Drew and Danni Chalfant want Lake Norman kids to trade screen time for trail time.
The couple launched HAWKs Lake Norman earlier this year, bringing a guided outdoor adventure program for children ages 5–12 to parks across Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville. Their franchise is the first in the Eastern United States for HAWKs, which stands for Hiking Adventures With Kids.
Rather than running programs at a single camp property, HAWKs rotates among nine parks and greenways across the three towns, Cornelius Today reported Thursday, Aug. 13.
In Cornelius, groups meet at Jetton Park, Ramsey Creek Park and Robbins Park. Davidson locations include Fisher Farm, Abersham Park and the Rocky River Greenway. In Huntersville, programs run at Latta Nature Preserve, Bradford Park and Torrence Creek Greenway.
"We want kids to put away the screens. Let them slow down. Get outside and do some learning on the trail where there's some time for mindfulness," Drew Chalfant told Cornelius Today. "... The idea here is just let the kids have the childhood that we had in the '90s before all of this technology was so omnipresent in all of our lives."
Activities vary by location and can include identifying plants and wildlife, nature games, outdoor science experiments, scavenger hunts and lessons on trail safety and conservation. Younger explorers (ages 5–7) typically hike up to about a mile during the day; older kids (ages 8–12) may cover two to five miles.
The program is fully drop-off and screen-free.
Pricing and safety
Programs cost about $20 per hour, with weekly camps starting at $425. HAWKs also offers after-school care with van transportation from designated schools, day camps during school closures, field trips and birthday parties.
Groups are capped at seven children per educator, with at least two educators present at all times. All staff undergo background checks and hold certifications in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and EpiPen administration, according to the program's website.
HAWKs was founded in Los Angeles in 2022 by Emma Flanders and Martha E. Flores. The company began franchising in 2025 and now operates in markets including Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, Southeast Salt Lake City and Lake Norman. In February 2026, HAWKs secured an investment from Post Investment Group to fuel its national expansion, according to a company press release.
Families can learn more or enroll at hawkskids.com/nc-lake-norman or by calling (704) 897-7606.
Upcoming community events
- Davidson Farmers Market — Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to noon, 120 South Main St., Davidson.
- Live Under the Oaks — Friday, Aug. 14, at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. The free outdoor music series continues Fridays through October.
