One of the benefits of living near a volcano in Oregon is the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping when the weather is nice.  On the weekend of September 14th and 15th, a group of six Springdale students, accompanied by three staff members, hiked the Elk Cove Trail on Mt. Hood.  The trail is described as an “out and back” at 8.8 miles with a 2,000 foot elevation change.
Wearing 50 pound packs containing small tents, sleeping bags and mats, food, water, and changes of clothes, the students hiked through aging forests, meadows, and along rocky streams.  Rachel Lupole, Residential Manager, was one of the staff members on the hike.  “The students did such a good job,” she said. “It was not an easy hike and they were all so enthusiastic and cheerful about it!”
The group set up camp at a site near a pond surrounded by trees and large boulders.  A campfire was built and camping fun ensued.  Christina Moller, an Auto Body Repair student, wanted to challenge herself on the hike. “It sounded like it would be fun and I wanted to see if I could do it.” Christina said.
Springdale JCC has a recreation program that is nationally recognized, incorporating off center activities such as the hike, trips to the zoo, and volunteer projects, as well as a wide variety of on center clubs and evening activities.