Welcome, Team Captains! We are thrilled to have you lead the way at the Kern Down Syndrome Network’s Walk for a Million Dreams on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Stramler Park in Bakersfield. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a successful, fun-filled event. Our walk is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of inclusion, hope, and community. Together, we are walking toward a future where every individual with Down syndrome is valued, included, and given the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Thank you for stepping up as a Team Captain – let’s make this year’s Walk truly unforgettable! 🚀✨

Walk Registration & Requirements

• All attendees must register in advance. Every person attending the walk (participants, family members, friends, and supporters) needs to be registered before the event. This helps us plan for a safe and enjoyable day for everyone.

• Registration Fee: $5 per person through September 1, 2025. After September 1 (and including walk-up registrations on event day), registration is $10 per person.

• Individuals with Down syndrome register for FREE. We still ask that they be registered so we have an accurate count, but no fee will be charged for participants with Down syndrome.

• T-Shirts: Official Walk for a Million Dreams shirts will only be available for purchase on Walk Day at the merchandise booth. Be sure to stop by if you’d like to grab one of our awesome walk shirts as a keepsake!

• Food & Merchandise: There will be food trucks, snacks, and walk merchandise available for purchase at the event. 🍔🛍️ Come prepared to enjoy delicious refreshments and fun souvenirs on Walk Day. (Outside food is allowed, but we encourage you to check out the tasty options and cool gear on site in support of the cause!)

Team Set-Up Information

Team Captains have two options for setting up their team’s space (canopy, table, decorations, etc.) at Stramler Park:

• Friday, October 24 after 1:00 PM: Early set-up is available for those who want to secure a spot and decorate the day before the walk. Important: There will be no overnight security at the park on Friday night. If you choose to set up on Friday, any items left overnight will be at your own risk. We recommend only leaving items that can withstand the weather and that you’re comfortable not having supervised.

• Saturday, October 25 from 6:00–8:00 AM: Same-day set-up is available on the morning of the walk. Gates open at 6 AM for team captains and vendors to drive in and unload near the team areas. All vehicles must be removed from the park by 8:00 AM sharp. The park gates will close to vehicles at 8:00 AM to ensure participant safety. Please plan accordingly – if you need help hauling items from your car after 8 AM, event volunteers will be happy to assist with wagons and carts.

Tips for a smooth set-up: Coordinate with your team to arrive early if you have a lot to unload, bring any carts or dollies if setting up Saturday, and don’t forget to make your team space comfortable (pop-up tents, chairs, blankets) and festive! Many teams bring banners or signs with their team name, posters celebrating their loved one with Down syndrome, and fun decorations to show their spirit.

Walk Day Timeline (TENTATIVE)

Below is the event day schedule so you and your team know what to expect on Walk Day. Mark these times so you don’t miss any of the fun or important activities:

• 6:00–8:00 AM: Team and Vendor Set-Up period. Team Captains and vendors arrive early to set up booths, tents, and tables. (All vehicles out by 8:00 AM.)

• 8:00–10:00 AM: Registration & Team Check-In open. Team members and attendees will check in. This is also a great time for any final touches on your team booth and to mingle with other teams.

• 9:00 AM: Welcome and Announcements. The Walk officially kicks off with a warm welcome from our organizers and a few important announcements. 🥳 We’ll share event highlights, recognize our sponsors, and pump everyone up for the day ahead!

• 10:00 AM: Zumba Warm-Up. Get ready to move and groove! A high-energy Zumba session will get everyone stretched out and excited before the walk begins. No dance experience needed – just have fun!

• 10:25 AM: National Anthem to honor the day. It’s a touching moment to unite us all before we start our walk.

• 10:30 AM: Walk Start! 🎉 Time to Walk for a Million Dreams! We’ll begin the walk promptly at 10:30. The route is approximately 1/4 mile (two laps around the park). Walk at your own pace, enjoy the scenery, and wave to our volunteers and supporters along the path. This is what we’ve all been waiting for – enjoy every step!

