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The mountain is in Putnam County on the eastern side of the Bear Mountain Bridge, about 45 minutes north of the school’s location in Mount Vernon.
The 11 students, two chaperones and Tanner made the 2.5 mile round-trip hike in three hours with a brief lunch at the summit of Anthony’s Nose.
For its first hike of the season, the club climbed Turkey Mountain in Yorktown Heights, a relatively easy hike and a great introduction to hiking who for many students was their first hike ever.
The club includes approximately 15 students from fifth- through eighth- grade. The majority of Amani’s scholars have grown up in an urban environment with little to no exposure to nature.
Tanner, an avid hiker since he was a teen, and Debra Stern, executive director of Amani Public Charter School formed the club to help the scholars foster an appreciation for the wilderness, get exercise and share an experience outside of the inner city. They benefit greatly from the teamwork and problem-solving skills learned through the outdoor activity. The club is planning four more hikes this school year.
“I was not planning on a hike in December because I figured the students won't enjoy a hike in the cold. However, several of the students have approached me already asking how soon we can go again. The enthusiasm is remarkable” says Tanner.
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