A Visual Snapshot of Camp Beginnings
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Thank you to the Channel3000 news team for the footage!
Local News Coverage from "Time for Kids: Time to Talk Video Series" was used for the promo video.
Local News Coverage from "Time for Kids: Time to Talk Video Series" was used for the promo video.
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Camp BEGINnings
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parent + camper testimonials
All the programming I have done with Ms. Mo has helped me develop leadership skills that carry into school and real life. I am counting the days until Hike and Heal summer programs begin, and am so grateful for all of the friendships and memories I have from past programs.
-Camper from 2017 to present | Mentor from 2018-present
Our twelve-year-old daughter came home after camp and said, "Ms. Mo is the first person IN MY LIFE to have gotten my name right on the first try." Ms. Mo truly sees the small humans who come to her - who they are, who they can be, and how to offer them a center of peace, power, and connection. It was one of our family's luckiest days when we found Mindful Beginnings, and it continues to be one of our biggest blessings that Ms. Mo has created a space into which our daughter can grow into her truest self. In our house, she is referred to as "the magical Ms. Mo."
There may be labels at school, but not here. Ms. Mo creates an inclusive, warm space in which all children thrive in community with each other and with caring adults. She offers tools for regulation...for growth...for thriving.
-Parent of a 13 year old
My daughter has struggled with anxiety since she was a preschooler. That is one reason we were drawn to the Hike and Heal programming several years ago. Joining the Hike and Heal community while in elementary school has forever changed her. Next year she will start high school and she will do so with confidence and strong leadership skills. Her time as a camper and then as a camp mentor have been invaluable. She glows and holds her chin up high each time she steps foot into the Hike and Heal spaces. Thank you Moira and the Hike and Heal team!
--Parent of a 13 year old
We can't thank you enough for such a richly wonderful week for Liam and Rumi and their fellow campers. On Monday morning when we dropped them off, and after 2 weeks of no school, things were very bumpy at home. But over the week, we have witnessed both kiddos connecting with the most peaceful, joyful, emotionally aware versions of themselves. Your camp has been a gift for our whole family.
--Parent of two 7 year olds
Part of the joy of winter, for our family, is in starting to think about our summer rhythms and routines. For Shiras, she was very clear that the one thing she wanted to do this summer was return to Camp Begin. I was glad to hear this choice, because I know Camp Begin provided her with strong social-emotional learning and practice that carried over into her life at home and school.
--Parent of a 10 year old
I just wanted to write a quick note to tell you how much Lilly enjoyed her weeks with you and your team. Also, Andrea and I HUGELY appreciate the daily summary and write up. No other Summer Camps do that, so it was a really nice touch. In any case, we are looking forward to next year already.
--Parent of a 6 year old
Camp Beginnings, Ages 4-7
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2025 Offerings
Jedi Camp: August 4-8 | 4-7 yo | 9am-1:00pm | $295 Mindful Beginnings: August 11-15 | 8-10 yo | 9am-3pm | $350
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Jedi Camp Description
Each session uses Star Wars to motivate 4K - 3rd graders to 'move up in the ranks,' mastering Yoga & mindfulness skills just like Yoda. Sensory exploration at nearby parks in the great outdoors will serve as a critical connection point between mindfulness and outdoor play. We try to be outside as long as possible - even in rain! This camp blends fun, adventure, movement, high quality education and self-expression all into one, well-rounded experience. These weeks are a must for parents looking to help their young learners become more self-aware and better able to express/understand emotions. Watch out though.... they may start reminding you to take Jedi Breaths! Good thing deep breathing is a health benefit for all of us! The 7-9 year old session is similar but adds on more challenging expectations and experiences. Even if kids don't know Star Wars, this camp is fun and meaningful.
Mindful Beginnings Description
This camp is a bridge between getting older and staying young. We can still tap into our imaginations, enjoy free play outside, but now we are ready to gain some nature skills. Will we build? Track? Harvest and practice using medicinal plants? This camp feels a bit like a family. By now, most of these kids have been in Camp Beginnings for several years, and look forward to coming back to be with their friends. The curriculum of this camp varies each year based on attendee interests and skill sets. In 2024, we spent our time problem solving, designing and creating materials for a camp olympics. We had events for pogo stick, ribbon dancing, gymnastics, sprinting and more. We practice mindfulness inside and out, we explore sound healing and practice yoga when it makes sense. We cook, make art and share gratitude each day. We walk to nearby nature spots to explore and practice our leadership skills through sensory awareness games centered on nature connection.
