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    • Wild Plant & Foraging Nature Series
    • Spring into Nature Retreat
    • Summer Women's Kayaking Retreat
    • Find Balance, Find You: A Nature Immersion Retreat
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COVID-19 Response for Summer Camp
Spring - Summer, 2020

Below is Hike & Heal Wellness's official COVID-19 response letter for all spring - summer youth programming which includes: Jedi & Mindful Beginnings as well as Root & Bloom Mentoring.
Refund FAQs
Family Program Info

​May 20, 2020

Moira C Farrell
Hike and Heal Wellness
Camp Beginnings Summer Program
Madison, Wisconsin

Dear Registered Families,


The patience, grace and assistance you have gifted me over the past few months regarding summer programming is greatly appreciated, and certainly not overlooked. Like many of you, I have been waiting for more information from local government, WI Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for ways to safely move forward in providing childcare services. I have also been waiting to hear the summer plans of Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR).

I had hoped to run camp safely following DHS and CDC guidelines if the Safer at Home Order lifted. I acknowledge that was in my initial communication. However, after reading what that would need to look like, I no longer can stand behind that promise. I have decided to cancel all Camp Beginnings summer programs as advertised. Getting feedback about your refund preferences and the feasibility of an additional June camp session significantly impacted this decision-making process. If you have decided to donate or roll-over any of your 2020 registration fees, I am humbled by your gratitude – thank you. Indicating the need for a 50-100% refund helped me make sound financial decisions. Refunds will be distributed as soon as possible, and no later than June 15. In regards to the June proposal, I heard you and agree. Most of the group could not commit to these closely approaching dates. Our new reality has me re-thinking what summer camp needs to look like, and creatively drumming up family options for this summer. Please stay tuned for these options if you are interested in programming this summer!

I urge you to continue reading this letter in its entirety so that you have a better understanding of why cancelling is in the best interest of my campers, their families and my small business. I acknowledge that many of you are being negatively impacted by childcare challenges. I am deeply sorry for this disadvantage, and I understand that by cancelling my summer programs, this may affect your ability to work out of the home. My sincerest apologies go to you.
 

Safety Guidelines –  CDC | May 15, 2020
Summer camps and daycare facilities are being asked to limit group ratios, 5 campers to 1 adult, and not allowing the total size of a program to be over 50 people. We are to screen campers at drop-off, monitor their health for the duration of camp and limit interactions with other youth and adults. It’s also recommended to wear masks when in public and if kids are older. If a camper has a fever, they wouldn’t be permitted to attend until it subsides without medication. If anyone present tests positive for COVID-19, they’d be isolated until pick-up, and the decision would be made to shut down for the remainder of the 1-2 week session, or have anyone in contact with that person stay home.
 
How COVID-19 Safety Guidelines Impact Camp Beginnings
Camp Beginnings was created with high quality curriculum and instruction in mind. I only hire certified teachers or professionals with degrees in related fields. This program model directly effects my budget as I compensate excellent teachers for their experience and expertise. I use 10:1 camper to instructor ratios because my teachers are more than capable of this demand. A 5:1 ratio would be difficult for me to afford, and I would need many other teachers on back up in case staff become ill during camp.
I don’t see my camp as summer daycare, although I know it fits that mold for some families. I see education in mindfulness, leadership, play and nature connection as a necessity for every child’s development. It is a focus that the rigorous school year often does not give the time and space for that it deserves. I believe that all children have social-emotional, sensory-seeking needs to be met through individualized instruction, play-based education with consistent love and care from an educated mentor. My camp cannot be run from a distance. It is hands on, and involves mentors and instructors working closely with your children. These unique aspects of my program significantly impacted my decision-making process in cancelling camp. The following list is a summary of important considerations I made:
  • I cannot afford to run camp with 5:1 ratios at 16-24 kids/session.
  • I would need more staff for thorough cleaning, and staff on-call in case of instructor illness.
  • Our first point of contact with your children should not have to be a health screening. A teacher’s heart is a big and heavy one. We create space not only for our families, friends and colleagues, but for each and every one of our students. My preferred first form of contact is a high five, hug or smile – and I cannot have it be hidden behind a mask.
  • Children wearing masks properly and/or keeping their distance is extremely challenging. As a teacher myself, I am unable to fathom how this would work.
  • I would need to cancel my mentoring program if I moved forward with the Jedi Beginnings sessions. The Jedi’s look up to these individuals with great admiration, aspiring to be leaders themselves. Mentors would subject the Jedi’s to more contamination. It would limit the freedom my mentors have to help, and would nullify the purpose of this program.
  • Mindful Beginnings includes an overnight camping and climbing trip, kayak rentals, trust building exercises with physical touch to foster leadership and more. All of this would be stripped away if I moved forward with this camp session – which is the core of the program.
  • My situation is different than other businesses providing childcare services. What you get from Hike and Heal Wellness is truly what you get from Moira Farrell – I do everything from sales and marketing to the training, facilitation and facility cleaning. I am a privately owned LLC, without grant funding or large donors to supplement expenses.
  • My camp’s location is at Glenwood Moravian Church, whose parishioner demographic is mostly over 60 years of age. They use volunteers, who are often elderly, to deeply clean the building. It is not safe to expose these volunteers to 60 different kids enrolled in my camps.

