Beneath the clear sunny skies of May 16, Big Benley and Little Kolten shared laughter, excitement, and smiles after reeling in two massive catfish, during an enriching field trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for a full day of hiking, learning, and outdoor fun. Prior to the event, organization leaders completed a pre-trip safety hike to ensure the trail was appropriate and accessible for all participants. The group was also joined by one parent and a grandparent who attended in place of a Big and generously captured many of the day’s photos with a professional camera.
The day began at 7:30 a.m. at the Big Brothers Big Sisters building, where children and volunteers enjoyed a breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A. After sharing chicken biscuits and drinks, the group loaded into the vans and departed promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Upon arrival at the J.A. Tower Trail participants were welcomed by tour guide Lisa Jansen-Rees, a volunteer with Friends of the Wichita Mountains. Lisa opened the experience with an introduction to the trail’s history and the wildlife native to the region. As the group made their way up the mountain, she continued to share insights about the architecture of J.A. Tower, the area’s natural features and the diverse flora and fauna surrounding the trail. At the summit, participants enjoyed time to take photos, appreciate the scenery, and fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.
Throughout the hike, Littles engaged in a nature-based scavenger hunt designed to encourage close observation and reinforce the importance of wildlife protection and environmental stewardship. After completing the activity, prizes were awarded, and everyone enjoyed box lunches provided by Jason’s Deli, which included sandwiches, chips, cookies, and drinks allowing everyone to relax and recharge while continuing to enjoy the outdoors.
Following lunch, participants wrapped up the trail experience with frisbee and football games before visiting the refuges Visitor Center. There, they explored exhibits, browsed the souvenir shop, and completed an additional scavenger hunt activity .
The trip fostered teamwork, curiosity, and meaningful connections between Bigs and Littles while creating lasting memories beyond the classroom. The experience was both educational and rewarding highlighting the value of mentorship, community engagement, and outdoor exploration.
Upcoming October Trail-Ride Event
Building on the success of this outing, Big Brothers Big Sisters Wichita County is excited to announce that we will be hosting another trail-ride event in October at a new location. Several volunteers and Bigs have already confirmed their participation, and planning is underway to ensure another safe, engaging, and memorable outdoor experience for our matches. This upcoming event will continue our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for Littles to explore nature, build confidence, and strengthen their relationship with their Bigs.