Greetings — and welcome to
Sumter County on the Move!

Sumter County on the Move (SCOTM!) is a research study conducted by the Prevention Research Center at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, in partnership with Sumter County Active Lifestyles (SCAL). It is a 12-month, group-based walking program developed to help Sumter County residents become more active. SCOTM! is designed to better understand if support from walking group members, contact through social media and having access to information and strategies to increase physical activity and other healthy behaviors will change walking patterns in adults. Though SCOTM! is no longer accepting new members, the information and tools provided on this website may assist those interested in becoming more active and creating a healthier lifestyle.

As a first step to increasing physical activity, SCOTM! members formed walking groups of 4-8 members, with one member serving as the group leader. The leader acts as the group’s “cheerleader” to motivate members by maintaining monthly contact, organizing group walks and assisting members with overcoming barriers to being active. SCOTM! is a flexible program and encourages members to build walking into their daily routines. Members may walk at their convenience with the group or alone and as often as they like. However, all group members are encouraged to meet the national physical activity recommendation of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity. For some members, this is a goal they work to achieve over time. More importantly, members are encouraged to support one another in walking consistently!

SCOTM! provides helpful information and resources to assist members in reaching their goals. Each member receives a SCOTM! Member Handbook filled with tips on setting goals SCOTM! Weekly Personal Goal Contract, tracking progress SCOTM! Walking Log and sticking with a walking program. The program also provides local maps and resources identifying walk-friendly locations, parks and trails. Sessions for Success are available to all members twice a month during their first six months of participation. These 45-minute interactive sessions allow members to learn more and share ideas about how to make physical activity part of a healthier way of life. Staying on track takes teamwork! Therefore, members are encouraged to stay in contact and share ideas through email, texts, by phone and Facebook.

Join us in making Sumter County a more active community!

Please check back often for new materials!

This site is hosted as a community service by Farmers Telephone Cooperative (FTC), Inc.