Each session uses Star Wars to motivate 4K - 3rd graders to 'move up in the ranks,' mastering Yoga & mindfulness skills just like Yoda. Sensory exploration at nearby parks in the great outdoors will serve as a critical connection point between mindfulness and outdoor play. We try to be outside as long as possible - even in rain! This camp blends fun, adventure, movement, high quality education and self-expression all into one, well-rounded experience. These weeks are a must for parents looking to help their young learners become more self-aware and better able to express/understand emotions. Watch out though.... they may start reminding you to take Jedi Breaths! Good thing deep breathing is a health benefit for all of us! The 7-9 year old session is similar but adds on more challenging expectations and experiences. Even if kids don't know Star Wars, this camp is fun and meaningful.
Mindful Beginnings Description
This camp is a bridge between getting older and staying young. We can still tap into our imaginations, enjoy free play outside, but now we are ready to gain some nature skills. Will we build? Track? Harvest and practice using medicinal plants? This camp feels a bit like a family. By now, most of these kids have been in Camp Beginnings for several years, and look forward to coming back to be with their friends. The curriculum of this camp varies each year based on attendee interests and skill sets. In 2024, we spent our time problem solving, designing and creating materials for a camp olympics. We had events for pogo stick, ribbon dancing, gymnastics, sprinting and more. We practice mindfulness inside and out, we explore sound healing and practice yoga when it makes sense. We cook, make art and share gratitude each day. We walk to nearby nature spots to explore and practice our leadership skills through sensory awareness games centered on nature connection.
Woodland Imaginations: A 2-day Mini Camp Series, Ages 4-6
This mini camp is intended for 4-6 year olds who aren't in daycare anymore, but are at an age to be stimulated and active. Older imagination lovers welcome! Parents are also free to stay and join. These 2-day, mini camps will be full of child-led imagination, play and fun. We will create things, wish for things and notice things like portals to fairy and gnome realms! A wizard might show up, or an Ewok! Lots of games will be played and of course you can expect some self-regulation skills to be passed on through sit spots and nature poses/breaths. |
Door County Leadership Trip, Ages 10-14
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For previous campers or and Jedi Cap mentors. This is a chance to ramp up your leadership skills in a super fun, age-appropriate and adventurous way. It's also a great coming of age camp for tweens - teens. The group will meet in Madison on Monday morning and caravan up to Sturgeon Bay, WI to the Team Leadership Center. Here we will embark on a full-day leadership program at their low and high ropes course and adventure zip line park. Afterwards, we travel to Wagon Trail Campground in Ellison Bay, WI to spend the rest of our time camping, hiking, cooking, playing night games, paddling, and trying an 8-span canopy zip line. We will depart on Thursday afternoon and head back to Madison tired out with tons of great stories to share with our loved ones. Kids who experience this trip will be eligible to be mentors at future Jedi camps. Space is limited to 12 participants. Looking for two mentors who are 15 and older to assist on this trip for a paid stipend.
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Meet Your Camp Instructor
Moira Farrell, aka Ms. Mo
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I am the founder and owner of Hike and Heal Wellness. I have been running summer camps for almost 15 years now, and it continues to bring me great joy! Watching a child's face light up when their curiosity leads to a discovery is priceless. I teach K-2 Wellness (PE) at Midvale Elementary School and run this business in my free time. Everything I teach is through play because that is how a child learns best. I am a certified 200-hr yoga instructor, have my 30-hr kids yoga teacher certificate, am a LII Kayak Instructor, Wilderness First Responder and Forest Bathing Guide. I love teaching kids how the body works, the science of meditation, and how a relationship with nature can achieve all of the benefits mindfulness provides. I love all things nature, the positive energy of young kids, and being active. I live in East Madison with my wife Lauren, two daughters Rumi (3yo) & Willa (6mo), and two dogs, Saeku & Harriet. I look forward to another summer of Camp Begin!
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what sets us apart
we breathe together every morning to find solutions
We begin and end each day with gratitude. At camps we build community by learning new breathing skills and practicing playful yoga to help focus the mind and calm the body. In every youth program we share answers to a social-emotional prompt for connection and then spend time learning about what it means to be a leader through problem solving games. Children will feel stronger, supported, more confident and creative after each community circle. We help provide strategies to deal with life's common struggles, while giving the child encouragement and recognition for their strengths.
small teacher to student ratio for quality education
Being a part of a large group can be anxiety producing. For many, it is overstimulating, which can lead to poor decision-making and behavior problems. Hike and Heal Beginnings programs are small on purpose. Big numbers impact the quality of instruction. Our teaching team cares deeply about your child's education and sees the benefits in quality teaching. Small learning pods will be used so that we can target the whole child and meet individual needs. We are only accepting 12-14 campers/session in 2023.
