Hearty Roots, a nature-based youth development organization, proudly partners with Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) to provide critical social and emotional wellbeing programming for local students.

“I truly cannot imagine meeting our students' needs without their partnership. Hearty Roots has been an invaluable partner to BRES this year,” said Dr. Shawna Kurr, principal of Boothbay Region Elementary School, of the collaboration now heading into its fourth year.

Longtime Hearty Roots program director Misha Barker worked closely with school administration and teachers to lay the foundation for this strong partnership, which has been continuously evolving since 2023 to meet the changing needs of students. Thanks to funding from the CHIF Grant, individual donations, and community fundraising events, Hearty Roots is able to offer these programs at no cost to families.

Programs are both embedded into the school day and offered after school. During lunch, referred students have the choice to take their meal outside with Hearty Roots instructors. Away from the noise of the cafeteria, trained youth development professionals guide conversations, facilitate friendships, and listen closely to what is on the minds of students.

Other school-based programming is constructed collaboratively in response to students’ needs. BRES leaders are closely attuned to the challenges their students face, and through this close working relationship, Hearty Roots instructors add vital capacity by offering small group support and 1:1 mentorship. By building these foundational bonds within the school system, Hearty Roots is then able to seamlessly invite students out to their campus for more immersive outdoor experiences, day camps, and overnight campouts.

“Their team pays such close attention to the unique, ever-changing challenges our students face and consistently meets them with compassionate, forward-moving solutions,” said Kurr.

Additionally, Hearty Roots hosts its signature after school Outing Club, blending adventure with child-led play and exploration after the bell rings. While students build practical outdoor skills, the program’s true magic lies in its supervised but unstructured freedom. Staff invite students to become co-creators of their experience—giving them the autonomy to build shelters, campfires, and fairy houses, or even invent imaginative economic systems using acorns and birch bark as currency.

“Providing students with the space to express creativity and autonomy within outdoor activities is ever important to their well-being, plus it's just a ton of fun,” says outing club instructor Eliza McKenney. Toss in shared joy, laughter, and a little bit of mud, and it’s a recipe for youth to thrive.

Last year, BRES administrators generously permitted a dedicated campfire pit on-site, while a local donor gifted a canvas wall tent. This vital infrastructure ensures that restorative, supportive programming can now happen across all seasons, keeping kids connected year-round.

The impact of this environment is best stated by the children themselves. When asked what they learned this year, students shared: "how to approach hard things and be a better person," "I have more friends than I thought I had," and "I learned I can be myself."

Research consistently shows that strong, supportive relationships with caring adults are one of the most significant protective factors for youth, reducing the risk of substance use and improving long-term mental health outcomes. Hearty Roots brings this research to life in nature—a vital ecological asset for youth that leads to reduced stress, improved attention spans, and character development.

By combining outdoor experiences, mentorship, and strong school collaboration, Hearty Roots and Boothbay Region Elementary School are creating a model that not only supports students today, but also builds a foundation for lifelong well-being.