Fresh Air Families is a weekly summer program for parents to explore local trails and parks while creating community, embracing the benefits of fresh air, and learning more about our beautiful valley. This group welcomes all families, including expecting families – no previous experience hiking is required.
At Roots we believe getting outside is vital to a new parent's health and well-being. Not only does it provide a change of scenery which can be so desperately needed, but connecting with nature helps us get in touch with our humanity. Getting outdoors can ground us, or lift us up, or simply allow us to breathe. You don't have to be a Ridge Runner or an extreme climber to feel the benefits of wind in your hair, sun on your face, and dirt beneath your feet. Join us as we get together to explore the trails around Bozeman with no judgement and no expectations. All families are welcome.
All hikes will meet at the trailhead at 9:45, unless otherwise noted on the schedule!
See our fall schedule below and note the two afternoon meet ups on Sept 13 & 27. Hikes can last as little or as long as you and your family like. There's no judgement or expectation. Sign the waiver HERE!
All hikes will meet at the trailhead at 9:45, unless otherwise noted on the schedule!
See our fall schedule below and note the two afternoon meet ups on Sept 13 & 27. Hikes can last as little or as long as you and your family like. There's no judgement or expectation. Sign the waiver HERE!
Fresh Air Families creates community and welcomes all types of parents to embrace the benefits of fresh air while instilling a love of nature in our children. Some of us are in a season of giving and some of us are in a season of receiving. After so many miles on the trails together, it will all even out. You can hike at your own pace, stop for snacks, break off into groups, turn around at any time, and come to as many or as little hikes as you want. The whole family is always welcome.
This summer we will offer two different types of opportunities to get out in nature, some for folks with babies/children in baby carriers/backpacks, and some for toddling little ones who need to stretch their legs or babies in strollers.
Find out more about more information including hike details, updates and cancellation by connecting with us on Facebook. To hike with us, sign our waiver HERE!
Interested in volunteering with Roots? Do you love exploring trails and feel excited to help other parents do the same? Do you love planning/coordinating/spreading the word for awesome programs for local families? If you answered yes to any of the above, see the descriptions below for what we are looking for and please email us ASAP so we can contact you with further details. Our first planning meeting will be at the end of March!
Lead Organizer(s): The Lead Organizer(s) will help oversee the details of the program, keeping in mind the bigger vision of the program. They will run meetings with the committee and be available to answer questions as they arise or reach out to Roots for help. They will help create the schedule for Hike Leaders and will be responsible for making decisions about hikes and when to cancel for weather and otherwise. They will also be the point person for hike leaders should they need to cancel or find a substitute leader and will act as a liaison to Roots.
Social Media Coordinator: The Social Media coordinator will be in charge of creating events on Facebook with the help of the Trail Coordinator, making sure to include detailed descriptions of directions to trailhead, trail conditions, etc. They will post updates and cancellations as necessary. They will manage the correspondence, in accordance with guidelines set forth from Roots Family Collaborative, on the Fresh Air Families page by answering questions, redirecting information that isn’t pertinent to the page, etc. Social Media Coordinator will also be responsible for sharing FAF to other community calendars as they see fit.
Trail Coordinator(s): Trail Coordinator(s) will work with other members of the committee to create the hike schedule and will communicate the schedule to both the Lead Organizer, who will create the schedule of Hike Leaders, and to the Social Media Coordinator, who will make the hikes visible on social media. Trail Coordinator(s) will keep in mind that for FAF, we have a hike schedule that must alternate between a more stroller friendly hike and other more “rigorous” trails to accommodate all types of parents.
Hike Leaders: Hike Leaders are the face of Fresh Air Families and are responsible for helping to create a culture where all parents feel welcome to join this program. Hike Leaders will be in charge of welcoming parents to the hikes, making introductions, sharing the guidelines of the program at each hike, leading the group on the designated trail, while also reading the group dynamics and scanning for situations that may need attention -- possibly hanging back with a parent or caregiver needing extra help. Hike Leaders will need to have a background check before leading hikes with FAF. Roots will be responsible for the expense of the check. Hike Leaders must communicate in a timely fashion with the Lead Organizer if they are unable to make it to a hike so she can find a substitute leader.
Community Outreach: Members interested in Community Outreach will help plan gatherings outside of our regular hike schedule. They will communicate with committee members and be willing to reach out to outside organizations, business, etc. to create thoughtful community offerings that are in line with the values of Fresh Air Families and Roots. Community Outreach will be responsible for requesting donations for events and documenting that in accordance with guidelines set by Roots Family Collaborative.
