About Us
Our goal is to help people - especially children - establish lasting habits for healthier minds, stronger bodies, and brighter futures.
To that end, Fitness Finders Foundation provides educational programs that empower individuals to take charge of their physical and mental health. We coordinate with agencies to bring impactful educational health programs to schools, colleges, universities, community action groups, and more.
For 40 years, our flagship program, Mileage Club, has helped millions of children increase their physical capacity, prepare their brains for a day of learning, and manage their behavior and emotions through walking and running - a proven treatment for obesity and mental health issues.
Our Vision
Empowering the Next Generation
We refuse to let childhood obesity and mental health issues hold children back from forging the bright future they deserve. That’s why we’ve made it our goal to create and provide opportunities for all school-aged children to become more physically active in the United States and across the globe.
Our Mission
One Step Toward Miles of Change
At Fitness Finders, we believe that community-wide education is key to a healthier future. Our mission is to empower the general public with the knowledge and tools they need to assume responsibility for:
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The improvement of the health and health behavior of all people.
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The maintenance and improvement of the physical and mental well-being of all people.
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The prevention of degenerative disease.
Because when we put our heads and our hearts together, one step toward change turns into miles of progress.
Our History
Fitness Finders began in 1980 with funding from the Kellogg Foundation, the Hurst Foundation, the Campbell Soup Company, and others. We had one goal: to improve the health of children across the country. This steadfast commitment remains at the crux of our foundation today, as we continue to expand our reach.
In order to spread the benefits of Fitness Finders farther and faster, Dr. Kuntzleman and his wife Beth developed The Mileage Club in 1986. This all-inclusive walk/run club program for kids offers knowledge, support, and practical tools to track students’ mileage–all while motivating and rewarding them for their efforts and success. Mileage Club quickly became America’s #1 run club for kids–and still is!
With the help of donors, we continue to reach new communities, spreading our impact and mission far and wide.
Fitness Finders Foundation
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1995 - 2006
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Present
In the fall Dr. Charles Kuntzleman and his wife Beth developed Mileage Club as a method of reaching more children than they were capable of through their prior programs.
The success of the Mileage Club program (run through Fitness Finders, Inc) saw the expansion from a humble beginning in southeastern Michigan in 1987 to over 20,000 schools across the country. Along the way, the manufacturing of Toe Tokens was brought in-house (made onsite in Jackson, Michigan, to this day).
Dr. Kuntzleman began work with the University of Michigan on the Fitness for Youth program.
Along the way Dr. Kuntzleman helped lead the Great American Fitness Workout on the White House lawn.
Dr. Kuntzleman then started teaching in the university’s Department of Kinesiology.
Dr. Kuntzleman was the first chair of the Michigan Fitness Foundation and continued his work around physical activity for all ages.
Through the advancement of technology EZ Scan development began.
Today, along with Mileage Club, Fitness Finders Foundation, through Fitness Finders Inc also offers programs and awards for nutrition, anti-bullying, academic excellence, and more.
The Mileage Club school-run program and related activities have grown over the decades to continue to fulfill Dr. Kuntzleman’s mission of changing the fitness culture in the United States, especially for our youth. His programs have expanded to 5 continents.
As school funding becomes more difficult to obtain, Fitness Finders Foundation becomes more important than ever to deliver quality physical activity opportunities for local schools across the country and around the globe.