• 11:00 AM: Fun Zone Opens. As the walk winds down, the fun keeps going! Our Fun Zone – featuring a petting zoo, foam party, rock wall, crafts, sensory stations, and more – officially opens at 11:00. (Pssst… some activities may even start a bit earlier to keep eager kiddos engaged while others are still finishing the walk.) Make sure your team’s little ones check it out!

• 12:00 PM: Zumba Session. Another chance to dance! A second Zumba session will kick off at noon for anyone who wants to keep the energy up. This is a great way to re-energize before the awards and closing activities.

• 12:30–1:30 PM: Speeches, Thank Yous & Awards Ceremony. Join us at the main stage as we celebrate the success of the event. We’ll have brief speeches from Kern DSN leaders and maybe a featured family or two, express our heartfelt thank-yous to all teams, volunteers, and sponsors, and announce the contest winners (see Team Contests below!). Be sure to stick around – your team might be called up for an award!

• 3:00 PM: Event Ends. The 2025 Walk for a Million Dreams officially concludes at 3 PM. Feel free to continue enjoying the park and each other’s company as we begin to wind down.

• 3:00–5:00 PM: Clean-Up Crew in action. Our volunteer clean-up crew will start packing up equipment, picking up trash, and taking down decorations. Teams are welcome to lend a hand or depart at their leisure. If you set up a tent or brought decorations, please ensure you clean up your area by 3:00–3:30 PM. We appreciate your help in leaving Stramler Park as beautiful as we found it!

Note: Throughout the day, there will be food vendors and merchandise booths open (during and after the walk), music playing, and lots of opportunities for photos (don’t forget to use our event hashtags #walkforamilliondreams, #KDSNWalkforaMillionDreams ). This timeline covers the main highlights – listen for announcements in case anything shifts or for impromptu fun happenings.

Team Contests & Spirit Awards

One of the best parts of the Walk for a Million Dreams is the friendly competition and celebration of team spirit! This year, we’re hosting several Team Contests to recognize your hard work and creativity. Encourage your team to participate – you might take home a trophy (and bragging rights)! Here are the contests to watch for:

• 🌟 Largest Team: The team with the most registered members wins! Every person counts, so keep recruiting friends and family to join your team. To be eligible, all team members must be registered by October 20, 2025 (the last day to register and be counted toward this contest). Rally your troops early and aim for that biggest team award!

• 💰 Top Fundraising Team: The team that raises the highest total amount of donations will be honored as our fundraising champions. All donations made to any of your team members (online or offline) count towards your team’s total. This is all about supporting the mission, so keep those fundraising efforts going strong. We’ll tally the totals just before the Awards Ceremony to determine the winner.

• 👕 Best Team T-Shirt Design: Unleash your creativity and team pride! This contest is for the most eye-catching, creative, and spirited team shirts. Note: While our event’s overall theme is space, your team shirts can be about anything you dream up! You do NOT have to include space imagery or astronauts if that’s not your vibe. We’ve seen teams do themes from Star Wars to superheroes, military support to princesses – so let your imagination run wild. The key is to design a shirt that represents your team and makes people say “Wow, I love it!” Judges will be looking at creativity, design, and how well the shirts unify your team.

• 🚀 Best Team “Space” Decor (Team Booth Decorations): Transform your team’s area into something out-of-this-world! This contest is for the best-decorated team tent or booth at the walk. Be as imaginative as you like – even though we call it “Space” Decor in honor of our outer-space theme, you can decorate in any theme or style that excites your team. Whether you go galactic with planets and stars, or create a completely different world (a pirate ship? a circus? a superhero lair?), the goal is to celebrate your team’s spirit. Judging will be based on creativity, effort, and overall visual impact of your team space. So gather those props and craft supplies, and make your team area shine! ✨👩‍🚀👑🦸‍♂️

• (Psst – Want to incorporate the space theme? Go for it! But it’s not required at all. The best designs are those that showcase your team’s personality and enthusiasm, whatever theme that may be.)

Awards: Winners of all the above contests will be announced during the Awards Ceremony (12:30–1:30 PM). There will be special recognition on stage and prizes/trophies for each winning team. We can’t wait to celebrate your team’s achievements and creativity!

