We took to the streets for 1.6 miles of historic downtown Boston and hiked the many hills of Beacon Hill. We learned about early life for African Americans in Boston. From Academia to Revolution, there is so much history and knowledge to get from the streets themselves. We stopped at several marked locations and each of us took a turn to read about them to the group. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we all had a great time.
We're starting a new trend!
Networking while you sweat or "Sweatworking,"is a fun and creative way to establish new contacts, new partnerships and friendships with someone who's at the gym with you or someone you're out on the trail with. As we all reach for our personal fitness goals, we can also promote our products or services to reach our business goals as well.
Please support Hike4Life as we gear up for our 2013 season. We are looking for donations than can easily be made right here at hike4life.org. Also, don't forget, Saturday April 13th is our Season Opening Hike at the Blue Hills!
We hope that you will be able to come out and enjoy the outdoors with us. Got boots?
Hike4Life, is taking part in African American National Parks Day! This will be a day when African Americans will congregate in one of our local National Parks. The hope is for this project to gain as much attention as possible. We need to see more people of color, out in nature enjoying and protecting our natural resources.
Join a vast groups of African Americans throughout the country out in our National Parks on June 22nd and 23rd. Let's make this a national event!
We'll submit a photo of our group, out in one our our many National Parks.
Be sure to put it on your Calendars, June 22-23, 2013
Got boots?
The point is, if you can get up and get out, have a good pair of boots and a desire to Walk The Earth™, you’ll make a spiritual and physical difference in your life. Join us for our hiking, biking and other fun activities and events in 2013. Follow us on twitter or register as a Hike4Lifer, to become a part of our growing family.
Get Up. Get Out. Go Hiking!
Hike4Life and the Franklin Park Coalition
Check out the mention of Hike4Life at the all new Franklin Park Coalition
website. (Health and Fitness: Hiking)
The FPC is a strong partner and supporter of Hike4Life. We’ve hosted several events within the Crown Jewel
of the Boston Parks system due to their support and generosity. Support Franklin Park with a community membership
for just $5 and please like their facebook page!
Hike4Life Winter Events
Hike4Life Winter Events
FRANKLIN PARK – ROXBURY
Cross Country Hiking
As part of Franklin Park Moves for Health, Hike4Life will lead Cross-Country Hikes through the hiking trails at Franklin Park. Discover the Wilderness behind the zoo! For those who want a bigger challenge, we’ll trek across the William J. Devine Golf Course, a.k.a. The Frozen Tundra!
KELLY SKATING RINK – JAMAICA PLAIN
Soul On Ice
Join Hike4Life as we take to the ice at Kelly Skating Rink. The ice is very well maintained and will provide for a great experience. All members of the family are invited to rent a pair of skates to show us what you got!
PONKAPOAG POND – CANTON
Winter Cabin Camping (AMC)
Spread along the banks of the 230-acre Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation, the camp offers a Wintry-wilderness experience that many Hike4Lifers don’t regularly get to enjoy. The setting is rustic and is designed to have little impact on the natural surroundings. There’s no electricity and no running water! Wood burning stoves will aid in cooking and provide a heat source. Weekend Rentals are available through Hike4Life. *The Appalachian Mountain Club requires pre-registration and payment.
BLUE HILLS – CANTON
Skiing & Snowboarding
The Blue Hills has built a reputation as being the friendliest and easiest ski area in the Boston area for groups to enjoy. So, with that being said, Hike4Life is looking to reserve a group package for a minimum of 20 Hike4Lifers to enjoy local skiing and snowboarding! *Pre-registration and payment are required prior to package purchase.
We realize spending time outdoors during the winter can be a challenge but, if you are well prepared and excited about Getting Up and Getting Out, the weather plays a very small part. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for the season, we can always be reached by e-mail, Facebook or our new contact line 617-297-7390
We enjoyed working with the Franklin Park Coalition to remove catbrier from the young oak trees in the park. The weather wasn't great but the experience was.
Meet at 10am at Valley Gates Parking Lot, midway along the main park road across from the Golf Course. Wear old clothing, sneakers, boots and lots of layers. (Avoid wearing nylon because it will get stuck in the Catbrier.)