As I close this letter, I want you to know the only reason I feel I actually CAN cancel is because of you. Even with all of the important considerations I have been rolling over in my mind for the past month (some listed above), I wasn’t sure I could actually afford to cancel until you responded to my survey. After I asked the question and saw answers roll in, I was brought to tears. I began to lean into gratitude for so many of you being able to financially support me through a 50% refund, roll-over registration or donation. YOU are making a significant impact in my life right now. I am so thankful for you and your support.

All of the words on these pages can’t describe how difficult and emotional this has been for me. I hope you know that this is a heavy and important decision that no business owner wants to make during these unprecedented times. This is my livelihood and my heart. And I know Camp Beginnings is a space you intentionally chose to send your kids to for a period of time, entrusting I care for them like my own. Since I now know I can’t do that to the best of my ability, I do have some other ideas. I’d like to provide family-style programming where I create activities for you and your children to do together at an agreed upon outdoor space with me and one other trusted family, while keeping social distancing in mind. I can safely run a program of this kind. I’d like to be there for you, physically, fully present, without a screen in between us. Please watch for more concrete details on safe, family-centered programming options in the coming weeks.
​
Your children are the trunk to my Camp Beginnings tree, rooting me in this educational space and giving me purpose to continuously grow as a person and in my career. You are one of the many branches that supports its success. I want to thank all of you for your continued support -- whether it be words of encouragement, engagement in the future modified programming, or monetary contributions. All of these things will help me to stay open and support your children, your families, and the community we have created for many years to come. So, until we meet again, please be good to yourselves, know that I appreciate you and that I am thinking about your whole family in this difficult time. 

Sincerely, 

Moira C Farrell
Founder/Owner
Hike and Heal Wellness
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Refund Details

You indicated your refund preference on the COVID-19 Summer Camp Survey. If the link doesn't let you back in to see your responses (make sure you're logged in to the same Gmail account you used when you originally filled it out) feel free to email Moira, and I will be happy to let you know what the preference was that you checked.

Here is a break down of the choices from the survey, and what that means for you. All refunds will post to your accounts within 5-7 business days of the receipt you receive via email from square. Full refund requests will be made by May 22, unless I hear otherwise from you regarding a change of preference. 
  • Full refunds: Those will be begin to be distributed tomorrow, May 21. 
  • 50% refunds: Those will begin to be distributed on June 1. 
  • 50% credits: You will receive a separate email from info@hikeandheal.com with a coupon code to keep and use for a 20-21 program. This coupon will be valid for any Hike and Heal program - youth, family, adult or group - through December, 2021. 
  • Donations: Hike and Heal Wellness is not a non-profit organization, and thus will not have a tax deductible donation receipt for you. If that changes your mind, and you'd like a credit or refund, please email me that request as soon as possible. All donations will be used to keep my business afloat for 2020. 
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Wellness by Age

Jedi Beginnings Summer Camp

4-8 yr olds

Root & Bloom Program

8-14 Yr Olds

Mindful Beginnings Summer Camp

8-14 Yr Olds
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Wellness for Groups

