Spring might be in the air, but hardy, local kids have been bundled up all winter, adventuring along the trails of Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center as part of Hearty Roots Outing Club. Whether it was a day snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, building campfires, or hiking, participants braved the cold to explore trails and their hearts. Mindful programming at Hearty Roots encourages kids to explore their inner selves while feeling supported by the tranquil kindness of nature. Together, groups build meaningful connections, navigate emotions, delve into gratitude, discover grit and resilience, and practice self-compassion and flexible thinking to create joy, hope and optimism.

“There are few things more powerful than seeing your kid feel limitless after an afternoon with Hearty Rooters,” says Shelby Warren, an Outing Clubber parent. At the end of the season’s outing club, the adventurers participated in a favorite session: the Rose/Bud/Thorn reflective practice. When participants shared their “roses,” or highlights, many stated that meeting new friends and building campfires were their positives. For “buds”—things they learned or how they grew during club–explorers expressed their increased ability to share kindness with others, and how they were inspired to be kinder to themselves. Many stated they learned how to be more patient and breathe when they were feeling impatient. For “thorns” – or challenges – almost everyone said the cold, windy weather!

Even the hardiest explorers are grateful for spring and the opportunities on the warming horizon. If you know someone who might like to get off the grid and into their hearts, contact jess@heartyroots.org for more information, or visit www.heartyroots.org to explore upcoming summer camps, an inaugural women’s retreat, and so much more!