Let's give back to the community by helping clean up the community.
Also, bring your mason jars or your favorite mugs for homemade Hot Apple Cider, courtesy of Operation Fit Mom! We'll be serving between 9-10AM. Bags and Gloves will be provided!
Thanks to the generosity of members of the Mass Audubon Society, Hike4Life hikers on Saturday 11/24 will have complimentary access to the Blue Hills Trailside Museum! We are meeting at 1904 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186 at 9AM for a brief meet up, then a tour of the museum, then we hit the trails. See Ya!
Equipment
Backpack
Walking stick (optional)
Water Bottles
Durable Boots (Mandatory and it makes sense) Waterproof boots even better
Sunglasses / Camera / Cell Phone
Clothing
Dress for the season in layers, if you get hot, remove a layer. Sweat and cold weather are not a good mix! If you've ever been skiing, wear ski pants or whatever is best to keep your legs warm and dry, gloves, hats, scarves, thermals, wool socks help a lot. We'll be able to judge exactly how much we will need to keep ourselves warm on the 24th.
You're welcome to bring snacks as well.
And as always, having a positive attitude towards nature, the trails, the animals and the environment, will make any hiking trip from one mile to twenty, your best hike ever!
HIKE4LIFE
MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER 2012
MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER 2012
What a wonderful day! Family, friends, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, kids and teens, boys and girls all came together in the rain to walk for Breast Cancer Awareness. Hike4Life & NBucketTV hit our goal of $2000 and more and had a spectacular turnout of people that didn't let the rain get in the way of walking for this all too important cause. We had TWO SURVIVORS in our group, Sharon & Musu-kulla who both finished the 6-mile walk. Their strength was more than enough to bring us all home to the finish line.
(http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Hike4Life) to make your donation and be sure to email us at hike4life@nbuckettv.com to claim your gift.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgOdU9Y7SHw
This event is part of the Franklin Park Moves for Health Fall Forest Festival. www.franklinparkcoalition.org
I grew up in Dorchester and occasionally, my mother, little sister and I, would take the bus or a cab and visit Franklin Park. We’d go to the Zoo, we’d walk around the golf course, and we’d have a picnic and spend time together. I went to the Park for the Kite Festivals, to ride my bike and family cookouts. Being in the city, in a town that didn’t offer programs that featured outdoor activities, it was a blessing to have Franklin Park in the neighborhood. To my mother, it was very important to her to allow us to enjoy the wonderful green space that was practically in our backyard!
As it goes for Hike4Life, we’ve used Franklin Park for several of our events, most recently Kickball and a huge family health event, which turned out to be a hit for us and our partner and a big day of activity for the Park. Our work with the FPC, has certainly put H4L on the map and has gotten people” into and interested” in the park again. As a supporter and friend, I’ve taken part in many other events at Franklin Park; Fall Forest Festival, Halloween Walk, Edible Plant Walk and recently supporting the Executive Director (Christine) and her Summer Youth Program.
Who would have that thought that into my adulthood that I would become part of a team that advocates and fights for the enjoyment and pleasure of the park. A team that oversees local projects and events in the park, a working steward of the park, a caretaker, a trustee and a promoter of the largest green space in Boston, Massachusetts and the place I grew up.
I’m
pleased and very happy to announce that I am the newest member of the
Board of Directors of the Franklin Park Coalition. I’m excited to join a
group of engaging men and women that come from different backgrounds,
different ethnicities and different neighborhoods, that all have the
same goal; to get the attention and funding that Franklin Park, a vital
and important community resource deserves!
Thank you to Christine Poff and the Board of Directors and to anyone that has supported me and Hike4Life, Thank You! ~ Jerel Ferguson / Founder Hike4Life
On Sunday October 14th, Hike4Life will be Making Strides in honor of our dear friend Sharon Dailey, a survivor and a fighter. Sharon is walking as a part of our TEAM and we are definitely a part of hers. Please come out and support us, meet the team, meet Sharon and her family and friends who will be walking to support her and our community as well!
