When Noelle Coughlan first signed her daughter Alexa up for Ferncliff day camp, she wasn’t thinking about trail races or finish lines. She was simply hoping her little one would soak up some nature, maybe splash in a creek, and catch that spark of independence that summer camp so often gives, just as Noelle remembered from her own days as a camper at Camp Glenkirk in Virginia.

“She always hated coming home. Every time she went, she made new friends. There are no phones, so you build those interpersonal relationships that are so important to know how to build in life.” Noelle laughs, remembering Alexa’s early years at Ferncliff. “I think the biggest thing she took away from camp was altruism, though. She learned that giving back is good, and it showed her what it feels like to give back. The other thing she took away from camp, which I don’t think she recognized at the time, was that she grew a lot in her faith,” Noelle said. From day camp to overnight camp, lifeguarding, and even counseling spring campers, Alexa found her place at Ferncliff. Later, so did Noelle.

The turning point came on a trail run. One morning, a runner in Noelle’s Saturday trail group leapt into the air after being startled by a squirrel. The moment stuck. Later, standing at another race watching a “Marathon” shirt jog by, the idea hit.

“I said, that’s it. Squirrelathon. Let’s do a run and raise money for Ferncliff.”

Joel Gill, Ferncliff’s Executive Director, wasn’t so sure about the name, but the vision was clear: a race on Ferncliff’s trails that would bring people into the woods and give back to the camp. From those quirky beginnings, the Scorchin’ Squirrel was born.

Today, the Scorchin’ Squirrel is one of Ferncliff’s signature events, with more than a hundred participants and a loyal volunteer crew. Noelle and her husband Sean, who co-own Fleet Feet in Little Rock, have been there since the very first race, handling registration, rallying runners, and keeping the tradition alive. For Noelle, it’s about more than just miles.

“It’s a way to give back to a pretty incredible place. I think kids need to experience that. They don’t get it so much nowadays. Ferncliff is a magical place. It is so important to get out of their comfort zone and out of front of a screen. It’s important to enjoy those challenges that nature brings, like hiking Luke Mountain to Chiquita Rock!”

And while the trails can be challenging and the hills steep, the heart behind the Scorchin’ Squirrel keeps it growing stronger each year. “I hope each year that more people spread the word because the cause is pretty amazing,” said Noelle. Whether you run, hike, or cheer from the sidelines, every step helps fuel Ferncliff’s mission, and that’s a finish line worth crossing.

This year, the Scorchin’ Squirrel is on Saturday, August 16. We would love for you to join us and become part of this favorite camp tradition.