Young people are at the center of everything we do. Our thoughtfully designed outdoor programs are built around their strengths and potential—creating space for them to explore, belong, and grow. Led by experienced youth development professionals and outdoor enthusiasts, we create experiences where youth voice shapes the journey.

In 2025 alone, we reached more than 1,000 young people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. From school partnerships and pop-up camps to overnight campouts, coastal expeditions, and teen internships, our programs are built to grow with participants—ensuring a clear, connected pathway so every young person always has a next step within our community.

Taproot is grounded in the belief that meaningful time in nature—combined with skilled clinical care—creates powerful conditions for navigating adversity. Led by our two licensed social workers, Taproot offers one-on-one and small group sessions that integrate hiking, paddling, campcraft, fire-building, and earth-based skills into the therapeutic process.

Nature is not simply the setting—it is an active partner in treatment. When paired with trauma-informed, strengths-based practices, outdoor experiences support nervous system regulation, build confidence and competence, and foster reflection and resilience. The combination of trained social workers and hands-on engagement with the natural world is what makes Taproot an effective, relationship-centered approach to youth mental health care.

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.