Love, Happiness & Friendship: Making Moving Easier

OutGrown Blog Love, Happiness & Friendship: Making Moving Easier
Share
Share

OutGrown Admin

Jun 21, 2017

When you're getting ready to move to a new house, in a new state, and with small children in tow, it can spark a cascade of emotions. These emotions often feel like a never-ending roller coaster elevating you with glee, excitement and the anticipation of adventure, but then abruptly dropping you down with sadness, anger and a sharp twist of anxiety. These feelings and this crazy ride can go on for months before getting settled into a new place. I’ve been on this ride a couple times in the past year. But, despite feeling alone at times, I was amazed to find so much love, happiness and friendship within Hike It Baby’s embrace. Their community and support were a big reason I made it through such a stressful transition. Love, Happiness & Friendship: Making Moving Easer by Carrie Wenzel for Hike it Baby (image of two children hugging a third child, while standing on a tree stump in the middle of a wooded forest)

Love, Happiness & Friendship: Making Moving Easer by Carrie Wenzel for Hike it Baby (image of two children hugging a third child, while standing on a tree stump in the middle of a wooded forest)

Finding a group I belonged to

Before finding Hike it Baby, I was a new mother and I was thirsting for friendship with a group who appreciated being outside and being active. I have a strong passion for cross-country, road and trail running. I had tried a couple different mom groups but none of them fit me quite right. They all looked great on the mannequin but bunched and bulged in all the wrong places when I tried them out. All of these mom groups were lacking in dirt, fresh air, sunscreen and the beauty of getting outside. Luckily, there was one mother who must have noticed my discomfort because she suggested trying Hike it Baby. It immediately felt like the right fit. In 2015, I became a Branch Ambassador for Hike it Baby and took over my friend’s branch in Douglas County, Colorado. This volunteer position was going to allow me the opportunity to stay active, network and meet like-minded people who also enjoyed the outdoors with their children. However, the first year as an ambassador was a struggle. Most of the time I was the only ambassador and our hikes usually had very little to no turnout, especially during the winter. A few of my friends were very supportive, told their friends and tried to come at least once a month to an event. Despite this success, I felt like I was failing somehow. It seemed like I was not doing enough and I was not feeling like I was creating the community I was seeing in other branches. It was a hard time. And then it happened.

Moving away

My husband got the notice that he was getting laid off. Our family would soon be moving to upstate New York as my husband followed his career path. One of the first things I did, after crying and trying to deny the inevitable, as well as securing a new Ambassador for my existing branch, was reach out to the local Hike it Baby group of Capital Region, NY. I was greeted with overwhelming kindness by five different Ambassadors who then put me in touch with all of their hike hosts. I was shocked! Floored! I had not even begun to pack and already I was planning to meet my new Ambassador team. Could this really be happening? It felt like a dream to be joining a new branch with so much activity. I spent the next few weeks, before our family’s move, actively talking with this delightful bunch of ladies and gents. I had so many questions about the area, schools, activities, best places to score gear, etc. All my questions and more were answered. Before ever packing a box and moving, I had become part of a loving and enthusiastic community. Love, Happiness & Friendship: Making Moving Easier by Carrie Wenzel for Hike it Baby (image of a mom with a kid in a frame carrier, and another tandem carried on the front by the Orenda Spring)

Love, Happiness & Friendship: Making Moving Easier by Carrie Wenzel for Hike it Baby (image of a mom with a kid in a frame carrier, and another tandem carried on the front by the Orenda Spring)

The HiB Community made our transition easy

After moving, the love, joy and friendship that I found through Hike it Baby was unimaginable. I learned very quickly that the majority of my new Ambassador and Host team were all transplants too. Everyone offered to help with the kids while we unpacked, or they offered to bring over food. Within a few weeks, I was attending play groups and dinner parties with all the same people I was going to be hiking with on trail. After being in New York for a couple months, I finally posted my first hike. Almost the entire Ambassador team was able to come in support of the event. It was at this moment that I really began to understand that Hike it Baby strives to connect with as many parents as possible. And I realized that I was part of something bigger and much more far-reaching. It took almost two years of being an Ambassador and one move to upstate New York before I truly felt and became part of Hike it Baby’s community. While our family’s time in New York was short due to my husband getting transferred back to Colorado, it sure was a remarkable journey. I learned of love from complete strangers as they reached out to help. I found happiness on and off trail and was able to share this with my children and husband. And most of all, my children and I found friendship. We will forever be grateful for these friendships and will never forget them. Moving multiple times within a year can seem like a volcanic eruption of chaos, but it does not have to be. Hike it Baby is there to catch us, support us and welcome us into its embrace of love, happiness and friendship. Has Hike it Baby helped you transition during a move? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments. If you need help locating your new branch, click here.

Photos Courtesy of Jessy and Jack Taylor

Carrie graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2012 receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in early childhood development and an Associate’s degree in Human Resources. While she has aspirations of getting a Master’s degree in Art Therapy to counsel at risk youth, she has decided to postpone her higher education to focus on being a wife and mother. In 2013 she married Skip. He stole her heart because he unconditionally supported her passionate pursuit in cross-country road and trail racing. Together they have created two adventurous and spunky children. Archer will be three at the end of June and Lila will be 15 months. They are currently living together with their furry rescue dog, Bazil, in Longmont, Colorado.

Comments

To view comments or leave a comment, login or sign up.

