Mark Hanf

Hanf’s game with a photo of some Omega students trying out the game

Mark Hanf Featured in Asheville’s Newspaper

Mark Hanf, one of our new Omega teachers, has been featured in the “Living Section”  of the Asheville Citizen Times.

He has spent time hiking the Appalachian Trail.

It’s impacted his life so much that now he wants to hike the entire length of it some day with his daughter.

In the meantime, they both can “prep” for the hike because she’s only five. The best way to do that? With a board game!

Mark Hanf Creates AT Board Game

Mark and a team of developers worked to create a game that would help people learn best practices and skills in preparation for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

The idea came to him after stopping at a shelter along the trail that had been left littered and otherwise pretty trashed. His first reaction was anger. But then he thought that perhaps others just haven’t had the training he’s had to know trail and hiking etiquette. He had been a Boy Scout.

He cleaned up the shelter and took his idea to create a board game to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy where he received a small grant. From there, the game was born.

Mark Hanf, Omega Teacher

He’s also started a Kickstarter Campaign to expand and spread awareness about the game. Fundraising for the cause exceeded the goal, totaling 1,093 backers and $57,361 raised. Success!

Read More of Mark’s Article Here