Team Fundraising & Sponsorship

Every dollar you and your team raise makes a real difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. As Team Captain, encourage your members to share your team page, hold mini-fundraisers, and get the word out. No amount is too small – it all adds up to our mission of empowerment and inclusion!

Sponsorship Credit for Teams: Do you know a business or organization that might like to sponsor the Walk? If you or a team member refers a sponsor and that sponsorship is confirmed, the sponsorship amount will be added to your team’s fundraising total. 🎉 In other words, when your contact becomes an official sponsor of the walk, their contribution boosts your team’s total on the leaderboard! This is a fantastic way to amplify your impact. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to potential sponsors (and be sure they mention your team when they come on board). Not only will they be supporting a great cause, but your team gets credit – a win-win!

Fundraising Tip: Make use of your team’s online fundraising tools – update your team page with a photo and story, send emails or social media posts inviting people to donate or join, and share why this cause matters to you. People give to people, so let your passion shine through. We’re all cheering you on, and the Kern DSN team is here to support your fundraising efforts if you need any help or ideas.

Fundraising Tools

Being a Team Captain means inspiring others to support the cause. We’ve got you covered with sample messaging you can use or adapt when asking for donations or recruiting team members. Feel free to copy, paste, and personalize these:

Sample Fundraising Email/Letter: (Customize this template and send to friends, family, and colleagues)

Dear [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because I have some exciting news – I’m leading a team for the Kern Down Syndrome Network’s Walk for a Million Dreams on October 25, 2025. This cause is very close to my heart. Our walk raises funds to support individuals with Down syndrome right here in our community, through programs, resources, and events that empower them and their families.

I would be honored if you would support my team, [Team Name]. You can join us as a walker or make a donation – every bit truly helps. No donation is too small; even a few dollars will bring us closer to our goal. If you’d like to contribute, please visit my team page on Zeffy: [Team Fundraising Link]. It’s quick, secure, and 100% of your gift goes to Kern DSN.

Thank you so much for considering being part of this. Together, we can make a difference and help dreams take flight for people with Down syndrome. Your support means the world to me!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Team Captain, Team Name]

[Contact Info or Personal Sign-off]

Sample Social Media Post: (Post on Facebook, Instagram, etc. along with a photo, such as your loved one with Down syndrome or a team graphic)

🚀 Exciting news! I’m captaining a team for the Walk for a Million Dreams (Oct 25, 2025) to support the Kern Down Syndrome Network. Our team [Team Name] is raising funds to empower people with Down syndrome. I walk in honor of [my brother/child/friend or mention who inspires you] 💛.

We’re aiming to raise $[Goal] and recruit as many walkers as we can. If you’d like to join our team or donate to our mission, I’d be so grateful! Every dollar helps provide vital resources and inclusive programs. You can donate or sign up here: [Team Link].

Even if you can’t give, sharing this post or cheering us on helps too. Thanks for supporting inclusion and dreams in our community! #WalkForAMillionDreams #KernDSN #DownSyndromeAwareness

Feel free to modify the wording to sound like you. The most effective messages share why this cause matters to you personally. If you have a family member with Down syndrome, or a particular story or goal, include it. Enthusiasm is contagious – when people see your genuine passion, they’ll want to get on board!

Other tools & tips:

• Use Photos and Videos: A picture of your team’s inspiration (perhaps your child, sibling, or friend) or a short video message can significantly boost engagement on social media.

• Leverage Milestones: Post updates like “We’re halfway to our goal!” or “Just 2 weeks until the walk!” to create urgency. Celebrate each time you hit a milestone or thank donors publicly (with their permission).

• Hashtags & Tags: Use hashtags like #MillionDreamsWalk or #KernDSN and tag Kern Down Syndrome Network in your posts. This spreads awareness beyond your immediate circle.

• Ask Team Members to Share: Encourage your team members to also post on their social networks – your reach multiplies when everyone spreads the word.

Remember, you are not alone in this – our KDSN team is here to help. If you need more ideas or materials (flyers, brochures, etc.), just ask. We can provide digital graphics or info sheets if that would help your outreach.

