BY KARISSA MILLER
A group of around 20 hikers from City of Statesville’s Parks and Recreation Adventure Camp ascended to the summit of Bakers Mountain in Catawba County during a recent field trip.
Bakers Mountain has an elevation gain of 584 feet is considered a moderately challenging hike, according to All Trails. The trail traverses through chestnut oak forest up to an observation platform and gazebo, where you can see birds, rhododendron and a variety of plants.
As the kids, ranging from age 10 to 14, looked out over the mountain, you could see that some were tired, but you could also see the pride in their faces because they had reached the top.
“Resilience, specifically, is one of those qualities that hiking teaches us. It’s one of those attributes that each kids need,” said Lead Camp Counselor El Haaj Fernanders.
Affectionately know to the campers as “Mr. F,” Fernanders has been an Adventure Camp counselor for eight years. He works as an assistant school administrator during the school year.
Fernanders explained that the day camp is unique because they do out of the ordinary activities that keep kids constantly moving and engaged in learning about different places in North Carolina.
Ten-year-old camper Grace Sloan said she likes the connection she feels with nature while hiking.
“It’s fun to explore and experience things that you have never seen before,” she said. “If I wasn’t here, I’d probably be laying in my bed at home.”
Skylar Carrera, 12, likes hiking because it’s good exercise.
“My generation doesn’t get outside enough. It is true. That’s why I play sports because it keeps you active and gets you outside,” he explained.
Carrera said his favorite part of Adventure Camp is making new friends.
At times, the terrain was challenging because the trail had some stretches of exposed tree roots along the incline. Fernanders had the group rest and take water breaks while he checked in with the sweeper leader.
During the nearly three-mile loop hike, a few in group struggled with the final climb. However, Fernanders and the other kids in the group were determined to help them finish.
When one of the campers complained about their feet hurting, other kids stepped up and offered to carry that person’s backpack.
“You can do this,” one person said to encourage their friend.
As they descended to the parking area, the kids refilled their water bottles and climbed back into the van to cool off and head back to Statesville.
“I like spending extra time in nature and helping kids learn about the environment and how to be good stewards of the places that you love,” said Camp Counselor Lilian Bernard.
About Adventure Camp
Adventure Camp is offered each summer by the City of Statesville Parks and Recreation Department. Kids enjoy field trips, weekly activities, swimming and other fun-filled activities.
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