Fresh air and fitness are two primary perks for members of a growing club at Fox Chapel Area High School.
The Hiking Club formed in 2021 when Fox Chapel Area High School alumnus Matthew Fiedler completed a 130-mile hike over a 10-day span in Albuquerque, N.M.
Fiedler, now 19 and a sophomore studying computer science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, was motivated to organize hikes at Fox Chapel.
“Since the school didn’t already have a hiking club, I founded my own,” said Fiedler of the club that formed in 2021.
Club sponsor and physical education teacher Dave Battista encourages lots of outdoor activities for his students.
“Students learn how to dress appropriately, how to carry essentials, plan routes and then there’s the physical, mental and social benefits,” Battista said.
The club has more than 60 members, and hikes are scheduled about every two weeks. Membership is free.
“We try to provide different opportunities for hikers of all skill levels, and we encourage everyone to bring friends on hikes,” said club co-leader Zinta Jacob.
Hikes typically take place on weekends.
Among the events this school year was a night hike in honor of Halloween. The group logged about 2.5 miles during the outing in Fox Chapel.
“I loved that it was dark out because it added to the thrill of the hike,” said co-leader and senior Meera Reddy of O’Hara.
For Reddy, getting outside is fun and appeals to her outdoorsy nature.
“We hike at a variety of places, but one factor we consider when picking locations is how far away they are from Fox Chapel,” Reddy said. “My most memorable hike was our first hike this year — at Beechwood Farms. The weather was beautiful, the leaves were gorgeous, and it was a great way to kick off my senior year.”
Reddy decided to join the club to amp up her personal physical fitness.
“Hiking is a great way to spend time in nature and also get a great workout in,” Reddy said.
Member and senior Ben Fiedler recalled his first hike with the club.
“We found this massive vine hanging from a tall tree. We hiked there many more times. When I think back on Hiking Club, I always remember being with friends and just messing around there, swinging and climbing. It was pretty simple, the club, but we had fun with it,” he said.
Globetrotting student Zelia Herald has backpacked around the world in places such as Switzerland and Colorado.
Herald rounds out the trio of co-leaders. The three girls were instrumental in continuing the club.
The club’s mission is to provide students with an opportunity to explore outside, get exercise and destress.
“We wanted to take over the club because both Zinta and myself are nature lovers and big hikers in our free time,” Herald said. “Most of all, we want to share our love of the outdoors with others.”
The club aims to educate members about respecting nature, too.
“We want to encourage people to explore in a safe way that respects the environment and the rules of the trail,” Jacob said. “We also try to integrate some hiking and outdoors education into our hikes, such as the leave no trace principle and proper hiking etiquette.”
Fielder is happy to see the club continue and to grow in membership.
“I’m very glad that the club has thrived after my graduation in 2023, in part thanks to my little brother who took over part of the responsibility when I left,” Fielder said. “I hope it continues to foster good memories and bonds for students at Fox Chapel — how it did for my friends and I.”