Our Mission: 

Our mission is to unite youth through a local and global hiking event that reconnect young people with nature while raising funds for organizations supporting animals, youth, and our planet. 

When is Take a Hike?

The first annual Take a Hike event will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 and is open to people of any age, worldwide.

What is Take a Hike?

Participants choose a trail in their community, invite friends and family to sponsor them per mile hiked, and donate all funds raised to a non-profit organization. Whether it’s a one-mile walk or a five-mile challenge hike, every step makes an impact. 

• All ages can participate, but youth are especially encouraged to!

• This project is designed to be simple, accessible, and meaningful. By combining movement, fresh air, and community action, Take a Hike turns a fun outdoor activity into a purposeful collective effort to create a youth led change. 

• Join us by organizing a hike, participating in one near you, or sharing the mission to help this movement grow locally and globally.

How do I get involved?

Some options for getting involved include starting your own hike/team, participating in a hike, sponsoring this project, donating, and spreading the message!  Here are the directions to host!

Which organizations do we support?

All funds will go to vetted non-profits that support animals and the planet; your team may choose from this list or directly support LEAP. 

About Siri Kaelin and why she created Take a Hike:

“I created Take a Hike because, for a long time, I felt like the odd one out—I was the kid who would rather spend hours hiking to a scenic view than wandering the mall. It was disheartening to watch so many people my age lose their connection to the outdoors, trading sunshine and fresh air for screens and indoor activities. While I’ve since found friendships where a perfect weekend means a good trail and a great view, I wanted to create that same sense of belonging for others who may feel the way I once did. I believe nature is one of the most meaningful and healing parts of the one life we get, and being disconnected from it is like holding a book but never reading the pages.

Growing up in a time when climate change and the rapid loss of wildlife are realities we must face can feel overwhelming, especially for young people. The scale of these issues often makes it easy to feel powerless, leading many to think, “There’s so much wrong in this world, what difference can I really make?” or “I don’t even know where to start…” I felt this way for years. Through Take a Hike, I hope to give other youth an opportunity to take meaningful action in a way that feels accessible rather than overwhelming, and is grounded in community rather than fear.”