OUR CLIENTS

Sports Teams
Non-Profits
School Groups
​Friends & Family
​Birthday Parties

Really, we'll work with anyone. Above are the groups who most commonly seek us out. You can always ask us to design your own program. We have had parents ask us to run birthday parties after taking part in camp or run Outdoor Leadership programs for their kids. Have a conversation with Moira & she will send you a proposal with all of the details. Email her today to create your dream outing!
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To read leadership workshop topics for youth groups & teams, click here. 
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Wellness by Budget

Summer Camp

$200-700

School Year Programs

$275-300
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Wellness by Time Limit

Shorter Programs - 1/month, Oct - May

Root & Bloom Program

Root & Bloom is a program, typically year long, where campers learn, lead and practice how to be a mentor for others. In order to participate in this program, your child must have participated in at least two summers of Jedi Beginnings. In these first few years at camp they learn the routines, expectations and social-emotional skills needed to take the next step. Root & Bloom is for 9-14 year olds who enjoy being active, helping others, problem solving and spending meaningful moments in nature. They take the skills they learn in our small-group, monthly sessions, and directly apply them to mentoring at Jedi camp the following summer (which is free). With last summer cancelled, this one will be special. Root & Bloom kids will mentor at Jedi Beginnings (4 per day in 2 different pods) for 1-2 weeks. After camp ends at 12pm, mentors will continue to stay together with Ms. Mo, reflect on the day to fulfill the anchoring loop to mentoring, and continue to bond through their own age appropriate programming. 
Program is Full
Overnight Camping Events | 2 days, 3 nights
1/2 Day Summer Camp | 3 Weeks

Jedi Beginnings Summer Camp

​2021 Jedi Beginnings Dates

Session 1: June 28-July 2 | 4-6 yo (sold out)

Session 2: July 12-23 (M-F) | 6-9 yo (sold out)

Session 3: July 26-30 | 4-6 yo (sold out)

  • All sessions run from 9am - 12pm
  • Make it a full day by registering for the afternoon Arts & Movement Camp located in the same building! See details below.
  • Register more than one child and receive 10% off using code "FAMILY" at checkout
  • You are welcome to register for weeks outside of the advertised age groupings. 4-9 year olds can register for ANY Jedi session due to COVID-19.
  • The quantity reflects the # of kids you are registering
  • If you're registering different kids in different weeks, choose the sessions, add on afternoons if wanted, and add to cart. Do the same for each child. Please add ages!

​See descriptions and more important information below.

Registration Opens Jan 1, 2020
Full Day Summer Camp | 2 Weeks

Mindful Beginnings Summer Camp

See dates/times in details below. Two weeks of learning skills in meditation, yoga, problem solving, relationship building and so much more! 9-14 year olds will get a boost in self-esteem by being celebrated for their talents. Groups will stay small to help forge deeper connections and for safety due to COVID-19. Kayak, rock climb & camp at Devil's Lake State Park. Art & cooking classes are highlights for kids, while nature connection & expressing gratitude drives the entire experience.
Registration Opens Jan 1, 2020
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Youth Wellness Offerings
Click on an icon to browse our wellness offerings for youth by category: time, budget, group or age
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FAVORITE LOCATIONS

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- Door County, WI -
Home to five state parks, Door County gives us more options than we need to find a place to become whole in nature. You may experience sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, stargazing, outdoor live music, scenic views, hiking & places to let your creativity flow. 

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- Chequamegon National Forest, WI -
A great place for tranquility all year round, the Chequamegon - Nicolet National Forest covers 1.5 MILLION aces of Wisconsin's Northwoods. These retreats are truly focused on finding your inner light through personal growth, mindfulness & meditation.


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- Southern WI State Parks -
The state parks in Southern Wisconsin offer rock climbing, waterfalls, springs, woods & so much more! Traveling here to let go of fear, these retreats come with cabin lodging, scenic views & hikes that will help you overcome life's major obstacles.

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- Lake Superior National Forest, Canada -
Lake Superior does it again! This national forest is truly amazing & a must see! Sea kayaking, high elevations, & a campsite to inspire makes this trip fabulous for moving meditations, deep conversations & a transformative experience. 

