Who can join?

Any Lodi, WI Middle School student 6th to 8th grade

Who's the coach?

Paula Tonn is the head advisor. She is a Library Media Specialist at Lodi Middle and High Schools. Ms. Tonn has been living and teaching in Lodi with her family for 20 years.  She has also coached basketball, track & field, and cross country skiing. 

Ms. Tonn loves working with kids and being physically active. They are happy to be your fearless leaders in the great outdoors!

Ms. May, 7th grade Language Arts teacher is the assitant. 

What do I have to do to join?

1. Fill out the "Sign up Form"

2.  Ms. Tonn will be in touch with you via email soon.

When is the sign-up?

Since this is a year-long club, you can sign up whenever. Ms. Tonn will send out Infinite Campus notifications for sign ups for fall season, winter season, and spring season.  Maybe there are certain times of the year that you'll be able to participate, and other times when you'll be too busy. That's ok!  Once you're in the club, you're in the club.  We'll keep you on the list until you ask be off it. When you do plan to hike with us, be sure to fill out the RSVP Form. Visit our homepage for a map and info of THIS WEEK'S HIKE for details.

When do you hike?

Our club will hike together on Wednesdays beginning in September through May.  The bus will leave from Lodi Middle School at 3:30 pm and return sometime between 4:30 and 5:00 pm depending on our destination for the week. Check out the homepage for THIS WEEK'S HIKE updates. 

Where do you hike?

We'll be hiking on different sections of the Ice Age Trail around Lodi and nearby communities. We'll also hike other trails in county and state parks and natural areas.  The location will change each week.  Visit our homepage for the THIS WEEK'S HIKE update. 

How far do you hike?

The short answer: about an hour.  This club is open to people of all abilities. Some trails are definitely more challenging than others, so the distances range between 2 and 4 miles. You'll be amazed how fast the time flies when walking with friends!

How do I get info about hikes?

Ms. Tonn will send an email the week before to all Trail Trekkers and their grown ups. You'll be on the list until to ask to be removed. The "This week's hike" email will give all the details for the week's hike and have the link to the RSVP form. The RSVP form lets Ms. Tonn know if you're planning to hike AND if you're riding the bus.   On the day of the hike, right away in the morning, you get a "Today's hike" email as a reminder. If your plans have changed and you no longer want to hike that day, you'll need to let Ms. Tonn know by changing your RSVP on the form, email or text.  During trips, Ms. Tonn will use the Remind App to communicate with parents and kids.

How important is the RSVP Form?  Can I just show up?

The RSVP form is SUPER important. It's what gives us a head count for the day and how we are charged for our bus trips. If your plans change, that's ok, but keep Ms. Tonn in the loop.  The "This Week's Hike" email, usually sent out on Fridays will give you all you need to know. FAMILIES MUST RSVP BY NOON ON THE DAY OF THE HIKE.

What if I lost my super important emails?

This AMAZING website is updated often and is a one-stop-shop for all Trail Trekkers info.

Where do we meet on hike days?

Right after school, meet in the middle school cafetorium. Ms. Tonn will take attendance and then we'll load the bus.  The bus will leave for hikes at 3:30 pm sharp. Then we hit the trail!

What if I can't make it to all the hikes?

No worries!  Come to the hikes when you can. You can still be in the club if you have to miss sometimes. Just be sure to fill out the RSVP Form on the days when you do plan to hike so Ms. Tonn knows you're coming. 

What does it cost to join?

It's free! Well, not exactly. While it doesn't cost anything for students, nothing is really FREE. Due to several generous grants from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail, Lodi Area Community Endowment Fund, and Lodi Optimists students can enjoy organized hikes, bus transport, a sweet hat, and earn trail trekkers awards at no cost to families. 

Is there bus transportation?

Yes. The bus will depart from Lodi Middle School at 3:30 and return to Lodi Middle School between 4:30 and 6:00 pm depending on our destination for the week. 

What should I bring?

• Proper (sturdy) shoes, hiking boots, or snow boots when necessary and thick socks

•  Clothing for the weather

• Water Bottle

• Sunscreen (optional)

• bug spray (optional)

• Snack (optional)

• you can have a phone, but keep it in your pocket unless for the occasional photo

How do I get ahold of my child while they are at hiking club?

Ms. Tonn likes to use the app called Remind to send out info and alerts when we are on our way back to Lodi with an ETA. Though sometimes the service is spotty where we hike, the best way to contact Ms. Tonn is by texting her cell.

Do we hike in the rain?

Yes. We hike in all weather as long as it isn't lightning.  To be safe, look at the forecast ahead of time and plan your outfit accordingly. If you need help getting proper footwear, raingear, or athletic clothes please email Ms. Tonn  tonnpa@lodischoolswi.org

Wait. It's cold and dark during the winter. Do we still hike?

Yes! When it's cold and dark is perhaps the MOST important time to get outside and active!  Ms. Tonn firmly believes there is no bad weather, only improper clothing.  The trail might be icy sometimes, and the weather might be cold or windy. Dress in layers for winter conditions. 

That being said, there may be times we have to cancel for inclement weather.  If the Lodi School District cancels school or has an early release, we will not hike. If we decide to cancel even if school is in session, Ms. Tonn will update families by email and by the Remind App.

It is very important that kids are dropped off and picked up promptly so people don't stand around waiting and getting cold. 

What are the behavior expectations of hikers?

Hikers are expected to behave with the same respect, responsibility and Lodi Pride that they do at our middle school. For hiking club that means treating other club members kindly, not disturbing people using the public lands we visit, obeying advisors, bus drivers, and park staff, and understanding the "Leave No Trace" land use ethic.  Phones are allowed for the occasional photo only. Mostly, phones should be kept in your pocket or pack while hiking. Hiking club is an extension of school, so even though it happens outside you shouldn't bring guns, knives, fishing poles, camping gear, bows and arrows, traps, spears, wizard staffs or rocket ships. Leave your gaming systems and speakers at home too.

I've heard Trail Trekkers get sweet prizes. What's up with that?

Club members can earn prizes for their level of participation and dedication. At the end of the year recognition program we give awards to the kids who have attended the most hikes.  See "History & Awards" to view our Hall of Fame level hikers.

Trail Trekkers sounds super awesome. Is it the best club ever?

Yes.