12 HIKES Event Addict Challenge

In order to complete the 12 Hikes Scavenger Hunt Challenge you must:

• Complete 12 hikes (each at least 1 mile long) within a year

• Document all 12 hikes (may include the following events):

  • The Month of January: Every Kid in a Park

    • Program ran by the National Park Service in which 4th graders receive free admission to National Parks

  • January 1st: 1st Hike Day

  • January 17th: Martin Luther King Jr Day (Free access to all National Parks)

  • February 2nd: World Wetlands Day

    • Raise awareness on the critical importance of wetlands in our ecosystem and their disappearance (3x faster than forests!)

  • March 1st 2024 (first Friday of March): Global Day of Unplugging

    • Disconnect from technology for 24 hours and be fully present

  • March 3rd: World Wildlife Day

    • Celebrates and brings awareness to human impact on the world’s diversity of plants and animals

  • April 20th-28th 2024: National Park Week

    • Started in 1991, this week celebrates the National Park System’s Anniversary

    • Special events are held across the county and on weekends, the parks typically offer free entrance 1-2 days

  • April 22nd: Earth Day

    • Raises awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural resources for future generations

  • April 26th 2024 (last Friday in April): National Arbor Day

    • Get outside and plant a tree!

    • Receive free tree seedlings, tree nursery discounts, and a subscription to Arbor Day when you join The Arbor Day Foundation

  • May 17th 2024 (third Friday in May): Endangered Species Day

    • Raise awareness about the importance of saving endangered species before they go extinct

  • June 3rd 2024 (first Saturday in June): National Trails Day

  • June 8th 2024 (second Saturday in June): National Get Outdoors Day

  • June 22nd 2024 (third Saturday in June): Great American Campout Day

  • The month of July: Disability Pride Month (differently-abled, disabled people)

    • Brings awareness to supporting inclusiveness and accessibility to differently-abled, disabled people

  • The Month of August: National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

    • Dedicated to advancing advocacy, protection, and promotion of breastfeeding to ensure all families have the opportunity to breastfeed

  • August 25th: National Park System’s Birthday

  • Celebrates August 25, 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Services Act

  • September 4th: National Wildlife Day

    • The National Wildlife Federation brings awareness and promotes the conservation of North America’s most at-risk wildlife and habitats

  • September 23rd 2023 (fourth Saturday in September): National Public Lands Day

    • US Forest Services brings awareness to and promotes volunteer conservation efforts on public lands

  • September 23rd 2023 (fourth Saturday in September): National Hunting and Fishing Day

    • Celebrates the people who hunt and fish responsibly and support conservation efforts (eg population control and invasive species)

  • October 9th 2023 (second Monday of October): Indigenous Peoples’ Day

    • Celebrates and honors indigenous American people, their history, and culture

  • November 11th: Veterans Day

    • Honors military veterans for their service and protection of USA lands and people

  • November 17th: National Take A Hike Day

  • November 24th 2023 (fourth Friday of November): REI #OptOutside Day

    • Celebrate Black Friday by getting outside instead of promoting consumerism

  • December 3rd: International Day of Disabled Persons

    • Promotes inclusion and support for people with disabilities

• Fill out the Finisher Form upon completion to collect finisher swag

• Receive Finisher Bag Charm

• 15% of the proceeds from your purchase will go to The National Park Foundation

Where is your donation going?

The National Park Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. They work to protect and enhance America’s national parks so that the joy of the outdoors can be shared today and for generations to come.