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Adventure Campers hike to the top of Bakers Mountain

Adventure Campers hike to the top of Bakers Mountain

A group of campers from the City of Statesville’s Parks and Recreation Adventure Camp recently challenged themselves to hike the Bakers Mountain Loop trail.

BY KARISSA MILLER

A group of about 20 hikers from the City of Statesville’s Parks and Recreation Adventure Camp recently climbed to the top of Bakers Mountain in Catawba County during a field trip.

Bakers Mountain has an elevation gain of 584 feet and is considered a moderately challenging hike, according to All Trails. The trail passes through chestnut oak forest to an observation deck and gazebo, where you can see birds, rhododendrons and various plants.

As the children, aged 10 to 14, looked up at the mountain, you could see that some were tired, but you could also see the pride on their faces as they had reached the top.

“Resilience is specifically one of the qualities we learn from hiking. It’s one of the qualities that every child needs,” said Lead Camp Counselor El Haaj Fernanders.

Fernanders, affectionately known as “Mr. F” by campers, has been an Adventure Camp counselor for eight years. He works as an assistant school administrator during the school year.

Fernanders explains that the day camp is unique because it offers extraordinary activities that keep the children constantly moving and learning about different places in North Carolina.

Ten-year-old camper Grace Sloan says she enjoys connecting with nature while hiking.

“It’s fun to discover and experience things that you’ve never seen before,” she said. “If I wasn’t here, I’d probably be at home in my bed.”

Skylar Carrera, 12, loves walking because it’s good exercise.

“My generation doesn’t get out enough. That’s true. That’s why I do sports, because it keeps you active and gets you outside,” he explained.

Carrera said the best part about Adventure Camp is making new friends.

At times the terrain was challenging as the path along the slope exposed a number of tree roots. Fernanders allowed the group to rest and take water breaks while he reported to the sweeper leader.

During the nearly three-mile loop hike, a few kids in the group struggled with the final climb. However, Fernanders and the other kids in the group were determined to help them reach the finish.

When one of the campers complained of sore feet, other children offered to carry that person’s backpack.

“You can do it,” someone said to encourage his friend.

As they descended to the parking lot, the kids filled their water bottles and climbed back into the bus to cool off and head back to Statesville.

“I enjoy spending extra time in nature and helping children learn about the environment and how to be good stewards of the places they love,” says camp counselor Lilian Bernard.

About Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp is offered each summer by the City of Statesville Parks and Recreation Department. Children enjoy field trips, weekly activities, swimming, and other fun activities.

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