For more information, to join our team or to donate please follow this link to our participation center:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=1230107&fr_id=47450&pg=team
The Greater Boston Sickle Cell Disease Association, Inc (formerly
CSCSGINC) is a 501 c 3, nonprofit organization which advocates for and
provides life enhancing support services to all patients with sickle
cell disease living in the Greater Boston community. The organization
was founded in 1995 by Rev Ronald Stephenson to "do something about the
lack of sickle cell awareness and support services for families affected
by Sickle Cell Disease" in the Greater Boston area. Through his work
patients, their families and the community have been educated on the
Sickle Cell Treatment Act and disparities in health care when it comes
to treatment of and access to treament of Sickle Cell Disease. These
disparities also include the lack of federal and philanthropic funding. Visit http://gbscda.org/ for more information.
Hike4Life will be hosting our next Kickball game at the Sickle-Cellebration! We invite our champions to return to the field to defend their title as "champions" to continue their winning ways and to represent H4L!
The event is Saturday, September 15th and will be at the ballfield near the Shattuck entrance to Franklin Park.
Upcoming events and stuff.
Join Hike4Life as we celebrate our 3rd year of saving lives. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will be having their annual walk in Boston on Sunday October 14th.
You can walk 2 or 5 miles, get in some exercise, meet new people and make new memories with old friends.
Our fundraising TEAM GOAL is $2,000 with your help we can raise this and much more!
ZUMBA PARTY!!!
Gone Camping with Hike4Life.
Hike4Life recently went on a Camping trip to Wompatuck State Park. 4000
acres of protected woodlands full of hiking trails, wildlife and 262
campsites to accommodate a multitude of people. We started early...See More
Hike4Life & Operation FIT MOM Kickball & Dodgeball Event.
Reclaim Our Youth - Saturday August 4th, Franklin Park -
Our biggest event ever! In cooperation with Operation FIT MOM, we hosted a 200+ event that incorporated health and fitness, fun and family. OFM surprised H4L with a birthday caked emblazoned with the Hike4Life logo on top of delicious Say It Sweet Red Velvet cake. The grill was going as people started to fill our small area of the park. Vendors, Healthworks of Codman Square, Afro Flow Yoga and Essential Body Herbs set up shop and immediately drew attention. We had an over-abundance of food thanks to many of the volunteers who helped make this event as special as it was. Mike, Marie, Shawnte (SMJ Events), Gregoire (Phi Beta Sigma), Marvin and Diane, worked their butts off. There were so many children there, their treat was balloon animals and face painting courtesty of Serena, Erica and Margaret, who did a wonderful job. Michael Bryant Photography sponsored the event and took some excellent pictures of our event, we are so grateful for his work and his amazing eye to capture moments.
After lunch, the kids were set out to the field with Mike who started their kickball game. Afro Flow Yoga had a session under the Sun which attracted a nice amount of people (Hi Mom) Healthworks had a fitness clinic and Fit 4 Life w/ Reggie B, stretched out the adults for their Kickball game!
Intense! I didn't think we could outdo the last Kickball event but, we smashed it this time. Two solid teams went at it, catching balls, sliding, diving and rule bending (LOL) it was all in good fun and community. The final score was 7-3.
Hike4Life is so glad, to see so many come out and support our event. The R.O.Y. Committee is working hard to come up with our next Kickball game, we hope you can attend!
?So, if you cannot understand that there is something in man or woman, which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it, that the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward, then you won't see why we go. What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means and what life is for.
Amazing!
From the long drive from MA to NH, to the visitor center, to the entrance to the trail, we came with desire and drive, smiles and intent. (And sing-a-long-songs)
15 dedicated men and women climbed the skin of the Earth and conquered Mount Cannon. This was our biggest turnout ever! There was no quit in any of us. Looking back at the experience and watching all of these hard-working people ascend over 4000 to reach the top is inspiring. Not many people can say that they?ve done this before but, now these Hike4Lifers can. Treacherous terrain, twisted ankles, hurt knees and backs, didn?t stop anyone from achieving their goal: The Top, where the reward is. You can see into 5 different states from the top of Mount Cannon, for some reaching the top is spiritually rewarding for others it?s the greatest physical challenge of their lives. Adventure, challenge and some danger made this trip better than the rest. We missed the last Tram of the day, so we had to hike back down the mountain, over the same rocks and roots we previously climbed over so, it was the opposite direction for us this time and I tell you, the trail doesn?t look the same going down. Fortunately, we still had the Sun, our guiding light that brought our entire crew to safety.
