Take a Hike Club's Goal
The Take a Hike program was developed in 2005 with four main priority outcomes and one overall goal. The program is intended to encourage physical fitness, to teach the importance of healthy eating habits, channel a growth in confidence, and to nurture a connection to the natural environment. Take a Hike Club has an overall goal of helping our youth take responsibility for leading a healthy lifestyle.
How we do it!
The Take a Hike Club consists of 8 day hikes and swimming opportunities. The hikes are local and take place within a 30 mile radius of the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club. During the hiking trips, facilitators implement hands-on activities and discussions which include: knowing personal limitations, healthy habits, making healthy choices, proper nutrition and on-trail preparation of healthy snacks, hydration (why it’s important to drink water), land stewardship and wild edible plant identification as well as basic outdoor skills. As the summer progresses each hike increases in difficulty and length, and is then followed by a cool swim. The programs first hike took place in 2005 and began with no woods or water. It started right outside the doors of the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club, showing that this program is versatile and can be adapted to a walking club (better suited for urban areas). After each hike the kids earn a “wood tick” and the ticks next to the hikers name are displayed on our “Take a Hike” bulletin board. The hikers with a pre-determined amount of ticks earn a spot on the camping trip. The program capstones with a two night camping trip for hikers that have participated in the set number of hikes. During the camping trip members learn how to set up a campsite and cook over a campfire, hike, swim and canoe. The participants are honored at a closing campfire awards ceremony with a certificate, t-shirt and a family friendly hiking guide.
The Take a Hike program is made possible by a collaboration between the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club and The University of Wisconsin-Extension's Nutrition Education Program.
The Take a Hike program is made possible by a collaboration between the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club and The University of Wisconsin-Extension's Nutrition Education Program.
Why we developed the program
According to The Department of Health and Human Services overweight and obesity in children are significant public health problems in the United States. The number of adolescents who are overweight has tripled since 1980 and the prevalence among younger children has more than doubled. Young people in Indian Country not only face the risk of being overweight but also a higher risk of developing diabetes. The Take a Hike program addresses these issues by giving members the tools to take responsibility for leading a healthy lifestyle. The Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club has developed a partnership with the University of Wisconsin Extension’s Nutrition Educator to insure our youth are receiving appropriate and accurate nutrition education while on each and every hike. Hiking and swimming is a fun way to get our Club members up and moving, teaching them that exercise is an important part of keeping our bodies healthy. Hiking is a very inexpensive way to stay physically fit and it utilizes all of the trails and natural areas that surround us. By the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club providing these experiences we hope that our children lead a healthy hiking lifestyle for years to come.
Take a Hike Club & Good Citizenship
The Club also participates in hiking trail and beach clean-ups on every hike. This not only teaches land stewardship and good citizenship but also allows us to reach beyond our walls. The Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club members and staff can be seen out in the community as well as other communities taking responsibility for the welfare of our recreational areas.