We recently went on our annual 71Five Hike. We had no idea it would be so cold and the breeze would be blowing snow off the trees and onto us. With frozen fingers, a few of us scaled the rocks, made it past the infamous “gap” and conquered Pilot Rock. The climb was great, and the views were phenomenal! On the way up the mountain I met Jeremiah. A sweet boy determined to make it to the top no matter what! We climbed… and climbed… and climbed some more. It was cold, so breaks for ‘sun basking’ were a must. During a break, Jeremiah expressed how excited he was to be the only one in his family to ever climb a mountain and how he was going to be the first! His excitement was so pure and genuine. Jeremiah’s excitement was a beautiful reminder of why you’re so important in the lives of young people. There are many reasons, but the fact that you provide unique experiences where kids can create wonderful childhood memories, they otherwise couldn’t… that is huge! What’s more, giving kids the ability to overcome a fear and accomplish what they see as a massive feat is priceless.

 

Thank you for providing opportunities where caring adults climb the mountains of life alongside young people, encouraging and guiding as they realize they truly can overcome gigantic obstacles along the way.