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Frequently asked questions about walk weekend

Written by on Aug 24, 2015

Ahhh… the Cape Cod Sea Camps. Our home away from home during Challenge Walk MS weekend.

Friday's route will take us 20-miles from the Hyannis Village Green right up the driveway of the Sea Camps. You will be welcomed by a cheering squad and directed to the check-in tent. At the check-in tent, you will receive your cabin assignment and details on the evening's events.

Cape Cod Sea Camps

Welcome to the Cape Cod Sea Camps!


From there, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Lounge in the sun with your team and a beer or a glass of wine. Make new friends under the Big Tent enjoying some snacks before dinner. Visit our incredible Medical Crew in the Medical Tent to soak your feet in an Epsom Salt Bath or to have your blisters tended to. Take a rest in your cabin. Get a massage.

After dinner, enjoy a slideshow of pictures taken by our talented photographers throughout the day, followed by our Evening Program. We strongly recommend attending the Evening Programs, especially on Saturday Night, which will contain our incredible Candlelight Ceremony.

(TIP: It can be dark at night, so you may want to bring a flashlight for getting around the Sea Camps after sundown.)

Below are some frequently asked questions:

Do we sleep in tents?

We do not. We sleep in cabins. The Sea Camps provides communal style sleeping accommodations with bunk beds. Every attempt was made by the NMSS to accommodate any special requests. (TIP: Bring ear-plugs — just in case you have a snoring neighbor.)

Cape Cod Sea Camps cabins

Welcome to your home for the weekend.

How does my luggage get to the Sea Camps?

On Friday morning, you will drop off your luggage at the designated luggage drop-off areas at Kalmus Beach or at the Hyannis Village Green. While on the route, your luggage will be transported to the Sea Camps and sorted by walker number. When you arrive at the Sea Camps, you will collect your bag and carry it to your cabin. For your convenience – and that of the crew members – please keep your luggage to under 40 lbs. If you need help carrying your luggage, find a crew member and they will be happy to help.

What are the bathroom / shower facilities like?

There are shared bathroom / shower houses located strategically around the Sea Camps. In addition, some of the cabins are equipped with bathrooms and showers. If there aren't any located in your cabin, there will be a bath house close by. (TIP: Bring flip-flops for the showers.)

Do I need to bring my own linens?

No, but you may choose to. The Sea Camps provides sheets, blankets, and pillows. They also provide towels – very small towels. Many participants bring a towel from home, and are glad they did.

Is there electricity?

Yes, all of the cabins have electricity. Don't forget your cell phone chargers!

Where do we eat?

A delicious breakfast, lunch (for crew and other participants at the Sea Camps mid-day), and dinner will be served at the Sea Camps Dining Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the new friends you will meet on the route. Make sure to note the start/end times for each meal which will be posted outside the Dining Hall — along with each day's menu.

Cape Cod Sea Camps dining

Cape Cod Sea Camps dining — mmm mmm good!

How do I get my luggage at the end of the weekend?

On Sunday morning, before you embark on the final 10-miles, you will drop off your luggage at a designated spot at the Sea Camps. While on the route, your luggage will travel back to Hyannis Village Green, for you to collect at the end of the Closing Ceremonies.

What if I have a question that was not answered here?

Don't hesitate to reach out to the Challenge Walk Staff at the National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter.

Thank you so much for your commitment to this event and to creating a World Free of MS.

See you bright and early in a few weeks at the Hyannis Village Green!

Amy has been participating in the MS Challenge Walk since 2002, in honor of her father, who was diagnosed the year before.  In 2007, she joined the Steering Committee. She feels blessed to be accompanied by such an amazing group of people in this fight against MS.  Amy lives in Lowell, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and daughter.

Jumpstart Your Fundraising

Written by on Feb 21, 2015

Here is my secret: I hate asking people for money.

Phew! It feels good to get that off my chest.

But it's true — fundraising is difficult for many people. Which is why it's great that there are SO many different ways to raise money for Challenge Walk MS.

Are you a good writer? Share your story in a letter to your friends and family. Do you or someone you know have a talent such as photography or hair styling? Raffle off a complimentary session. Is your basement or garage getting a little cluttered? Have a yard sale. Do you have a fabulous brand-new idea, but are unsure how to get it off the ground? We can help.

We will be discussing strategies like these — and more — at our upcoming "Jumpstart Your Fundraising" Meeting. Join your fellow Walkers and Crew Members on Saturday, March 14, 9 AM – 11 AM at the NMSS Greater New England Chapter office at 101A 1st Avenue in Waltham.

Topics to include letter-writing, raffles, corporate sponsorships, events, and social media. You'll also have the opportunity to make new connections with other Challenge Walk Participants, share ideas, and maybe even launch a joint team fundraiser (which is a great way to expand your audience and increase your profits)!

Finally, each attendee will receive $50 BONUS BUCKS toward their fundraising goal for joining us! That's right, you'll be $50 closer to surpassing your fundraising goal. A light breakfast and coffee will also be served.

Be sure to RSVP here, where you'll have an opportunity to tell us what topics YOU want to discuss.

Whether this is your first year or your fourteenth at Challenge Walk MS, I can guarantee that you'll walk away (no pun intended!) a better fundraiser.

Even if you cannot make it to "Jumpstart Your Fundraising", please do not hesitate to reach out to me, the Steering Committee, or Aileen Callahan at any time during your preparations for Challenge. We are here to help you succeed.

Amy has been participating in the MS Challenge Walk since 2002, in honor of her father, who was diagnosed the year before.  In 2007, she joined the Steering Committee. She feels blessed to be accompanied by such an amazing group of people in this fight against MS.  Amy lives in Lowell, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and daughter.

A message for team captains

Written by on Jul 18, 2014

Hello, Captains!

Can you believe that the Challenge Walk Weekend is less than 2 months away?

Raising $1.1 million every year is no small feat, but you are no ordinary group of people. Not only have you committed to raising $1,500.00 and walking 50-miles in 3-days, but you have accepted the additional responsibility of leading your MS Challenge Walk Team in this fight against MS.

Challenge Walk is a fully supported event, and that support extends far past just the 3-days that we spend together. With everyone's fundraising in full swing, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that the Steering Committee is here to support you year round. We are committed to you and to the success of your team.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me, to the Steering Committee, or to Aileen Callahan at any time during your preparations for Challenge. Additionally, if you would like one of us to make outreach phone calls to any of your teammates, we are happy to do so.

Please also remember to advertise your fundraisers to your fellow walkers. Your teams hold such amazing fundraisers — and we want to attend them! Post your event on the Challenge Blog Calendar. Share the details on your Facebook profile (and ask your friends to re-share). These are all great tools for reaching our community.

Just a reminder – "Training Tuesdays", "Wisdom Wednesdays", and "Fundraising Fridays" are officially underway on the MS Challenge Walk Facebook Page. Be sure to like our Facebook page for these helpful tips.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of training. We want to see your smiling faces under the Big Tent! Not under the Medical Tent…

Thank you all so much for your commitment to this cause. I am honored part of this event with you.

Every connection counts. Every step matters. Every dollar helps. Together, we are strong. Together, we WILL win this fight against MS.

With love,

Amy Scannell

Walker & Challenge Walk Steering Committee Co-Chair

Amy has been participating in the MS Challenge Walk since 2002, in honor of her father, who was diagnosed the year before.  In 2007, she joined the Steering Committee. She feels blessed to be accompanied by such an amazing group of people in this fight against MS.  Amy lives in Lowell, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and daughter.