COLUMBIA, Mo. – Every year, hundreds of Missouri 4-H’ers, parents and volunteers commit to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through Missouri 4-H’s Move Across Missouri challenge.

Between Feb. 1 and April 30 of this year, 312 participants logged 2,470,093 total active minutes. “It is very encouraging to see 4-H’ers incorporating physical activity as part of their overall wellness,” said Samantha Brandeberry, state 4-H educator for civic engagement and healthy living.

Participants can register as individuals, in teams or both. This year, 31 teams participated; 27 Missouri counties were also represented in this year’s competition.

Participants chose a wide variety of activities, Brandeberry said, but the most popular activities this year were walking outside, playing outside, cleaning, running, recess and physical exercises like jumping jacks, pullups and pushups.

Top three individuals

1. Kierstyn Schieffer, Lincoln County.
2. Caedon Bergman, Lafayette County.
3. Gage Pryor, Morgan County.

Top three teams

1. Shooting Stars, Cass County.
2. Radiant Rascals, Morgan County.
3. Alma 4-H Club, Lafayette County.

Move Across Missouri is sponsored by the Missouri 4-H Foundation and Healthy Blue, part of Missouri Care Inc. These sponsors make it possible to reward participants for their hard work and to encourage them to continue to incorporate movement into their daily lives.