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Hike It Baby Invites Families to Hike & Enjoy Our Community

May 15, 2017

Hike it Baby is an international organization that encourages parents to get out into nature and be active with their children. Values such as respect for nature, inspiration for self-care, and a judgment-free environment are essential to the Hike it Baby community. Hike it Baby currently has 325 branches in 10 different countries. We launched a branch in South Central Pennsylvania in September 2015. Hike it Baby Harrisburg is currently the 14th largest branch. Harrisburg area hikes are in various locations and at various levels of difficulty, including hikes on the Appalachian Trail and strolls at local playgrounds.

Hike it Baby is an all-inclusive group and welcomes families from all backgrounds. Instilling a mission of “No Hiker Left Behind,” Hike it Baby hikes are paced so that all hikers stay together. Descriptions of hikes will indicate the type of hike so members can choose one that will be most enjoyable. “Adult-paced hikes” are at a quicker pace where children might be carried in a baby carrier or ride in a stroller. “Kid-led hikes” tend to be slower and give the kids opportunities to explore their environment. Currently, Hike it Baby Harrisburg members and Branch Ambassadors (who act as community volunteers) host about 5-15+ hikes per week year round on weekdays, weekends and evenings in most weather.



Members of Hike it Baby can hike with other families to help minimize the effects of postpartum depression in new parents, create a network of like-minded individuals, help discover new parts of their area, and teach children an appreciation for nature from birth and beyond. Membership is $10 per year per family and provides access to the calendar of hikes, opportunities to participate in virtual hiking challenges and special discounts from partnering brands. Scholarship opportunities are available for the membership fee and the application is anonymous.

More information on these hikes and more can be found on

www.hikeitbaby.com

or the

Hike it Baby Harrisburg Facebook Group

.