Pillar 1: Root Yourself in Recreation

What It Is: Outdoor recreation reflects your strengths, desires, and hidden potential. Each adventure reveals clues about who you are and what you value.

Core Focus: Align activities with your personal pace. A short walk or a weekend trail run can uncover powerful lessons about courage and motivation.

Key Principles:

• Small Steps, Big Discoveries: Minor outings often unlock major insights.
• Pressure-Free Exploration: Choose simple, fun activities that encourage growth.
• Mindset Over Milestones: Every experience matters as much for the mental shift as for the physical journey.

Actions to Take:

• Adventure Identity Quiz: Complete a full assessment to discover traits like persistence, curiosity, and adaptability.
  (You can exit the quiz anytime by clicking the “X”.)
  Take the Quiz →
• Create a Challenge Ladder: Outline three goals that build on each other (e.g., “Walk a local trail alone” → “Organize a group hike” → “Plan an overnight trip”).
  Get Your Challenge Ladder PDF →

Tools/Resources:

• PDF: What Your Hiking Style Says About You (read our blog post with an interactive quiz to learn more)
• PDF: 21 Sensory Prompts for Mindfulness

Recreation Leader's Insight: “The trail reveals your true resilience. Each step forward speaks volumes about your determination.”

Pillar 2: Engage Your Senses

What It Is: Fully immersing yourself in nature’s sounds, sights, and scents calms the mind and refocuses your energy.

Core Focus: Use sensory awareness to quiet your mental chatter. Let nature guide your focus to the present moment.

Key Principles:

• Presence Is Power: Observing your surroundings reduces stress.
• Nature as a Guide: The rustle of leaves or chirping birds brings you back to center.
• Active Mindfulness: Engage both movement and focus to ease anxiety.

Actions to Take:

• 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
• Sensory Journaling: Record three unexpected sensations after your adventure.

Recreation Leader's Insight: “The scent of pine and a gentle breeze can reset your mood in seconds. Take time to notice nature’s details.”

Pillar 3: Share Your Experience

What It Is: Sharing your outdoor stories transforms personal lessons into milestones for both you and your community.

Core Focus: Use your stories to inspire others and build a network of shared growth.

Key Principles:

• Authentic Stories Build Bridges: Real experiences connect people.
• Conversation Spurs Reflection: Dialogue deepens understanding.
• Community Spirit: Sharing brings support and encouragement.

Actions to Take:

• No-Photos Hike: Invite friends for a phone-free outing and share your reflections afterward.
• Public Recap: Post your outdoor lessons on social media.

Recreation Leader's Insight: “Sharing both triumphs and challenges inspires others to seek adventure and growth.”

Pillar 4: Pursue Connection to Place

What It Is: Discover local ecology and geology to understand your role in nature’s ongoing story.

Core Focus: Learn about the place you explore to see how you contribute to its narrative.

Key Principles:

• Everything Is Linked: Every natural element plays a part.
• Your Story Matters: Observing local details highlights your unique role.
• Add Your Chapter: Every observation deepens your connection.

Actions to Take:

• Research local plants, wildlife, or geology.
• Keep a journal of your ecological observations.

Recreation Leader's Insight: “Studying the land reminds you that you’re part of something larger. Your observations add a unique chapter to nature’s story.”

Pillar 5: Express Gratitude

What It Is: Actively thanking nature and companions fosters optimism and deeper appreciation.

Core Focus: Recognize everyday wonders and express thanks—whether for a stunning view or shared laughter on the trail.

Key Principles:

• Thankfulness Sparks Awareness: Recognizing blessings heightens your senses.
• Shared Appreciation Grows Bonds: A simple thank you strengthens connections.
• A Grateful Heart Sees More Beauty: Gratitude transforms your perspective.

Actions to Take:

• Send gratitude notes after each adventure.
• Keep a nature gratitude journal.
• PDF: Daily Gratitude Prompts – Save to My Journal

Recreation Leader's Insight: “Expressing gratitude turns even a small moment into a celebration of life.”

Pillar 6: Champion Community

What It Is: Build outdoor communities through clubs, events, and stewardship.

Core Focus: Enhance leadership by organizing experiences that unite and uplift.

Key Principles:

• Positive Leadership: Lead with empathy and purpose.
• Empowering Gatherings: Shared adventures foster growth.
• Collective Impact: United efforts create lasting change.

Actions to Take:

• Launch an Outdoor Club: Bring people together for shared adventures.
• Download Resources:
  Guide: Launch a Community Meetup  |  Template: Club Outreach Planner

Recreation Leader's Insight: “Community is built on shared passion. When people come together, new possibilities arise.”

Pillar 7: Teach Through Adventure

What It Is: Sharing your outdoor wisdom reinforces your growth and empowers newcomers.

Core Focus: Turn your breakthroughs into workshops, guided hikes, or mentoring sessions.

Key Principles:

• Instruction Reveals Growth: Teaching helps solidify your own learning.
• Service Through Knowledge: Empower others by sharing your journey.
• Leading by Example: Your experience lights the way for others.

Actions to Take:

• Host beginner-friendly adventures.
• Create “then vs. now” progress videos.

Tools/Resources:

• Scripts: Outdoor Leadership Phrases
• Program: Certified Adventure Mentor Course