This trip to Mt. Cannon will definitely be one of those unforgettable moments in life when one can look back and say, ?I climbed a mountain? and it will feel good to tell others and to share their stories and memories of the adventure.
Get Up. Get Out...
H4L / Jerel F.
Ballin'
R.O.Y., Reclaiming Our Youth is what we did today. So many, friends, family and supporters came out to support Hike4Life for another community inspiring event. Today, we played KICKBALL, reminiscent of the days when we used to play every day and all the time. The Sun was shining over us as we were blessed with a perfectly clear day in partnership with the Franklin Park Coalition and Circle the City of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy Dept.
First, we let the kids play, their energy and the pure fun they were having excited us and got the adults ready for their game which was next. Competitive isn’t the word to describe what was going out there on the field. Sliding into bases, crashing into opposing players, high kicks, far kicks and full speed balls being thrown at the runners to get them out! We argued over calls, over rules, the score, the outs and the best thing it was all in fun! We can’t wait to do it again! For the finale, Kids, Teens and Adults made up the teams and that was even more spirited, we let the kids know that we like to win too! Next time no outs on the little ones, LOL.
Everyone asked for more Kickball, and even Dodge ball, we’ll work on making that happen, all everyone has to do is show up! I can't thank everyone enough for being there with us today. As well as the Franklin Park Coalition, Christine Poff who has been very supportive of Hike4Life from the beginning. To our friends, Hike4lLife thanks you and salutes you for playing Kickball with us today. Can't wait to do it again....Hopefully all of you will be there with us!
Hike4Life is playing Kickball!!!
3rd Annual Cannon Mountain Hike
Join Hike4Life as we head to Franconia, NH to traverse, hike, and climb beautiful Mt. Cannon, the previous home of the Old Man of the Mountain.
Cost: $20 (Can be paid in advance or at time of event)
Durable Boots are Mandatory – No Sneakers. We want to make sure everyone has a safe comfortable adventure as we climb the skin of the Earth and ascend over 4000 feet into the thin New Hampshire air!
On a clear day, you can see the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada! At the summit, you'll find spectacular scenic walking paths, a 360 degree observation deck, a cafeteria, bar and restrooms.
Hike4Life will have:
Water, Fruit, Trail Mix, Bug repellent, sun screen
Bring your own food/snacks, additional water/ sports drinks
Equipment to bring:
A Backpack
Boots - Sneakers are not recommended.
Athletic pants, cargo pants or shorts – Jeans are not recommended.
Athletic shirts
Hat/ Bandana/ Sunglasses
Walking Sticks – optional
Camera
Money for Tram down the mountain - $12
And as always, A Positive Attitude
Carpooling may be available!
Please contact Hike4Life @ hike4urlife@gmail.com or register your information through 'Contact Me'. You can also make your payment to Hike4Life through PayPal!
~ H4L
Hike4Life & NECS Hike!
Another great hike with the folks of New England Community Services. We met at the Trailside Museum in the Blue Hills and hit the Red Dot to the top of the Great Blue Hill. After a good lunch, we headed down the South Skyline Trail. This rocky course was very challenging to some of the new comers but they all 'maded' it. More trails, more "Oohs and Aahs" more upwards and downward trails, then we headed back.
This was a really cool group, met some new faces, acquainted with some old ones and hopefully everyone made NEW friends. Thank you to Operation Fit Mom for stretching us out and Thank you all for spending time with us! ~ H4L
Kick Off To National Womens Health Week
On Saturday May 12th, Hike4Life in collaboration with YPN-ULEM, the Department of Health & Human Services and the Medical Reserve Corps, co-hosted our annual Spring Hike! We had doctors, nurses, a public health speaker, artists, photographers, a personal trainer, teachers, moms, dads and a couple of dogs but most importantly hikers! We all came together at the base of the Great Blue Hill sharing health related information, checked our heart rates and blood pressures.
