Jen Grenter is the Hike it Baby Branches/Data Team Captain. The Branches/Data Team helps to manage the Hike it Baby network of Branches. They support current Branch Ambassadors as well as manage all of the dormant Branches (Branches without a current Branch Ambassador) by engaging with the community in the Branch and ensuring relevant information is posted in the Facebook Group. Jen is mom to two boys, ages four and two. Their birthdays are only three days apart and everyone thinks they are twins! Jen is a stay-at-home mom and spends as much time in the woods as possible, whether it’s hiking with Hike it Baby or with her family. In addition to hiking, Jen loves her Peloton bike, running, and practices yoga regularly (as a stress reliever from taking care of her busy boys all day!).
I started as a National volunteer in May 2019 and I became the Branches/Data team captain in November of 2019.
A friend of mine was a Branch Ambassador (BA) for our Branch and when she was getting ready to move out of state, a couple of us decided to train as BA’s to help fill the void. After about 6 months of being a BA, I decided to take the leap to join the National team as a volunteer. I am SUPER passionate about the benefits of getting kids outside and supporting our local families with our outdoor community. I started by managing the dormant Branches, and over time moved into the Team Captain role where I manage all Branches and the data that supports the Branches.
I volunteer as a BA because of the sense of community that Hike it Baby gives me literally every day. Between getting out with our hiking friends and interacting in our Facebook group, I know that there is a community of like-minded friends just a step (or click!) away. I am motivated to be a National volunteer because I want everyone to have easy access to the outdoors, to our community and to share the joy that it brings my kids and me!
My team is awesome. We help take care of every Branch, and there are a LOT of Branches! We have also launched a new Branch support program (SEED) for Ambassadors who need some help getting traction in online engagement, hike participation, and building their community overall. If you like to help others and are creative with your hike ideas and how to grow your Branch, you would love volunteering to help out with the new Branch support program! Hike it Baby relies on volunteers like Jen to help our growing non-profit meet our goal of connecting families with young children to nature and each other. We currently have over 70 national volunteers and over 370 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. Learn how you can get involved in Hike it Baby through membership, by making a donation, or connecting with your local branch.
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