North Atlanta requires a minimum of 75 volunteer hours to graduate, which can make service seem like a chore. Just another annoying task to check off the to-do list. However, as the Hiking Club members know and have experienced first-hand, it’s an incredibly underrated activity that brings fulfillment and new perspectives to life. They had the opportunity to volunteer on their once in a lifetime trip to Peru over fall break, learning that something as simple as spending time with kids, can mean everything.
The Hiking Club has always been centered around volunteering. Started by Ro Dawson and Adelaide Middleton, members pick up trash on their monthly hikes in exchange for hours. Not only is this an excellent form of exercise, but it’s also a way to give back to the community. However, founding members decided to take it a step further with the Hike for Hope program. Similar to a read-athon, this program involved pledges of money for every mile hiked. According to Ro, these proceeds go to CooperarPeru, the organization the Club volunteered at in Peru. Kids in this community are in need of hygiene products and daily necessities. “The kids have helped me realize how privileged I am,” she said. “Even the smallest amount of money will help them.”
Behind the scenes, Hiking Club relies on Ms. Turner, the sponsor. She is the adult that attends all of the hikes, as well as the one who advises Ro and Adelaide as they organize volunteer initiatives. Her effort and dedication keep the club running smoothly. Turner mentioned the Hike for Hope program gives students a chance to spend time outdoors while connecting with each other in a new way, also noting that it shows a new side of exercise that without competition. “It’s good for the kids to spend time together and get to know each other in a setting outside of school,” she said. “Hiking is something you do for fun, an enjoyable lifelong physical activity.”
Kids touch the heart of almost everyone they meet, no matter the country or continent. The Hiking Club members that visited CooperarPeru were impacted by the children in the best way possible. From playing games like soccer to snapchat filters and braiding hair, everyone on the trip came home knowing a new friend from Peru. These kids were able to teach the students a lesson of new perspectives that can be difficult to learn. Their positivity and spirit left a lasting impression on the Dubs, teaching them the true meaning of gratitude. Matthew Hoover, a Junior who went on the trip, felt purpose by volunteering in Peru, where he became close with a little girl named Catalina who even drew their names in a heart. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It altered my perspective of everything that’s going on in the world.”
While volunteer hours may start as a graduation requirement, experiences like the Peru trip and the Hike for Hope program show students at North Atlanta that giving back can offer more than just a number on a transcript. It becomes a chance to learn, grow, and connect with communities far beyond North Atlanta.
