Inner-city youth invited to Take a Hike

A few years back, Mike Gruber was looking for a new adventure.

He had stopped coaching baseball and softball in town after his two children grew up. And a local hiking club that he had started “fizzled out a bit” during the coronavirus pandemic.

With a desire to give back to underserved youth while continuing to enjoy the outdoors, Gruber decided to bring inner-city kids to the hills and trails of West Milford for new adventures.

After completing paperwork to establish a tax-exempt nonprofit organization aptly named Take a Hike, he set his plan in motion.

His approach included partnering with Catholic Charities in Paterson and Passaic, securing a few volunteers and sponsors, and setting a clearly defined mission.

“Take a Hike specializes in bringing outdoor adventures to diverse groups of children aged 8-17 in New Jersey, including inner cities, those with special needs, and residents of orphanages and hospitals,” he said. “We understand the profound impact that immersing oneself in nature can have on physical, mental and emotional well-being.

“Through carefully curated hiking excursions in West Milford with volunteers from town, we deliver a spectrum of benefits, ranging from stress relief and improved mental health to increased physical fitness and the cultivation of valuable social connections.”

On Saturday, May 18, Take a Hike took to the trails of Greenwood Lake with about 20 inner-city youth - some had participated in the past along with several new walkers.

Joining the group were three chaperones from Catholic Charities and four Take a Hike volunteers: Gruber and longtime West Milford residents Shannon Walker, Jon Durant and John McClellan.

The three-mile hike was shorter than the six- and five-mile treks in two previous years because the participants enjoyed a new facet during their adventure. Greenwood Lake Marina hosted a boat ride on the lake for the group, likely the first time that many of the youngsters have been on a boat.

The marina also donated a bus to transport the children and chaperones to and from Paterson and Passaic.

Take a Hike provided specially printed shirts, string bags with lunch and other provisions, and water for day.

As some may be faster than others on the trails, each hiker and adult was given a whistle to keep in contact or for emergencies. An adult is always with the groups of hikers and each participants is instructed to never walk alone.

Growing the program

Gruber, who runs a local business, R&G Masonry, and his wife, Vanessa, are 20-year residents of West Milford. Their eldest child is finishing his first year at Ramapo College and their daughter is a junior at West Milford High School.

Recently, Take a Hike was awarded a $5,000 grant from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

“We’re extremely grateful to Catholic Charities, Greenwood Lake Marina, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield and all those who have supported Take a Hike in our formative years,” Gruber said. “We are just beginning and building up our resources, capabilities and programs as well as social media presence.”

The Catholic Family and Community Services (CFCS) youth programs comprise its Outreach Youth Program in Paterson since 2008 and its Youth Services Program in Passaic since 1975. These programs serve youth ages 9-18 and provide tutoring, character education, conflict resolution, sports, field trips, life-skills training, homework help, mentorship, counseling, career development, community service, financial literacy courses and robotics.

“The Take a Hike organization is an excellent program that gives the youth of the inner city a much-needed opportunity to grow closer to nature, promote self-confidence and environmental awareness,” said Delia Rosario, CFCS director of Youth at Risk Reduction Programs.

“Our programs provide a safe space where the young people are respected and treated as individuals. The activities help the youth by building self-confidence, encouraging success in education and developing skills to be contributing members of our city.”

Gruber and the Take a Hike team are looking to expand participation in Paterson and Passaic and to reach children in other North Jersey cities by organizing more hikes through West Milford for young people.

He is working on creating a program in partnership with an orphanage in Hackensack.

“The countryside, hills, trees and lakes in West Milford present an exciting and new life experience for these kids,” Gruber said. “It may be the first time they are in the deep outdoors, seeing nature and animals up close, and gaining a terrific memory. West Milford will always be special for them.

“The expressions on the faces of the kids are priceless. Year one we took them up to the fire tower on Clinton Road and they could see the landscape for miles. At the lake, they start skipping rocks and rolling up pants to stroll in shallow water. Last year, a young girl back after her first-year hike came up to me with a big smile and a hug.”

Walker, Durant, McClellan and he are on a mission, Gruber said. They welcome new volunteers and sponsors to be part of Take a Hike.

“In our own way, Take A Hike is committed to empowering the youth of New Jersey by opening up new doors and life experiences for them. We are driven by an unwavering belief that every child deserves to connect with nature, experiencing its profound healing and unveiling the limitless potential that resides within them.”