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Milton Hershey School’s Elementary Division Powers Santa’s Sleigh

This holiday season, Milton Hershey School’s Elementary Division is “super-powering Santa’s sleigh” with fitness activities to keep MHS students active before Christmas Break.

Student homes and classrooms are encouraged to participate by walking, running, or jogging at least 8,832.2 steps between Monday, Nov. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 16 to bring Buddy the Elf to Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“We have done a number of student health activities this year including a story walk with fitness activities for Thanksgiving,” said Chris Rich, MHS Senior Manager of Student Health Services. “We wanted to promote health and wellness before our students head home for Christmas Break to remind them that they can continue being active at home.”

Students will track their steps and move Buddy the Elf through nine stops: Cupcake Commons, Ice Cream Slopes, Gummy Hills, Gingerbread House, Licorice Lagoon, Lollypop Woods, Ice Palace, Chocolate Mountain, and Candy Castle.

Student homes who complete the step challenge will be invited to a special Zoom session with Buddy the Elf and his friends who will be enjoying Buddy’s favorite breakfast.

“We would like to thank our houseparents who are with our students everyday helping them to develop lifelong habits of health, wellness, and having fun,” Rich said. “MHS wants to support student homes and classrooms in having fun by providing fitness options for the kids to try.”

This is a volunteer activity for student homes, classrooms, and adults in the Elementary Division to participate in. The “game board” will be set up outside of the Memorial Hall main office for all to keep track of their progress.


Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.