As part of a national effort to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis, the Simi Valley branch of Extreme Boot Camp is working to put together a team to participate in the 2008 annual Walk MS event this April.

The walk will begin and end at Rancho Tapo Park, 3626 Avenida Simi, on Saturday, April 12.

Lars Puckler, general manager of Extreme Boot Camp, said trainers from their program will conduct the overall warm-up for the event and then lead a team through the 3K route.

"The great thing about the boot camp is that we're really good at motivating people," he said. "That's the whole idea, to motivate a crowd of people and do exercises together. I think it would be perfect for the MS walk because it's all about community, it's for a great cause, and it's about being physical."

The Southern California chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society hopes to raise $100,000 from the event in Simi Valley, which is one of 12 walks in the region during the month of April. As of last week, participants have raised about $2,600.

Those who want to join the Extreme Boot Camp team do not have to be members of the fitness program, he said.

For more information about Extreme Boot Camp, call (805) 577-0207 or visit the website extremebootcamp.com.