Hike 4 Matzil Support Event Held on Sunday

by M.C. Millman

A Hike 4 Matzil event, organized to further connect the community and Matzil Search and Rescue while educating hikers at the same time, took place on Sunday, September 3, at Kakiat County Park in Montebello.

The event started at 1:30 p.m. with a 2.5-mile hike. Participants joined the Matzil Search and Rescue team in hiking to the top of Kakiat County Park mountain, with a 700-foot elevation gain and views overlooking Rockland County and surrounding areas.

A carnival and barbeque followed the hike. The fundraiser provided entertainment for the whole family with face painting, balloon twisting, and cotton candy. There were also essential demonstrations for attendees, including survival training, shelter building, and wilderness first aid techniques.

Matzil's volunteers are an elite group of expert members, most with years of experience. Would-be-members must undergo half a year of intense training, including building shelter and surviving in the woods. Members must also pass a certification exam by the National Association of Search and Rescue.

Hike 4 Matzil was sponsored by Rockland Kosher Supermarket, Prime Air, G-Fix Designs, and John To Go.