Appleton, WI (September 23, 2016) - Hike it Baby, an Oregon non-profit organization that encourages families to get out into nature and be active, launched a branch in Appleton and the surrounding areas in September 2016. Hike it Baby hosts hikes for families to create a network of like-minded individuals, help families discover new parts of their cities, and teach children an appreciation for nature from birth and beyond. The organization was founded by Shanti Hodges in 2013 in Portland, Oregon. It has since grown branches in nearly 300 cities in 10 countries from Anchorage to Austin to Asheville and now to the Fox Valley.
Sara Matuszak, a mother from Neenah, was introduced to Hike it Baby by a friend who is involved with Hike it Baby in the Milwaukee area. When she had her first baby earlier this year she was looking for a way to connect with local moms and be active at the same time. "I love that Hike it Baby is a family-friendly organization that encourages families to get outside. It brings together families - creating friendships for both parents and kids alike - and has personally been a great way to encourage my family to get out of our comfort zone. I've heard other moms say that they are looking for local mom's groups and playgroups. Hike it Baby is both! Plus, it comes with the added bonus of introducing your child to nature and being active outside." she says.
Additionally, Hike it Baby offers various challenges to its members 4 times per year. The first challenge was launched on November 1, 2014, and encouraged members to hike 30 miles in 30 days. 350 families logged nearly 10,000 miles during this event. The next challenge begins November 1.
Currently, Hike it Baby Appleton hosts one to two hikes per week. As more members join and volunteer to host their own hikes, they plan on expanding hikes to most days of the week in various locations from Oshkosh to Green Bay.
For more information, please visit www.hikeitbaby.com. Interested in joining in on a Hike it Baby hike? Please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikeitbabyappletonwi/.