We begin and end each day with gratitude. At camps we build community by learning new breathing skills and practicing playful yoga to help focus the mind and calm the body. In every youth program we share answers to a social-emotional prompt for connection and then spend time learning about what it means to be a leader through problem solving games. Children will feel stronger, supported, more confident and creative after each community circle. We help provide strategies to deal with life's common struggles, while giving the child encouragement and recognition for their strengths.
small teacher to student ratio for quality education
Being a part of a large group can be anxiety producing. For many, it is overstimulating, which can lead to poor decision-making and behavior problems. Hike and Heal Beginnings programs are small on purpose. Big numbers impact the quality of instruction. Our teaching team cares deeply about your child's education and sees the benefits in quality teaching. Small learning pods will be used so that we can target the whole child and meet individual needs. We are only accepting 12-14 campers/session in 2023.
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intentional curriculum to help campers love who they are
We have developmentally designed Hike and Heal Beginnings so teaching is scaffolded, building on top of itself for advanced learning. Each week targets a specific age group, with opportunities for older campers from previous years to register as a peer mentor. Every program has three main learning components: nature, mindfulness and leadership. There's room for free play, creative expression in art and music, time to explore & wander, as well as opportunities to grow through facilitated fun. We want kids to LOVE WHO THEY ARE and be confident in their unique abilities. Questions we hope campers & mentors can answer post program: How can a deeper connection to nature ignite our passions? How can mindfulness through yoga, sensory awareness and emotional learning equip us to handle the ups and downs of life? What aspects of leadership do we currently practice, and which ones do we need to add to our toolkit? Hike & Heal Beginnings is for everyone, and we believe all children can benefit!
We utilize the 8 Shields Mentoring Model, developed by Jon Young. This is a globally known teaching model to help develop deep nature connection using the 8 Attributes: love and forgiveness, quiet mind/presence/creativity, inner happiness, vitality, a commitment to paying it forward, empathy/respect for nature, being truly helpful, as well as full aliveness. We use this model to develop the full summer program, each week and each day which then drives our teaching and learning.
For more information on the 8 Shields Model, go to http://8shields.org/
We have developmentally designed Hike and Heal Beginnings so teaching is scaffolded, building on top of itself for advanced learning. Each week targets a specific age group, with opportunities for older campers from previous years to register as a peer mentor. Every program has three main learning components: nature, mindfulness and leadership. There's room for free play, creative expression in art and music, time to explore & wander, as well as opportunities to grow through facilitated fun. We want kids to LOVE WHO THEY ARE and be confident in their unique abilities. Questions we hope campers & mentors can answer post program: How can a deeper connection to nature ignite our passions? How can mindfulness through yoga, sensory awareness and emotional learning equip us to handle the ups and downs of life? What aspects of leadership do we currently practice, and which ones do we need to add to our toolkit? Hike & Heal Beginnings is for everyone, and we believe all children can benefit!
We utilize the 8 Shields Mentoring Model, developed by Jon Young. This is a globally known teaching model to help develop deep nature connection using the 8 Attributes: love and forgiveness, quiet mind/presence/creativity, inner happiness, vitality, a commitment to paying it forward, empathy/respect for nature, being truly helpful, as well as full aliveness. We use this model to develop the full summer program, each week and each day which then drives our teaching and learning.
For more information on the 8 Shields Model, go to http://8shields.org/
Contact Moira to Volunteer or Inquire for Employment
Youth Instructors are certified educators in schools or clinical settings, and most, if not all, double as certified yoga teachers!
the research
The Children & Nature Network
The Children & Nature Network
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Studies find that youth benefit from learning mindfulness in terms of improved cognitive outcomes, social-emotional skills, and well being. In turn, such benefits may lead to long-term improvements in life. For example, social skills in kindergarten predict improved education, employment, crime, substance abuse and mental health outcomes in adulthood.
-from Mindful Schools Organization
Research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. Positive impacts include the following: 1) supporting creativity & problem solving, 2) enhancing cognitive abilities, 3) improving academic performance, 4) reducing symptoms of ADD/ADHD 5) increasing physical activity, 6) improving nutrition, 7) improving eyesight, 8) improving social relations, 9) improving self-discipline & 10) reducing stress
-from NC State University's College of Design
-from Mindful Schools Organization
Research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. Positive impacts include the following: 1) supporting creativity & problem solving, 2) enhancing cognitive abilities, 3) improving academic performance, 4) reducing symptoms of ADD/ADHD 5) increasing physical activity, 6) improving nutrition, 7) improving eyesight, 8) improving social relations, 9) improving self-discipline & 10) reducing stress
-from NC State University's College of Design
