplace only accept Marketplace Tickets. Tickets are available online prior to the Walkathon and will also be available in-person on the day of Walkathon at the Ticket Booth. (NOTE: Food trucks DO NOT accept tickets, cash or credit card only.)

• Buy Teacher Fun Drawing Tickets: Buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a spot for your child at a fun event hosted by the teacher!

• Preview Silent Auction Items: Check out the auction items online and place your max bids before Walkathon so you can concentrate on the walking at the event.

• Pack a Bag: Pack a bag the evening before Walkathon with sunscreen, a refillable water bottle for everyone in your family, jackets, extra socks, favorite snacks, etc. so you'll be ready to go first thing Saturday morning. Also, if you have children with allergies to bees or specific food allergies, please make sure you bring what you need.

• Review the Rules: Take a few minutes to review the official Walkathon rules with your child.

• Come Prepared: Some families bring a tent/shade structure to serve as a home base for their family. Tents can be set up along the walk course on the grass field on the Friday night before (Time TBD). Families are also welcome to set up under the shade of the solar panels. Bring chairs, blankets, and whatever else will help keep your family comfortable as you settle in for the day. Your camp can also serve as a rest zone for little ones. Plan ahead with other families so you can socialize while your kids are walking. 

• Dress Right: You are going to be there all morning and into the early afternoon, so be comfortable! Make sure your kids wear their Walkathon t-shirt and everyone in your family should wear comfortable pants and shoes. Layers are helpful, especially as the day warms up. Sometimes a change of socks is helpful when little feet get tired and hot. 

• Expect to Walk A LOT: Your kids will walk all day - really! Parents of kids that were certain there was no way their kindergartener could walk 5 miles are astonished when they walk 10! Younger kids love to walk with parents or school friends and older one often run a lot. If you expect your child to walk more than 10 miles, a little vaseline between the toes and under arms can help prevent chafing and blisters. 

• Hydrate and Fuel: Your main role as a parent is to make sure your kids are getting enough to eat and drink throughout the day. We offer a variety of food for purchase at Walkathon, including breakfast goodies, snacks, hot dogs and burgers, drinks, and coffee. We will have a free water station set up along the course. You are also welcome to bring snacks and drinks from home...you know your kids best, so bring things you know they will eat to keep them feeling good and energetic all day!

• Be Safe: We have volunteers everywhere the day of Walkathon and safety is our priority. While we want you to have fun with friends from the community, we also rely on you to check in with your kids, know where they are, and make sure they are being peaceful, aware, wise, and safe! There is a first aid station staffed all day at the event.

• Guard Your Lap Card: Each student will receive a lap card when they register at Walkathon. They'll wear it around their neck and it will be punched each time they complete a lap. This card is required to collect prizes, so make sure you don't lose it!

• When Finished, Turn In Lap Cards And Collect Your Prizes: Walkers earn prizes based on how many full miles they walk. Before you leave the Walkathon for the day, make sure you turn in your lap card and pick up your prizes at the Prize Booth.