The Hope Church Appalachian Trail tradition has been an event spanning many years and many generations of young Fish Clubbers (26 years–200 kids and adults–1100 miles).
Through it our young people have been shown an environment that has been mostly foreign to them and most come to realize they have far more strength and perseverance than they thought they had. All learn how to live, and thrive, for a few days without stores, hair dryers, purified running water, electronic toys, and, devastating to some, flush toilets. Occasionally they are homesick and tears are not unknown, which is an important learning rite of passage.
We have established an adventure forum that gives our young people and adults too, an experience they won’t soon forget even if they never sleep in a tent or hike in the rain or achieve a summit climb again. The hike is not without risks and some adults may question whether these risks are justifiable for such young people. I believe they are. Although they are completely immersed in wild natural areas with rocks, roots, mud, poison ivy, slippery stream crossings, water borne giardiasis, and are at times a long way from civilization, they are also surrounded by a caring experienced group of adult leaders who DO understand the risks and prepare for them appropriately.
Our annual adventure affects our young people in a variety of ways. A few steadfastly vow NEVER to go again. Others make the same vow, but by early spring, when the blister pain and wet socks are a distant memory and they’ve had another birthday, again rise to the Appalachian Trail challenge. Many will go until their three year tenure in middle school is over. Recently some young people actually ask for another year or two beyond their Fish Club years!
I’m glad that we have taken the risks and are still introducing our kids to the mountains. I continue to marvel each year at the adults who commit to the responsibility of leading these young people. It probably has something to do with comments our young people make. Comments like:
“I never saw a view like this one!”
“I didn’t think I’d make it, but I did!”
“Thanks!”
And, best of all,
“I’m going again next year!”
Thanks be to God for watching over us and keeping us safe. Thank you Hope Church folks for giving me the opportunity to be part of the A/T scene for so many years.
~Larry Mulder, The Dutch Plodder
Fish Club youth and sponsors hiked over 42 miles on the Appalachian Trail in June. Go to the Hope Church Facebook page to see more pictures from their adventure.