Welcome to Mission Moments! In this series of posts, we’ll be sharing milestones, testimonials, and more as we work toward our mission of improving community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature.

Here's a testimonial from Sam C., who served with the US Army National Guard and joined us at for a retreat in Sequoia National Park and Zion National Park this year:

“For the past two years, I've dedicated my time to investigating and addressing the lasting effects of Childhood PTSD as it shows up in my life and relationships. About four months ago during a transitionary period of my life, I found myself in desperate need of reconnection to nature and community. Seeing my struggle, my mother found an opportunity through Hiking My Feelings to reconnect and serve at a retreat across the country called Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park.

Now, as a single woman in my early 30s living in Northern Virginia with little experience backpacking or camping in the wilderness (not to mention 2,200+ miles from my home), I was nervous for the trek across the country to meet a group of strangers. Despite my fears, I took a chance, booked my flight, packed my camping gear, and set out on my journey from Washington, D.C. to Sequoia. Little did I know, those first small steps would be a catalyst for a connection to nature and the path to healing.

Our Sequoia National Park retreat opened the door to a community built by Sydney + Barry in which strangers of all walks can come together and leave everything on the table without fear of judgment. This sense of comfort and safety gave me the strength I needed to be ‘all in’ with the work about to take place. From our first introductions around the campfire, I felt impassioned to not only vocalize, but also face my deepest fears and the inability to forgive myself. That shared vulnerability brought me to my knees and released the tension that held me as a victim of my traumas and a captive of PTSD. That’s all it took - one moment of vulnerability and the stage was set as our whole group bonded over the first tears that fell from my face and the faces of others. Sydney welcomed each drop with a warm reminder that it was okay and that they were gracefully accepted.

As a group, we uprooted invasive thoughts as we simultaneously cleared away invasive grasses from a meadow. While working, I couldn’t help but see the connections between my body and the park. Though the meadows only take up about 2% of the ecosystem, they fuel all walks of life. With invasive grasses threatening those spaces, the wellness of the park remains in jeopardy. Similarly, the damages of invasive thoughts if unchecked can pull the body and the mind into disarray.

That event with Hiking My Feelings, has made clear to me that Sydney + Barry's commitment to the healing and growth of the people who join these retreats and visit our parks is ever present. Despite any obstacle in their journey, both Sydney + Barry maintain an upbeat attitude and an insistence on truth-telling and vulnerability. They believe in us and we believe in them. They know that we can do hard things and that reinforcement has helped me to believe that I can change for a better tomorrow. Their passion and purpose for healing and conservation have inspired me to become a more active member of the Hiking My Feelings community and local naturalist communities. I thank Sydney + Barry for creating this organization and introducing me to an important community in my life - one that saw me for me and created space for the growth ahead.

I hope that you do consider granting this organization lifeblood and money so that they can continue to provide a service that I believe is absolutely necessary in this world; a world lost on the humanity of others -- a world convinced that differences are meant to separate us -- a world where it's easier to feel alone than it is to be in group. In strong alignment with your perspective and purpose for the future, I pray that you consider supporting someone who has the mobile ability to reach communities across the country. I ask you to support Sydney, Barry, and the Hiking My Feelings organization so that they may continue to serve both community and nature in a completely vulnerable and inclusive environment, restoring hope in humans who want to make a difference.”

with love,
Sam C.

a note from Sydney:

This year has been full of lessons, the most impactful one being learning how to truly ask for what I need.

It started with chasing a big dream from 2018 that didn't pan out. When I realized island life wasn't for me, I leaned heavily on the people who know me best. Their support reminded me of how important the work is, and we made the moves necessary to turn the ship around.

This summer, Ruby started skirting her responsibilities as our Mobile Basecamp. She decided she didn't want to start in Temecula, the Bay Area, Sequoia, and Montana. Instead of giving up on the life we've built and our mission, we asked for your support. Some folks told us to hang it up, that this work isn't worth saving. You kept us on the road this year.

Now, I'm asking for your help again. Not because things are falling apart, but because throughout all of this, everything was falling into place:

The book deal. Speaking at Outdoor Retailer. The book being one of 12 accepted at S XSW in 2024. Expanding our partnerships into new public lands. Hosting the most impactful retreats we've ever hosted. Submitting a proposal to present at the 2024 Public Lands Alliance conference about our work with Sequoia National Park, and getting accepted.

These funds empower the seamless execution of our programs and facilitate the vital administration and communication efforts that keep you intimately connected to our journey's highs, lows, and triumphs.

To help us wrap 2023 on a high note, you can donate to our fundraiser on Instagram or Facebook (or start your own and encourage your community to support our mission), or click the button below to find more ways to contribute!