We had a nutritious breakfast offering, sandwiches for lunch, and a host of snacks that accommodated over 30 of us! After a great presentation on obesity and prevention, a brief demonstration in mind over matter techniques and a well needed stretch we hit the trail. We climbed with purpose, keeping true to our mission to help usher in healthy living and active lifestyles in our communities. Never leaving anyone behind, we made sure everyone made it to the top because, that is where the reward is!
New England Community Services Hike!
Wow! Is all we can say about hiking with the NECS (New England Community Services) what a wonderful event we had today with a super group of cool young ladies! Led by a well trained staff from the NECS, we trekked along for over 4 miles around Ponkapoag Pond in Canton, MA. We walked along a path of thousands of batches of Skunk Cabbage, before stopping at one of the AMC campgrounds. We got a little lost when trying to find the outhouse (I still think they moved it!) The girls were treated to a quick visit by a horse as they took in the view of their first glance from one of the inner-beaches of the Pond.
We hiked and talked and had some very interesting conversations with the diverse group, all respectful and engaged during this outdoor experience. It was a first for most of the girls and we are glad to have shared the experience with them. After a little more hiking, we made it to Fisherman Beach where we took a much needed rest. Some of the ladies were taking pictures of the beautiful view of the Great Blue Hill in the distance, while others skipped rocks and got their hands in the water.
After establishing ourselves at the halfway point around the massive pond, a lot of aches and pains and fatigue started to catch up to the group so, we pressed on and made it to the Ponkapoag Dam, messed around with sunbathing spiders, talked about Tiger Woods and then pressed on the golf course; fortunately for us, there was no one in our way so we casually strolled through the course and met a couple of nice guys at the end.
Finally, we made it back to the trail sign and back to the pond entrance. The ladies were so happy to make it back to civilization and so were some of us to be honest. The weather was perfect but, it was a little hot after all of that walking.
In all, today was a great day; we’d like to thank the NECS and the young ladies for working with and hiking with Hike4Life and spending time with us out on the trails. We look forward to hiking with you all again.
Get Up. Get Out. Go Hiking!
Hike4Life
Thursday April 19th
Get ready for an awesome hiking experience! This intermediate loop trail makes up for its absence of hills with distance. There are slight elevations and mud paths, rocky roads and great scenery! We’ll pass the AMC Campground and stop at Fisherman’s Beach for lunch. We’ll take a brief stop at the Ponkapoag Dam and onto a ‘quick’ path through the golfing area, then on to the Boardwalk Trail on Ponkapoag Bog.
Ponkapoag Pond in Canton, MA, is a moderately flat, 200 acre pond that offers a beautiful view of the Great Blue Hill, the highest peak on the East Coast south of Maine. The pond was not naturally occurring but formed when an earthen dam was built in 1940. The Green Loop trail offers a short detour to a boardwalk tour of a bog – an uncommon ecosystem for the area. We can visit the kiosk at the beginning of the boardwalk for information about rare plants and other inhabitants.
New England Community Services (NECS) was founded by Mark D. Reeves in 2007. NECS was established to help counsel, support, and educate youth involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).
For more info visit: www.necservices.org
HAPPY 2012
It's been a long five months since our last hike of 2011 the "Walk Off The Turkey Hike" and in that time we've been busy getting ready for 2012. On Saturday March 31, we had our "Warm Up Hike 2012" in which we hit up a new trail at our favorite destination, the Blue Hills Reservation. 2.5 miles on the Braintree Pass Path and danced around the edges of Chickatawbut Hill. A great hike with our Core Hike4LIfe members.
On Sunday April Fools Day, we went out with a couple of "Sistas" from the United Sistas of Color (USOC) for another early spring hike. The weather was better and the hike seemed a little longer. New comers to Hike4Life were worked as we hit 3 miles of trails and the Great Blue Hill for 635 feet of fun.
Thank You to everyone that made it out to the 2012 Season Kick Off for Hike4Life ... Stay Tuned!
Hike4Life Needs Your Help!
Hike4Life needs your help!
We are asking for donations to assist us in expanding our programs and to help us cover certain expenses.
As a non-profit organization community based organization, we don't have a steady flow of income so we depend on your generosity!
Any amount that you are willing or able to help us out with is greatly appreciated!
Thank You,
Hike4Life