Roots & Wings: Trailblazers

This spring, our teens dove into powerful, trust-building experiences in nature and alongside some incredible animals. Whether navigating a scavenger hunt, guiding horses, or building shelters from scratch, each activity was rooted in connection, courage, and creativity.

At our Trailblazers kickoff at Millcreek Meadows, the magic was immediate. Teens

jumped into equine and outdoor recreational therapy, learning, growing, and connecting in entirely new ways. From reading the emotions of horses while caring for them to problem-solving as a team in the great outdoors, the program was all about healing, trust, teamwork, and trying new things.

During the equine therapy sessions, teens took on the challenge of guiding horses using only their energy and positive reinforcement, no ropes, no physical contact. They introduced horses to surprising objects like umbrellas and soccer balls, discovering how calm, confident leadership builds trust. These moments weren’t just about animals, they were mirrors for personal growth and deeper self-awareness.

Meanwhile, recreational therapy, was just as adventurous. From building bridges out of wooden poles (literally and figuratively) to creating shelters from natural materials, they tapped into their imaginations and supported one another through every challenge. A nature-based scavenger hunt brought out their curiosity and teamwork, with teens unlocking clues, spotting wildlife, and cheering each other on at every checkpoint.

And through it all, something deeper was happening:

Teens were learning what it means to show up for themselves and each other. They were exploring healthy boundaries, discovering new strengths, and reconnecting with their own inner resilience.

This is what healing can look like:

🌿 Nature.

🐴 Intuitive connection.

🤝 Teens learning to trust. Both themselves and those around them.

Quotes from teen participants:

• "I was able to express myself without feeling uncomfortable."

• "They understood me-even without knowing my whole story."

• "During 8 weeks of equine therapy, I finally felt safe enough to be myself."

We are so proud of the growth we witnessed and are deeply grateful to share this journey with our young people.