The Hike for Youth is a “hike-a-thon” that raises funds to help connect youth to the outdoors.  On September 13th, 2008, over 400 supporters will hit the trails at Golden Gate Canyon State Park to show their support for local programs that get kids off the couch and into the woods.  Hikers can register on their own or as part of a team and raise pledges to support outdoor youth programs.  Top fundraisers will win great prizes from REI and other event supporters.  Everyone will enjoy great food, good music and fun activities at the after-hike party.

WHO DOES IT BENEFIT?

The Hike for Youth benefits youth participants of three non-profit agencies in the Denver metro area. While each program is unique in its mission and goals, they share a common goal of connecting kids to the outdoors.  They are working together to foster the personal development of young people through environmental service, stewardship, restoration, education, and outdoor recreation.

Click here to learn more about the benefiting agencies. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

All ages are welcome to this family-friendly event, even Fido the Dog! With multiple trails available in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, hikers may register for an easy, moderate or difficult hike. Also, hikers can register as a group or individually (individual hikers will be matched up with other hikers in the same difficulty level). After registering, hikers will receive registration confirmation and detailed directions to Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Hikers will also receive info about pledge raising for their favorite benefiting agency, or all three! On the day of the hike, volunteers will be on hand to help hikers check in, turn in their pledges and meet their hiking group. Each hike will include 8-10 hikers and a Hike for Youth volunteer. Difficult hikes will begin at 9 a.m., moderate hikes at 9:30 a.m. and easy hikes at 10:30 a.m. All hikes will end by noon in time for the After Hike Party.

WHY A HIKE-A-THON?

The groups benefiting from the Hike for Youth are small community-based organizations that would not be able to host such a large event on their own.  By working together, they hope to share resources as well as raise funds and awareness to support their collective efforts to help local youth. The Hike is a great opportunity to inform the community about the work going on in the arena of outdoor and environmental education and to share the love of the outdoors with other Coloradans.

REGISTRATION & FUNDRAISING

$25- Adults
$10- Youth ages 5-17
FREE- Youth 4-years-old and younger

All hikers are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges to support the benefiting agencies.  Prizes will be awarded to the individuals and teams that raise the most money. (great stuff like outdoor gear and REI gift cards ).  Hikers can register and collect pledges on behalf of all three benefiting agencies OR they can raise funds for one specific agency.  All hikers will receive a gift bag and are invited to the after-hike party.