Swimming upstream.

At Hearty Roots, we swim upstream. Instead of waiting until young people are struggling, we build the protective factors that help them thrive—trusted relationships, confidence, belonging, purpose, and connection to the natural world.

Through year-round adventures, mentorship, and meaningful challenges, we create the conditions for resilience to take root. Every program is designed to invite kids into the next adventure, building a lifelong pathway of support that grows stronger with every season.

Healing Happens Outside.

Taproot combines licensed therapy with the restorative power of nature. Through one-on-one and small-group sessions, our licensed social workers use movement, play, adventure, and meaningful connection to help young people navigate life's challenges.

When kids feel safe, connected, and engaged outdoors, healing comes naturally. Nature helps calm the nervous system, build confidence, strengthen resilience, and remind young people that they are capable, connected, and never alone.

Learn more about Taproot here.

positive childhood experiences

“PCEs greatly enhance a child’s emotional and psychological resilience.” - Maine Youth Resilience

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are the relationships, environments, and opportunities that help children feel safe, valued, supported, and connected. Research shows that consistent access to caring adults, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to build skills and contribute meaningfully are powerful predictors of long-term well-being. This is our focus.

While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as trauma or neglect can negatively impact development, growing research indicates that the presence of positive, buffering experiences can significantly reduce their long-term effects. In other words, it is not only the absence of adversity that matters—it is the presence of supportive relationships and environments that promote resilience.

Adults who report strong positive childhood experiences are more likely to develop healthy relationships, regulate emotions effectively, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. They are also more likely to model stability, empathy, and emotional support for the next generation—creating a ripple effect of resilience and well-being over time.

whole person development

"The most important thing we can teach our children is how to love themselves, and others." - Maria Montessori

Social and emotional skill development is the process through which young people build the capacity to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, solve problems, and develop healthy relationships. Decades of research link these competencies to improved academic performance, stronger mental health outcomes, and more positive long-term life trajectories.

At Hearty Roots, our curriculum is intentionally designed to strengthen these core skills through experiential, outdoor-based learning. Our approach aligns with the nationally recognized framework established by Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), ensuring our programming reflects evidence-based competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Nature Connection

“A joyful childhood, a healthy adulthood and a thriving planet depend on it.” - Children and Nature network

We’ve made a promise to let kids be kids—because unstructured outdoor play is not a luxury; it is foundational to healthy development. A growing body of research in child development, psychology, and public health links regular time in nature to improved mood, reduced stress, stronger attention, and better emotional regulation in both children and adults.

Natural settings also increase opportunities for awe—an emotion shown in research to promote empathy, generosity, and prosocial behavior. In addition, studies consistently find that meaningful childhood experiences in nature, especially those that foster emotional connection, are associated with greater environmental stewardship later in life. When children play, explore, and build relationships outdoors, they are not only supporting their own well-being—they are developing habits of care and responsibility that can last a lifetime.

Dedicated mentors

“People, not programs, change people.” - Janet Mann

The true strength of Hearty Roots lies in our exceptional staff team. Drawing from lived experience, professional backgrounds in youth development, and advanced education and training, our team brings both expertise and authenticity to every program. They understand how to facilitate high-quality outdoor experiences while keeping emotional well-being, safety, and belonging at the center of all we do.

Our approach is grounded in strong group management, relationship-building, and the intentional cultivation of a positive, inclusive culture. We prioritize physical safety and emotional comfort, creating environments where young people feel secure enough to take healthy risks, try new skills, and grow in confidence. It’s a combination that keeps youth and families returning year after year.

Because we offer multiple entry points and ongoing opportunities to engage, Hearty Roots becomes more than a program—it becomes a steady, trusted mentoring presence in young people’s lives, complementing and strengthening the support they receive at home and at school.