BETTENDORF, Iowa — 'Rent-A-Hike' kits are now available for free checkout at the Bettendorf Public Library, thanks to a local Girl Scout.
The kits are backpacks loaded up with a safety whistle, compass, thermometer, trail maps, emergency blanket, solar powered flashlight and phone charger, alarm, hand sanitizer, brochures and information about local outdoor activities. There's also a tent available for checkout through the library.
There's also a website associated with the kits with information on different QCA trails, a video on how to set up the tent, safety tips, outdoor etiquette and informational videos.
It's the brainchild of local Girl Scout, Alivia Isaacson.
The 2024 Bettendorf High School graduate says as our world becomes increasingly dominated by technology and urbanization, she wanted to help bridge the gap between people and nature.
Isaacson tells News 8 she had two goals in creating the kits.
"The first goal is to democratize outdoor experiences so that people from all different walks of life can enjoy the benefits of nature," Isaacson said. By providing resources and information, she's hopeful more community members can get outdoors, which is proven to diminish physical and mental health issues.
"And then second, to help ease uncertainty around outdoor activities and provide easy access to information and supplies," Isaacson said.
A 2021 study by the Outdoor Foundation found that nearly half of all people who don't participate in an outdoor activity claimed it was because a lack of knowledge about these types of events and activities.
“The backpacks serve as tangible solutions to bridge the gap between people and nature, fostering environmental stewardship and overall well-being,” Isaacson said.
The project earned Isaacson the Gold Award, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. To receive it, one must create sustainable change by addressing the root cause of a problem. Most importantly, it has to be able to continue after the Girl Scout has moved on.
Isaacson graduated from Bettendorf High School in 2024 and currently attends Liberty University in Virginia.
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