Have You Heard About the 10-Minute Walk Initiative? Suppose you believe that access to parks and green spaces improves physical and mental health, especially during times of crisis, or that life simply feels better when nature is close by. In that case, you are already aligned with the vision behind the 10 Minute Walk Initiative. Photo by Monique Vargas What Is the 10 Minute Walk Initiative? The 10-Minute Walk Initiative is a nationwide effort to ensure that everyone in the United States has safe, easy access to a quality park within a ten-minute walk of home by the year 2050. This is not just a goal for green-friendly states like California or Colorado. It is a promise for every city, every neighborhood, and every family. Want to know if your city is part of it? Visit the 10 Minute Walk website to see if your mayor has signed on. If you do not see your city listed, you can do what some of our community members have done: sign up for updates and learn how to get involved. You may even be able to encourage your local leaders to take part. If you are part of the OutGrown community, you already know our roots go back to the Hike it Baby movement and its guiding value: Leave No Family Behind. That means no matter your pace, parenting moment, or personal identity, you belong here. Whether you are changing a diaper, feeding your baby, managing a meltdown (yours or theirs), or just starting, we will not leave you behind. But here is the hard truth: Some families are being left behind simply because they do not have access. Parks are too far, sidewalks are unsafe, and transit is unreliable. That is why OutGrown supports the 10-Minute Walk Initiative. Ensuring every family has access to nature is the first step in building an inclusive and equitable future outdoors. OutGrown exists to be a hub of tools, stories, and support for families with babies and young children who want to grow up outside, together. Learn more about our mission and how you can be part of it at WeAreOutGrown.org. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together

5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety

Trail cleanups can be a powerful way for families to give back and connect with nature at the same time. With little ones in tow, safety and simplicity are key. Whether joining a group event or picking up trash on your usual stroll, this guide offers practical tips to help make your next cleanup effort safe, age-appropriate, and meaningful for everyone involved. Winters can be hard on trails. Many will need both cleanup and maintenance come springtime. You can contact your local or state park system to see if they have anything planned, or you can plan your own trail cleanup hike with your Hike it Baby branch! Hike it Baby offers lots of information on organizing a trail cleanup, and safety is a consideration when participating in a trail cleanup. Some of these things may seem like common sense, but it’s always nice to double check your preparedness whenever you try something new (or for the first time in a while). 5 Tips for Trail Cleanup Safety 1. Bring proper cleanup supplies Certain supplies will come in handy during a trail cleanup. This would include gloves, trash grabbers and bags. It’s a good idea to have the littles carry the trash bag instead of picking up trash. They may not know what they should and shouldn’t touch. 2. Work in pairs or groups Sticking together and staying in communication with the organizer are very important. Make sure you have a charged cell phone or walkie-talkie with you. A compass could also come in handy if you're off the beaten path. Make sure someone knows exactly what area your group will be working in. Check in often with the organizer and stay close to your partner or group. Or, if you're hosting the hike, help the group stay together and communicate the meet up locations and times. 3. Bring your normal safety supplies All normal hiking injuries can occur on a trail cleanup. In fact, after winter, the trail will likely be in worse shape than usual, so be prepared. Make sure you pack your typical first aid kit, plus plenty of water and snacks. 4. Give the kiddos simple tasks The concept of trail cleanup is super important to share with our kids beginning at a young age as it teaches them to be stewards for our trails and parks. It’s even better to reinforce as they get older. That being said, not every trail cleanup is organized with young children in mind. If attending a hike organized by another group or parks department, speak to the cleanup organizer before deciding whether or not you will bring young children. Make sure there will be tasks suitable for their age and ability. With supervision and proper gloves and grabbers, tiny people are great at holding trash bags, spying trash, and they love to use trash grabbers! Older kids can also be great to pair with younger kids. If hosting your own hike, make sure you communicate what supplies to bring and provide safety tips during Welcome Circle. 5. Use caution Don't ever touch anything sharp or lift anything too heavy. While you will typically feel totally awesome after participating in a trail cleanup, you might not if you cut yourself and get an infection. After winter, there could be trees or large branches across the trail. Don’t try to be the hero and lift something too heavy on your own. Even professional bodybuilders use a spotter to lift. Bring a notepad with you and document anything you can’t handle. Then give this list to the trail cleanup organizer so that the proper crew can address it. (Or, if you're hosting, contact the parks department with the information.) For toddlers and little kids, have them spot the trash ("I spy!") instead of picking it up. This will ensure they aren't picking up anything dangerous or unsanitary. What are your safety tips for trail cleanup? Have a question about safety while participating in a trail cleanup? Leave a comment or a question below! Read More: 11 Tips for Safety on Trail 3 Trail Safety Tips You Must Know Photos by Vong Hamilton. Hike it Baby hikes are hosted by volunteers who have no professional training and are not experts to guide families on hikes. They are people who want to raise a generation to love the outdoors and they accomplish this by facilitating outings for all to join. Our tips are gathered from collective experience. As with any physical activity, please be sure to check with your healthcare provider and other experts when hiking with your children. About OutGrown OutGrown is a national nonprofit working to ensure that every family, especially those with babies and young children, can experience the benefits of time outside. Since our grassroots beginning in 2013, we have supported more than 300,000 families with the help of thousands of volunteers across the country. We believe nature belongs to all of us from the very beginning. That means creating opportunities, removing barriers, and supporting families in finding their way outdoors, whether that starts with a stroller walk, a community outing, or a quiet moment under the sky. You can learn more and explore our programs at WeAreOutGrown.org. Editor’s Note Thank you for reading. At OutGrown, we believe content should offer more than information. It should create a connection, support real-life caregiving, and reflect how families grow together through nature. Everything we share is made with care by our team and volunteer community. If this piece inspired you or helped you feel more confident in your outdoor journey, we invite you to support our work by donating today. Your contributions help us keep resources free and accessible to all families. Please remember that the experiences and tips shared in this article are for general information only. They are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or safety advice. Always consult with a qualified provider if you have specific concerns or questions. We are glad you are here. We are growing something meaningful together.