FAQs
Registration
Why is there a $25 fee for adult registrants (13 and older) and a $5 fee for children (12 and under)?
The fees help the hospital cover the cost of hosting NSTAR’s Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital and ensure that the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Can I register on the day of the event?
Yes, but we strongly recommend you pre-register before the event to make sure you have all the advance information and materials you need. Also, this gives you time to fundraise before the walk. If you register at the event, the cost is $35 for adults and $10 for kids (12 and under).
My whole family is walking. Does everyone have to register?
Yes. For planning purposes, we require that all walkers register. You can register yourself and up to 6 children (12 and under) at one time. Each adult (13 and over) has to register individually and is asked to meet a $150 fundraising minimum. Registration ensures that each walker receives a t-shirt and bib number.
What’s a Virtual Walker?
A Virtual Walker is like a regular walker except a Virtual Walker doesn’t have to be in Boston on walk day. Virtual Walkers pay the same registration fee and get the same fundraising support, advice, information and swag as other walkers. To become a Virtual Walker just select the “Virtual Walker” option during registration.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please contact us at walk@chtrust.org or 866-303-WALK (9255). Note that registration fees are non-refundable.
Fundraising
What is the fundraising minimum?
The fundraising minimum for all walkers 13 or older is $150. Adult walkers are required to meet the fundraising minimum by Friday, June 28, 2013. During registration adults will be required to submit credit card information. To make your fundraising easier, you can indicate if you would like your credit card charged to meet the fundraising minimum.
Can you help me fundraise?
We want to make your fundraising easy and fun; we give you all the tools you need to succeed, including a Personal Fundraising Page, access to a fundraising coach and lots of other tips and tools. Click here to learn more about Personal Fundraising Pages.
Do children have to fundraise?
Children 12 and under are not required to fundraise, but are encouraged to experience fundraising. When registering for the walk online, you can indicate if you’d like your child to fundraise by simply designating them as a child fundraiser. Child fundraisers are not responsible for the $150 fundraising minimum.
Do children get their own Personal Fundraising Pages?
All children (12 and under) registered as child fundraisers will get their own Personal Fundraising Page. During registration, you can indicate whether your child (12 and under) will be fundraising. Children who are not fundraising will not receive their own Personal Fundraising Page.
What is a Miracle Maker?
Miracle Makers are adult walkers who raise $750 or more and child fundraisers (age 12 and under) who raise $500 or more. Along with many thanks from Boston Children’s, they receive special bib numbers, t-shirts and recognition at the walk.
How should I send my donations to Boston Children’s?
After you register, we'll send you a packet that includes donation envelopes. You can also encourage supporters to donate online through your Personal Fundraising Page.
Please mail your donations to 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-3354 Attn: Walk Team. If you need more envelopes, please contact us at walk@chtrust.org or 866-303-WALK (9255). All checks should be payable to Boston Children’s Hospital.
Do you send acknowledgement letters for contributions?
Yes, Boston Children’s Hospital acknowledges all gifts of $250 or more and sends receipts for these gifts.
Teams
What’s the benefit of forming a team?
Forming a team of five or more people is a great way to build morale while helping kids at the hospital. Teams who register before May 10, 2013 will receive their t-shirts before the walk. In addition to each walker’s Personal Fundraising Page, teams get a page to showcase their collective fundraising progress.
How do I form a team?
Team captains can create a team during the registration process. All walk teams must have at least five members.
How do others join my team?
All team members must register to walk. During registration, individuals can join your team by searching for the team’s name.
Why must we have a team captain?
Because we need to have one designated person in the group with whom we communicate. Also, if your team has 5 or more members, we'll reach out to you prior to the walk so you can decide if you'd like your team shirts mailed to you before walk day. This allows you to personalize them, if you wish.
What if I register before my team captain? Can I join their team?
Registered walkers can join a team from their Personal Fundraising Page. Walkers should click on the “Join a Team” button on his or her Personal Fundraising Page.
Can I join a team after I’ve completed the registration process?
Yes. If walkers decide to join a team after they’ve completed their registration, they can join a team by clicking the “Join a Team” button on his or her Personal Fundraising Page.
If I join a team, am I automatically registered as a walker?
Every walker must register individually, whether or not he or she is on a team. You can join a team during the registration process or from your Personal Fundraising Page. You cannot join a team without being registered.
Is everyone on the team expected to raise $150?
Every adult walker (13 and older) is expected to raise $150, which counts towards the team total. During registration all adults will be required to submit credit card information. To make your fundraising easier, you can indicate if you would like your credit card charged to meet the fundraising minimum. The fundraising deadline is June 28, 2013.
Will my team get a team banner?
We provide any team of five or more that raises $2,500 or more by May 10 with a team banner. We'll send you the team banner ahead of time so you'll be able to decorate it and then walk proud on June 9.
Day of Event
How do I get to the DCR Hatch Shell?
Getting to the walk is easy. You can take public transportation or park at the CambridgeSide Galleria for free and take a shuttle bus to the DCR Hatch Shell. Click here for directions.
What is the walk route?
The Walk route goes along the Charles River. View the route here.
What security measures are in place at the event?
The safety of our walkers is a high priority for us. Security personnel and police officers are present throughout the Hatch Shell and along the walk route. Entrances to the event are monitored and general public access is limited.
Can I push a stroller or wheelchair?
Absolutely! NSTAR’s Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital is a family event.
Can I jog, rollerblade or bring a scooter?
For everyone’s safety, we ask that all participants walk. You can start earlier than the designated time for your walk if you’d like to avoid the crowds.
Can I bring my dog?
We love dogs, but unfortunately pooches can’t participate.
Do I have to be there promptly at starting time?
The 7-mile walk officially begins at 11 am and the 2-mile walk begins at 12 pm. However, this is not a race. Realistically, we know some people might prefer to begin early or might arrive late. Thus, we anticipate a “rolling start,” with 7-mile walkers starting as early as 10:20 am and 2-mile walkers starting as early as 11:20 am. If you're planning to walk the 7-mile route, please be ready to start at 11:00 am at the latest. All walkers starting after 11:00 am will be asked to walk the 2-mile route.