Local teens Ryan Wichelns, 18, and Gabe Messercola, 17, of Stillwater, New York, will be using their love for nature this summer to raise money for a great cause.
This summer the teens will be embarking on a traverse of the Adirondack Park from south to north before traveling to Washington to climb Mount Rainier.
The money they raise will go to Big City Mountaineers’ Summit for Someone program, a Colorado based non-profit organization that works to teach critical life skills to under-resourced urban youth.
Established in 1989, the organization partners with youth agencies and adult mentors to focus on teaching life skills through wilderness mentoring expeditions. After exploring both the beauty and the challenges of nature, the hope is that the youth involved are inspired to make choices that lead them to a bright future.
Beginning August 8th, Ryan and Gabe will be trekking through the Adirondack Park by hiking, biking and paddling. In early August the teens will take off to climb Washington’s 14,411 foot high volcano, Mount Rainier, under the direction of guides from Rainier Mountaineering Inc.
They have pledged to raise $8,000 for the charity, and need the support of donors and sponsors to meet this goal and to help support the additional costs of their journeys through the Adirondacks and Mount Rainier.
If you are interested in donating visit www.adirondacktraverse.org for more information on how to donate, purchase raffle tickets and check Ryan and Gabe’s progress.