Mindful Beginnings School Year Program
Location - Glenwood Moravian Church
725 Gilmore Ave Madison WI 53711

1st Sunday/month, October 2019 - May 2020 | 1pm - 4pm

Register Now
A continuation from the Mindful Beginnings summer camp, kids who have participated in a Hike and Heal program previously are highly encouraged to attend. Any 3rd-8th grader, however, can participate.  We will share gratitude together in opening circle, enjoy a 30-45 minute mindfulness practice (which will often entail yoga) and then head out in the neighborhood to explore, have fun and play games with one another. The intent of the program is to give past participants opportunities to continue building relationships with one another, skills in mindfulness, skills in leadership as well as a safe space to have fun and be yourself in a small familiar group. If you don't want to register for the full 8 dates, use coupon code "mindfulbegdropin" to register for one class and drop-in when it works for your schedule! 

Outdoor Leadership Mentoring
 Location - Hoyt Park, Madison WI
Tuesdays only | 4:15p - 6pm for 8 straight weeks

No dates for 2019/2020 school year scheduled
***geared towards 2nd - 5th graders. Limited to 12 participants.

Not Currently Available
At Hoyt Park, we will be focused on leadership and fostering a deeper connection with nature to enhance the health and well-being of each participant. Leadership is not currently a benchmark or standard in Wisconsin, and thus isn't a focus in the schools. With our current technology-driven society, there is a huge need for kids to be learning skills in leadership. ​By participating in our Hike and Heal Beginnings Program, your child will learn the following:
  • personal responsibility
  • accountability
  • how to create and maintain lasting relationships
  • how to problem solve
  • what it means to be trustful
  • how to live with respect
  • their own personal strengths to gain confidence
  • why nature is essential for us!
Participants will meet at Hoyt park until November to offer gratitude to one another, explore surroundings, connect with their senses and participate in fun games that are followed by facilitated conversations rooted in leadership. ​Outdoor exploration depends on weather & group. 
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Kids Yoga & Mindfulness
Location - Midvale Elementary School Gymnasium
​502 Caromar Drive Madison WI 53711

No offerings in 2019-2020 at this time


​Participants will build interpersonal skills and become more aware of their physical, mental and emotional bodies through practices in yoga and mindfulness. Classes will be playful, engaging and community based! Kids will learn poses to help with life's common struggles and ailments, as well as breathing & meditation techniques to take into the home. Through education in yoga and mindfulness, your child will benefit by:
  • learning body awareness & building strength
  • getting a better understanding of their emotions
  • learning how to manage stress through the breath
  • learning how to be reflective through meditation​
  • building concentration & focus techniques
  • increasing confidence and self-image
  • feeling a part of a supportive community
  • having fun by playing and exploring with friends!
​Truth be told, the benefits are limitless. In just one week, a parent commented she had witnessed both of her kiddos "connecting with the most peaceful, joyful, emotionally aware versions of themselves." ​
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school year beginnings

Register for our upcoming school year programs! Join us for our Mindful Beginnings program on the first Sunday of each month, October - May.  
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LEADERSHIP  &  NATURE
​Location:  Hoyt Park

Oct - Nov | Tuesdays, 4:15-6:00p | Grades 2 - 5
**No Available Dates for 2019/2020 School Year

​Tuesdays will be focused on leadership and fostering a deeper connection with nature to enhance the health and well-being of each participant. We meet at Madison parks to offer gratitude to the land, explore our surroundings, connect with our senses and participate in fun games that are followed by conversations rooted in personal leadership. 
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MINDFUL BEGINNINGS
Location: Glenwood Moravian Church
Oct - May | 1st Sundays, 1-4p | Grades 3 - 8
**Registration is open for 2019/2020!

A chance to continue what they've learned in previous Hike & Heal programs - whether that be outdoor leadership, yoga, offering gratitude or all of the above! Come to a safe space monthly to build connections, practice yoga, play fun games outside and continue to develop skills in leadership. Past participants are highly encouraged to attend but it is open to anyone. 
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KIDS  YOGA
​Location: Midvale Elementary School

Jan - March | Tuesdays, 4:45-5:30 | Grades 1 - 2
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**No Available Dates for 2019/2020 School Year

In Yoga, kiddos will focus on building interpersonal skills to help kids become more aware of their physical, mental and emotional bodies through yoga and mindfulness. Classes will be playful, engaging and community based! Kids will learn poses to help with life's common struggles and ailments, as well as breathing & meditation techniques to take into the home. 

Imagine the benefits of consistent wellness programming the school year!

