Hearty Roots joined with Island Institute to provide youth programming as part of the Island Institute’s annual retreat to the mainland. The retreat was held at Hidden Valley Nature Center, where nearly 30 children, their caregivers, and educators spent time in community, in nature. Youth participants arrived at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Center from islands ranging from Frenchboro and Monhegan to Cliff and Chebeague. Youth participants chose from a vast array of activities including art in nature and fat-tire biking through the extensive trails. Everyone had an opportunity to channel their energy in a way that best served their mind, body, and spirit. Guardians and educators were able to rest, restore, and reenergize using the unique social-emotional approach to wellness that’s at the heart of all Hearty Roots programming.  

Hearty Roots is a local non-profit youth organization that offers inclusive, year-round programs intentionally designed to meet every kid where they’re at, developmentally, socially, and emotionally. Journey on over to heartyroots.org to discover after-school outing clubs, teen retreats, and more. We can’t wait to meet you in nature, where our journeys overlap.