Register for St. Patrick’s Weekend Hiking Workshop at Sunrise Park

Register for St. Patrick’s Weekend Hike and Hiking Workshop at Sunrise Park- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend! “Hiking Fitness and Photography Tips and Tricks from day hikes to epic adventures!”

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend and join the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department, Reach Your Summit and The Trees for Suffield Initiative and for this one of a kind fun, interactive workshop going over all you need to know about day hiking basics in the Nutmeg state This workshop will go over important tips and tricks for fitness hiking, trip planning basics, Leave No Trace Principles and concepts of hiking for improved fitness and well-being in addition to enjoying and highlighting your hike with photography. Each participant will also receive and updated map of Sunrise Park. Hear stories; learn essentials that can help make your day hiking experiences better with, Reach Your Summit guide and owner, Mat Jobin's first-hand experience from guiding groups for over 14 years and tackling solo pursuits and thru hikes. Following the workshop, there will be a short guided hike in beautiful Sunrise Park for all levels and abilities. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to take better photos in the outdoors and at beautiful Sunrise Park. (Bring your camera or phone to snap away!) (There will be a beginner hike for the younger children, families and those who wish to go on a shorter hike then a more advanced hike for all those who wish for a longer hike) Please be sure to bring a water bottle, wear proper hiking footwear and dress in layers. This is the perfect program to learn more about hiking and gear and to enjoy our beautiful Sunrise Park and Trees while also celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the whole family!

Participants are encouraged to submit photos in the Trees for Suffield Initiative’s 2024 Photo contest. Participants will learn more about the contest at the workshop. The Trees 4 Seasons Contest will celebrate Suffield’s trees and increase awareness of the benefits trees provide all year long. Experienced or aspiring photographers, youth or adult are eligible to apply. Take new photos or search your archives for past favorites. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2024. For questions contact treesforsuffield@gmail.com. Contest details and entry form: https://forms.gle/chvWZpWmY7X3Fv3i7

Mat Jobin, owner of Reach Your Summit, Stephan Bastrzycki-owner of Planet Zero Gravity and Parks and Recreation volunteer, and Donna Carney-Bastrzycki-Director of Special Programs, Suffield Parks and Recreation Department, will lead the program. The program will be held on Saturday, March 16 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Park Upper Pavilion and is for all ages. The hikes are recommended for adults and families with children. Registration closes on Wednesday, March 13.

Written by: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Director of Special Programs, Suffield Parks and Recreation Department