Learn More

MOTHER - DAUGHTER RETREAT

Mothers and daughters around the world go through unique phases in their relationships that cycle through from infancy, childhood, the teenage years, all the way to adulthood and old age. Mothers depend on their daughters as much as daughters depend on their mothers. Life is truly a balancing act that can sometimes seem impossible. Embark on a unique retreat to bond in nature through problem solving initiatives, coaching exercises and partner activities to deepen the trust in your relationship. Add new self-care techniques to your toolbox so you can be your best self around your family. Spend time working on you, while broadening your mother-daughter relationship so you can leave with solutions versus a bigger list of problems. 

​Due note: BOTH parties need to be invested in this endeavor. It will not work to trick the other into this or give this opportunity as a sneaky gift. Talk to your mom or daughter about it and make a list of pro's and con's. How will it help your past, present and future? If you need suggestions or coaching, get in touch with us!
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What is Included: Relationship Coaching Exercises focused on communication, trust and respect; Creative Art; Sound Healing; Guided Forest Therapy Walk; Journaling; Hatha Yoga; Mindfulness Exercises & an optional Massage Therapy or Reiki appointment.

​Details: 5 family minimum. ​See cancellation policy. 
Price: $425/family | $100 deposit required | Payment plans available by request
Location: Within 1 hour driving distance of Madison WI
Dates: Nothing currently scheduled - dates coming 2020. Will market a date if we get a group of 4-6 mothers/daughters. 

Welcome Young Champions! See details below and register

October 7th - 8th, 2017 @ Interstate State Park (aka Taylors Falls)

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Park Address
Interstate State Park
307 Milltown Court
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
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Camping Location

Group Camp Site, Basic A, GC2​
-Only two vehicles allowed at campsite. Will need to carpool into site. Hike and Heal will provide tents. Campers should bring personal camping gear (i.e. sleeping pad, bag, etc). 

Meeting Location
TBD. Mackenzie will send a group text Friday night with meeting place. Check-in is at 4pm so we will be using a pavilion and a general public space for group yoga and other activities. 


Spread the Word

Spread the word about Hike and Heal Wellness working with the Alzheimer's Young Champions by using #hiketoendalz on social media. Follow us, review us, do it all! Thank you!!!! 

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Retreat Menu
*Please share any dietary restrictions upon registration

Saturday Lunch | "Life on the trail is easy"

Saturday Dinner | "Life is short, eat more taco's"

Sandwiches     ham, turkey or pb & honey
Chips     the standard assortment pack
Fruit    apples
​Dessert     dark chocolate
Snacks     homemade chex mix & granola bars
Drinks     quality H20 (bring your water bottle - we'll refill it)

Chicken    crock pot tacos with onions, peppers and a homemade blend of seasonings
Soft    soft shells warmed from the campfire

Fixings    salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole
Crunch     tortilla chips warmed from the campfire

Drinks     byob - if you want to drink, be our guest, but bring some to share!
Dessert     s'mores 

Sunday Breakfast | "Just do it"

Fruit Parfaits    unsweetened yogurt, fruit, homemade granola
Bagels & Cheese     an assortment of not so healthy carbs and dairy
Drinks     pressed coffee, juice, water

Registration Directions

Step 1) Fill out online registration form 
Step 2) Send completed waiver to info@hikeandheal.com 

    Registration Form - After you register you'll be taken to a page to download waiver and see items to bring list

    getting 8 hours of sleep, drinking 64 oz of water, eating well, going to the gym, meditating, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, practicing yoga or tai chi, getting regular massage, reading, writing & creating art projects are all examples of self-care practices.
Register
Interested in more information? Submit your name, email and write "subscribe" in the inquiry section to receive updates on upcoming retreats, discounts, deals and new promotions! 

    CONNECT.  INQUIRE.  SUBSCRIBE.

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Inquire for Mailing Address
No business location - all events utilize rented facilities
​or local area parks


Text or Call : (920) 371-1289
Email : info@hikeandheal.com

© Hike and Heal Wellness, LLC.
2017 All Rights Reserved.

Testimonials


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  • Adult
    • Wild Plant & Foraging Nature Series
    • Spring into Nature Retreat
    • Summer Women's Kayaking Retreat
    • Find Balance, Find You: A Nature Immersion Retreat
  • Youth & Family
    • Mentoring
    • Summer Camp
  • Groups
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Blog