Because obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States intervention is needed to curb the current trends of increasing levels of obesity in children. This study examined the impact of a community-based intervention program on the activity levels of pre-adolescent children identified as obese. Twenty-two children participated in a pilot study emphasizing behavioral, nutritional and physical activity training. The children were recruited from the public schools in West Michigan and identified by the school nursing staff or referred by a local pediatric health clinic. Obesity for this study was defined as having a body mass index greater than the 95th percentile or over 120% of ideal body weight for height. Eleven children (seven female and four male) were assigned to the experimental group. For the experimental group at least one parent was required to accompany the child during the weekly instruction. Eleven children were assigned to one of two control groups. The experimental group met one evening per week for 10 weeks and received instruction in nutrition decision-making, behavioral change training, and physical activity. Homework assignments were given in each discipline area weekly and tangible incentive rewards were given upon completion of the homework assignments. Physical activity was monitored using electronic pedometers and daily reporting of step counts was recorded. One control group was given pedometers with no instructional class attendance. The second control group received no intervention. Pre and post testing of variables included the one-mile run, sit-ups, trunk flexion, grip strength, circumference, skinfolds, bio-electrical impedance, and height and weight measures. Paired t-test comparisons indicated that the experimental group showed significant decreases (p<.05) in circumference measures of the waist and upper arm. Anova results indicated that the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater compliance (p <.05) in pedometer use and significantly greater increases (p<.05) in physical activity levels (as measured by daily step averages and total steps reported over ten weeks) when compared to the control groups. The researchers concluded that a comprehensive program using instruction was of greater benefit in increasing physical activity levels of pre-adolescent obese children than simply providing pedometers to children or providing no intervention.