September 14 Root Hike @ Camp Hilaka, Richfield Heritage Preserve
Not “just a hike,” Root is designed to be an immersive experience that uses the terrain and aspects of creation to draw you deeper into your connection with God. It’s like a mini retreat to help you quiet yourself before the Lord and enjoy the fellowship of other women. The goal of each Root Hike is to have you walk away (no pun intended ;) ) feeling renewed and refreshed in your body, mind and spirit.
ABOUT THE HIKE + LOCATION
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pmish
This hike is about 2 miles and is rated as easy with mostly flat sections, many of which are along a gravel road. There are some gradual to moderate uphill/downhill sections, but we take our time to allow all participants to navigate them comfortably. However, you are responsible for assessing your own physical condition and ability to navigate uneven ground.
There are three “Rest + Reflect” stops planned along the way to engage with the Lord through teachings, journaling prompts, questions and guided Biblical meditations. As part of the experience you also will be given a “goody” bag that includes a hearty, nourishing snack, mini journal and a devotional “trail map.”
Hikes will take approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete due the planned stops and time for group discussion. The hike will happen rain or shine apart from heavy thundershowers or threats of lightening. In the event of severe weather, we will look at an alternate date in late September or early October.
Before the hike you will receive an email with more detailed instructions and a text on the Saturday morning of the hike.
Tickets: $20/person + tax $15/person + tax (special discount!)
FAQs
It’s a unique experience which is designed to engage your body, mind and spirit and refresh your soul through teachings and journaling prompts and questions. Just as each location is fresh, each hike has different content for the rest and reflect sections to engage your mind and spirit in different ways.
The hike happens rain or shine unless there is very heavy rain and/or thunderstorms/lightening forecasted for the area we are hiking in. We will send you recommended gear/dress in the event of rain. Registrants who provided a phone number that can receive text would be notified via text if a cancellation will occur due to weather.
We always pray that rain won’t interfere with the planned hike and God has been faithful to do that for us. If we do have to re-schedule due to severe weather, we will plan an alternate hike date in late September or early October.
We are extremely cautious to say yes to this as our fur babies can be a distraction to us and others. ❤️
If you have a dog you would like to bring, these are the requirements, no exceptions: leashed at all times (and please bring bags to clean up after any bathroom stops 😉); you must be able to guarantee your dog will be extremely quiet (is not given to barking or whining, especially when other dogs or animals are spotted), does not approach or jump up on people, especially uninvited, and will sit quietly for up to 15-20 minutes during our rest & reflect stops.
If you have a large dog, we ask you to consider leaving him/her at home – some women are nervous around dogs, and larger dogs can be especially intimidating even when very well mannered.
If needed, we reserve the right to request you leave your dog in the car (if it is safe to do so/would not harm your dog’s health) or take him/her home This would only be in the event we feel a dog is a distraction as we want to preserve the reflective nature of the hiking experience for all attendees.
Teenage girls who enjoy hiking and love quiet reflection times are absolutely welcome!
The hikes are intended for you to be filled and connect with the Lord and other women. Since the rest and reflect spots in the hike involve teaching, questions and exercises to invite you to dive deeper into your faith, we want to be sure you (and the other women) have the space to do this distraction-free.
If you would like your family to experience the location, they are certainly welcome to do so, but not as part of the group experience. Family members need to be aware that the hikes may take 2-2.5 hours depending on pace as well as time for the rest + reflect spots. This is a fun property to explore with plenty of picnic spots, fishing and a pond for kayaking/canoeing/paddleboarding.
We would love to have you invite your female friends and encourage you to do so! Nonbelievers are very welcome too, and we think this would be an amazing way to have you share your faith with them. However, they do need to be open about hearing about God/Jesus during the rest and reflect stops. If they feel challenged by what is shared, please know we would love to come alongside you in helping them with their questions – even if just through prayer. <3
It depends on your physical condition. It’s rated as easy, but has some uphill/downhill sections and some of the trail has tree roots and rocks to navigate.
At minimum, a good pair of hiking or running shoes with treads, a water bottle, bag/backpack and clothing appropriate for the weather are the basic essentials. But see below for a more detailed list.
*All participants will need to sign waiver as well.*