Creative Fundraising Ideas

Think beyond the typical donation ask! Many Team Captains organize mini-fundraisers to boost their team’s total and have fun along the way. Here are some creative, community-oriented fundraising ideas to consider (you might find one perfect for your team):

• Dine-Out for Donations: Partner with a local restaurant for a fundraising night . Many eateries (from pizza places to frozen yogurt shops) will donate a percentage of sales on a given night to your team. Rally your supporters to eat there on that day – everyone enjoys a meal out while supporting the cause.

• Raffle or Auction: Host a raffle for a gift basket, cool gadget, or gift cards. Sell tickets to friends and coworkers (e.g. $5 each or 5 for $20). You could also do a small silent auction for services (like a homemade dinner, pet-sitting, etc.). People love a chance to win prizes while donating.

• Birthday & Holiday Campaigns: Instead of gifts, ask for donations to your team. For example, on your birthday, post that you’re “donating your birthday” to KDSN – and invite friends to contribute $10 or $20 in lieu of presents . This can also work for anniversaries or holidays (New Year, etc.).

• Lemonade or Bake Stand: A classic for a reason – set up a lemonade stand or bake sale in your neighborhood . Get the kids involved in baking cookies or pouring lemonade. It’s a fun way to engage your community (and teach young team members about giving back!).

• Community Yard Sale: Collect gently-used items from your team/friends and hold a yard sale with proceeds going to your team’s fundraising. Not only do you declutter, but you also raise awareness when you explain what the money supports. Consider having a donation jar out at the sale for extra contributions.

• Themed Party or Game Night: Host a small get-together (could be virtual or in-person) like a trivia night, bingo, or a “poker for charity” game. Charge an “entry” donation (say $10 to play), have some fun, and donate the pot to Kern DSN. A space-themed costume party or movie night could be a hit – “entry” is a donation.

• Workplace Giving: Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program . Many companies will match what you raise dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling your impact! Also, see if you can put a donation jar at your workplace or do a “dress-down day” fundraiser (e.g. coworkers donate $5 to wear jeans on Friday, and funds go to your team).

• School or Club Involvement: If you have ties to a school or club, see if they’ll support you – maybe the school’s student council will do a coin drive for a week, or a club will host a small event. Every bit helps and spreads awareness at the same time.

• Social Media Challenges: Try a fun online challenge to engage friends. For example, a “21 push-ups for Trisomy 21” challenge – do 21 push-ups, donate $21, and tag 3 friends to do the same for Down syndrome awareness (just an idea!). Creative approaches can sometimes catch fire and get people excited to join in.

Remember, fundraising can be FUN and a great way to bring people together. Don’t hesitate to think outside the box. Even a modest event that raises $100 or $200 is a fantastic contribution toward our mission. Every dollar truly counts. And whichever strategies you choose, share photos and stories with us – we’d love to feature teams on our social media showing the awesome ways you’re fundraising! 🎉

Thank You & Final Reminders

Being a Team Captain is an important role, and we truly appreciate the time, energy, and love you’re putting into the Walk for a Million Dreams. You are helping to create a day of joy, awareness, and community that will have a lasting impact. On event day, remember to have fun and soak it all in. There will be lots of families, volunteers, and sponsors excited to meet you and your team. Feel free to dress up, make noise, and show your team spirit – this is a celebration!

A few last notes:

• Stay Safety-Conscious: We will have safety measures in place (first aid, security, etc.), but keep an eye on your team, especially little ones. If anyone needs assistance, look for event staff or volunteers (they’ll be easy to spot).

• Hydration and Comfort: October in Bakersfield can be warm. Encourage your team to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. We’ll have water stations, but bringing a personal water bottle is a great idea.

• Social Media: If you’re posting photos or updates, use our event hashtag (if applicable) and tag us! Let’s spread the positivity online as well. You might even get featured on Kern DSN’s Facebook or Instagram. 📸

• Questions or Help: If you have any questions leading up to the walk, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or via the Kern DSN Facebook or Instagram page. We’re here to help make this the best experience for you and your team.

Once again, thank you for leading the charge and being a champion for the Down syndrome community. Your involvement means the world to us. Now, let’s gear up for an amazing Walk for a Million Dreams 2025!

See you on October 25th – let’s make dreams come true, one step at a time! 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️✨👟