PALM SPRINGS, CA (August  8, 2018) Rotary Club of Palm Springs kicked-off a new program this summer to help acquaint local youth with the wonders of nature through a series of four escorted hikes in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. From June through August, members of the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs have met at the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a tram ride, a guided hike led by a State Park volunteer and then lunch at the Mountain Station’s Pines Café.

Rotarian Jerry Ogburn states, “We live so close to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park, yet many local kids have never had the chance to explore its Alpine forests. Therefore, our club decided to underwrite this inaugural program,” adding, “So far, the kids seem to love it!”

According to Boys & Girls Club Senior Program Director Andrea Madrigal, “The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs is so thankful to the Rotary Club of Palm Springs for sponsoring our Club members and families to attend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway hiking and exploration program. Many of these children have never had the opportunity to go up the tram so this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity for our youth. They are given the opportunity to bond with Rotarians, fellow [Boys & Girls] Club members and parents while enjoying the cool summer air and wildlife up at the top of the tram.”

While parents complimented the program’s educational and informational elements, when the kids were asked what they liked most, responses included “Seeing the Salton Sea,” “Smelling the trees,” “Views from Notch 5” and—of course—“The pizza afterwards!”