The weather could not have been any more cooperative as 100 fathers and sons converged on Hacklebarney State Park for the first-ever joint JEC-RTMA father and son hike this past Sunday. The hike, open to students in grades 4-8 and their fathers or special friends, was billed as a special bonding experience and an opportunity to get out of the city and enjoy nature together. Sons and fathers alike were thrilled with the opportunity, and the relaxed smiles and easy banter witnessed throughout the hike and at the brunch held afterwards bore testament to the event’s success. The program was a joint initiative by the JEC Lower School and the RTMA Middle School and both were well represented.

As one father shared as he headed back to his car after the hike, “This was such a treat. I am always so busy at work and rarely see my son during daylight hours let alone get to spend quality time besides on Shabbos. We should do this more often!”