ABOUT

What is “Hike for Kids”

Hike for Kids is Blue Sky’s annual fall fundraiser where we invite our community to join us on a hike around the James River Park System. The event will begin and end at the VA War Memorial (621 South Belvidere Street) and lead participants through a 3, 8, or 14-mile scenic hike in the heart of Richmond. Hiking will begin as early as 9am, with staggered start times course-depending.

Who benefits from this hike?

All donations from hikers and supporters will directly support Blue Sky’s core programming for 3rd - 12th grade students in the Richmond area. The beneficiaries are these students that Blue Sky teaches, mentors, leads, guides, and inspires. This year, we aim to raise over $100,000 at Hike for Kids to fund our outdoor education and outdoor adventure programs that annually serve 2,000+ students from Richmond Public Schools and the surrounding area.

When/where do the hikes begin and end?

We will begin and end each distance in the outdoor amphitheater (adjacent to 2nd Street) of the VA War Memorial (621 South Belvidere Street). The after-party will also take place here. 

Each route leads hikers throughout the James River Park System. We will provide exact maps and directions to all hikers, which are also available on the event website. If you are not able to be there on event day, you can hike any route of your choosing in October! 

REGISTRATION 

How much does it cost to participate?

There is a $40 registration fee for all hikers over the age of 18, $15 for children ages 4 to 17, and it is free for kids under 3 and younger.

What does the registration fee include?

Registration includes hiker swag for in-person hikers, and one food ticket and one drink ticket at the after-party for in-person hikers.

Do I need to fundraise? Can I change my registration type after completing the online registration? 

There is no requirement to fundraise! You can simply check the “don’t want a fundraising page and goal” box and you will be signed up as a participant only.

We understand that your plans may change! Please email Vic at vic@blueskyfund.org to make changes to your in-person or virtual registration type, and/or set you up with a fundraising page.

HIKING

What if I’ve never hiked before?

Then this is a perfect start! You’ll have step by step instructions, a map, and plenty of other hikers ready to support and celebrate your first hike! 

What if I want to participate but can’t/don’t want to hike?

You’re welcome to join us for the after-party, create your own fundraising page, or volunteer at the event!

How long will it take to complete the hike?

Below we have provided an estimated time range for each distance. This is based on a hiking pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. 

3-Mile Loop: Expect 1 hour to 1.5 hours

8-Mile Loop: Expect 2.5 to 4 hours 

14-Mile Loop: Expect 5 to 7 hours

What if I can’t be there on event day? 

We have a virtual option for folks who can’t be there in person on October 21st. Virtual hikers can hike any trail of their choosing during the month of October. They will have SWAG delivered to them and can still participate in the auction as well.

EVENT DAY

What is the schedule for in-person hikers?

All hikers will start and end at the Virginia War Memorial (621 South Belvidere Street)

9:00am: 14-mile hiker waves begin

11:00am: 8-mile hiker waves begin

12:30pm: 3-mile hiker waves begin

1:30 pm: After-party starts at the VA War Memorial Amphitheater

Featuring: Vasen Brewing, the Hot Seats, and our virtual auction!

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather! We suggest wearing wool or synthetic materials, along with sturdy, well-fitting shoes. Please have rain gear with you in case of an unexpected shower.

What should I bring on my hike?

The following are not required, but we do recommend bringing as many of these as you can:

• Bag - day backpack to have with you while hiking 
• Clothes - layers, rain gear, change of clothes or dry shirt for after-party
• Water bottle - we’ll have refill stations along the 8- & 14-mile hikes; plan for half a liter of water per hour in moderate temperatures/terrain 
• Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, sun-protective clothing, etc.
• First aid kit - home base and each fuel station will have first aid supplies, but feel free to bring your own as well
• Food - we’ll have food at the after party and snacks at fuel stations, but you will likely need something more substantial 

What support will be on the trails for the in-person hikers?

There will be two fuel stations along the 8- and 14-mile routes. Energy bars, fruit, water, and other snacks will be available at each station, but feel free to pack your own fuel too. 8- and 14-mile hikers are encouraged to pack a lunch. 

Will food/drinks be provided? 

We’ll provide snacks and water for the trail but recommend hikers bring additional snacks they might want. Hikers on the 8 and 14-mile routes should bring lunch for the trail. Each participant will also receive one food and one drink ticket at the after-party.

Can I register the day of the event? 

Yes! We’ll have walk-up registration open from 9am - 12:30pm, $45 for adults and $20 for youth (children 3 and under are free).

Is this family friendly? Can I bring a stroller? Can I bring my dog?

The in-person hiking and after-party are definitely family friendly! There is little to no elevation change, and any mile distance can be shortened by turning around for a shorter “out-and-back.” The trails are unfortunately not doable with a stroller. 

Dogs are allowed on the trails, but please leash them and be aware of bikers and sharing the trail well. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at the Virginia War Memorial for the after-party. If you are a virtual hiker, you are welcome to take your family wherever you think is best! You’ll need to check local rules and regulations for your hike to see if dogs are permitted on the trails.

OTHER

How can I help with the event?

We have various volunteer opportunities leading up to and on event day. Please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Vic Reichert at vic@blueskyfund.org if you’re interested in volunteering!

How does fundraising work?

We encourage all participants to raise funds for Blue Sky within their network. You can have people make online donations through setting up your personal fundraising page (follow instructions in the email confirmation after registering). You can also have people mail checks made payable to Blue Sky Fund to PO Box 8108, Richmond, VA 23223.  

Is the post-hike party only for registered hikers?

The post-hike party is open for all! Anyone in the community can join us at the after-party free of charge. However, only registered hikers receive one free drink and one free food ticket.

Can my whole family participate? Are there age requirements for the hikers?

We’d love to have anyone participate, and believe you know your family best. However, we do recommend the 3-mile distance for anyone younger than 12.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my hike?

We’ll plan to hike rain or shine and will take normal hiking precautions in storms. In order to care for our trails well and ensure that we do not harm our wonderful city resources, we’ll have an alternative route for hikers. All hikers should check their emails and the Hike For Kids website the morning of the event to ensure that they are clear on the plan for the day. A hiker can choose not to participate, but they should make it clear to their supporters that donations will not be refunded. If you are a virtual hiker and feeling unprepared for the weather on the day you chose to hike, feel free to reschedule and go back another time!

What items are in the swag bag that all registrants receive and when can I expect to receive it?

Every registrant will receive swag as part of participating in Hike for Kids! You will be receiving the exclusive 2023 Hike for Kids finisher sticker, and other outdoor goodies to fuel your adventure! Swag will be available for pickup at the finish line for in-person hikers.