Summit for a Cause: Katahdin
WHRL’s Annual Katahdin Summit Fundraiser!
What You Can Expect
Summit for a Cause is a unique opportunity to hike Katahdin, an elevation of 5269′, within a supportive community of women. It’s a way to connect with nature and one another while working to achieve a goal that offers a deep sense of accomplishment. This hike is open to 10 participants for whom “woman” is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance.
What’s Included
- A guided training hike up Tunk Mountain in T10 SD, an Unorganized Township between Cherryfield and Franklin, with Registered Maine Guide Hazel Stark.
- Lodging and meals are included. We will stay at the Katahdin Lodge at the Big Moose Inn Cabins and Campground. Rooms and meals will be shared.
- Your own Katahdin trail map and other related swag.
The Cost–$1,650 to benefit the Elaine Hill Memorial Nursing Scholarship
This is a peer-to-peer fundraising event where participants raise $1,650 to participate. Participants may also pay all or part of the $1,650 directly. The money raised during this fundraiser will go towards Women for Healthy Rural Living’s Elaine Hill Memorial Nursing Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to Washington and Hancock Counties residents pursuing a post-secondary nursing education (either an associate degree or a BS). EHMN scholarships are valued at up to $2,500 and are renewable for up to three additional years. Acknowledge a special nurse in your life by hiking in her honor.
Crowdfunding is a way to raise funds from many people. Small donations add up! We help you accomplish this by providing you with a Summit for a Cause fundraising page, a how-to toolkit, social media posts, and ongoing support. It’s easier than you might think!
Weather
Maine’s weather is often unpredictable. We will plan to summit the mountain if the conditions are safe, even in the rain. However, if conditions are hazardous (e.g., a high likelihood of thunderstorms), we may need to turn back before reaching the mountain’s summit.
Lodging
We will stay at the Katahdin Lodge at the Big Moose Inn Cabins and Campground. We will share rooms and meals.
Your Commitment
Hiking Katahdin is no easy feat. To be considered for this trip, you need to:
- Participate in a virtual interview with Hazel Stark on either March 17 or March 18 via Zoom.
- Obtain a doctor’s note that certifies your physical ability to hike up Katahdin.
- Participate in a 5-hour training hike up Tunk Mountain on Saturday, July 11th to confirm your readiness for the hike.
- Commit to fundraising $1650 by July 1st, 2025.
- You must be able to be in Millinocket, Maine, from Friday afternoon, July 31, to Sunday morning, August 2.
- The hiking team will have two virtual meet-and-greets on June 11 from 7 to 8 pm and July 23 from 7 to 8 pm. If selected, we hope you can join us for these!
Are you ready to take on Katahdin? Apply now through March 1st.
Our Guide: Hazel Stark
Hazel grew up in the woods of Winterport, Maine, choosing a tent in the forest as her bedroom for 5 months each year from age 9 until she left for college at 18. Identifying the tracks, scat, mushrooms, and owl sounds that existed in these woods gave her a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a passion for sharing its wonders with others. Hazel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and a Master’s degree in Resource Management and Conservation from Antioch University New England. She is also a Wilderness First Responder.
