FARMINGTON – University of Maine at Farmington graduate Clayton Philbrook plans on getting out of town and spending the majority of his time in the woods.
Unlike most college graduates in the summer, the 24-year-old St. George native doesn’t plan on working 40 hours a week or even working on his tan. Starting on June 29, Philbrook will set out on a 2,174-mile trip on the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia in hopes of raising money for after-school programs in the Farmington area.
“Oftentimes these kids go home to empty houses after school and we all know that it can be a very lonely situation,” said Philbrook.
Having spent the last six years in Farmington, Philbrook believes there is a real need for an after-school program. The children of Cascade Brook and Mt. Blue Middle schools are in need of help, he said. Philbrook considers the ages of 5 to 13 the most impressionable years for kids and believes they need positive direction and healthy ways to express themselves.
In addition to an after-school program, Philbrook also plans on creating a mentorship program to provide children with an older, trusted mentor.
“At these ages things like divorce or abuse can do the most damage to a child,” said Philbrook. “It is very important to deal with stressful issues as early as possible at this developmental stage in a child’s life.”
While raising money for the trip has been difficult, Philbrook has looked to his family and friends for support. The entire cost of the trip ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, and should take between three to four months to complete, he said. Due to the lengthy, rugged and expensive nature of the trip, Philbrook now looks to the community for help, and he is optimistic that the funds will come through.
In addition to any money donated for the cost of the trip, Philbrook will also be accepting donations for each mile hiked. Anywhere from a penny to half a penny per mile is considered a generous donation, and all money raised will go toward the betterment of the after-school environment, he said.
Before he embarks on his long journey, he will spend the remainder of his time in Farmington training for the hike. In addition to regulating his diet and getting his body used to the long trek, Philbrook has been preparing himself mentally for the loneliness of long-distance hiking alone.
Tom Taylor, executive director for the Children’s Task Force in Farmington, has done some preliminary work with Philbrook and considers the idea an impressive one.
“We do need more people who step up to the plate and really try and help out the children,” Taylor said.
All proceeds raised from the hike will go toward the purchase of musical instruments and art supplies, and to support activities and individual interests in the local school community.
Comments are no longer available on this story