Students Go Wild hiking Flathead

By ANNALEE GRANT

Wildsight's Go Wild summer program had its first hike of the summer, with another coming up on Aug. 23 to 28.

The first hike took place in July with 14 kids taking part.

"The kids had a fantastic time, they said it was a real positive experience," said Liz Hardwick, Wildsight's Go Wild program manager.

The attendees spent nearly a week in the Flathead Valley, covering not only over 30 kms of rocky mountain terrain, but the issues facing the pristine valley. The kids who  went along were far from experienced hikers.

Most of them had never climbed a mountain before," said Hardwick. Despite their lack of experience, Hardwick says the kids did extremely well.

"One kid said she could do a lot more than she thought she could do," said Hardwick.

Along the way the kids learned about packing light for hiking, maps and navigation and other stranger topics.

"A lot of them talked about learning how to go to the bathroom," said Hardwick

The 14 to 19 year olds had to camp and hike together, and Hardwick says they got along great.

"I think  one of the neatest things was seeing the support within the group," she said.

Hardwick says the hike scheduled to start Aug. 23 will "possibly traverse the Purcells from east to west," although the exact route is still being discussed.

"I like the idea of them experiencing a mountain range that kind of joins the East and West Kootenay said Hardwick. The trek is open to kids from both sides of the Kootenays.

Experienced mountaineers and Wildsight member Jenny Meens and Dave Quinn will be leading the August group.

For more information, or to register head to www.wildsight.ca or  call Wildsight at (250) 427 9325. The cost of the trip is $350, but subsidies are available to offset the cost. Ages 14 to 19 are welcome to participate.

From the Kimberley Daily Bulletin and Cranbrook Townsman, July 21, 2009.