At just 10 years old, you’d have a hard time finding someone who embodies the North Shore ethos more than Hunter Godfrey.
There’s nowhere he’d rather be than outside. When he’s not shredding hills, exploring trails or having envy-inducing close encounters with local wildlife on the water, you’re likely to find him climbing a favourite tree.
“When you look out at the sunset, it’s fun to go up a tree to see it,” he said.
Now, Deep Cove youth now is in the running to be named the National Wildlife Federation’s Jr. Ranger.
Beyond the bragging rights that come with the title, the winner will be featured in Ranger Rick, the federation’s magazine for kids dating back more than 50 years.
“That would feel so cool," he said, adding he would use it as a platform to advocate for the wilderness and outdoor recreation he loves so much.
The title of Jr. Ranger goes to the kid who can rally the most votes online. For this, Godfrey’s parents have been helping campaign, making videos about trail safety and sharing them on social media. Now in the quarter finals, Godfrey has been in the top one per cent of contestants among upwards of 70,000 kids in North America.
The National Wildlife Federation’s contest is also a means to raise donations for the non-profit that works to conserve the wilderness Godfrey is so passionate about. Voters can help stuff a candidate’s ballot box by making a tax-deductible contribution.
And the winner claims a $20,000 prize, part of which Godfrey has earmarked for a new bike, should he be successful, but much more of the cash would go to some of the organizations he admires most: North Shore Rescue, BC AdventureSmart and hospitals, he said.
Regardless of the vote outcome, Godfrey said he hopes other kids take away some “inspiration” from his campaign.
“Go outside and explore nature,” he said. “Climb a tree.”
To vote for Godfrey, visit the Jr. Ranger website.
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