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Youth Trail Running for Body & Mind
Thank you for taking the time to read and fill out the "Run Wild" interest form! 👟
By completing this form, Thrive Wellness Workshop will add you to the list of interested individuals for this pilot program.
Thrive Wellness Workshop is gathering interest about a pilot trail running program for youth in Ojai. The goal of "Run Wild" is to offer a fun and supportive group for youth centered around trail running at local trails. This group will make the sport accessible and inclusive for young people of all backgrounds, whether they’re seasoned runners or just starting out. Through this program, we aim to inspire joy, build confidence and resilience, and nurture a meaningful connection with nature.
By pairing guided trail running with Thrive's supportive therapeutic tools and conversations, "Run Wild" fosters connection, reflection, and exploration, ultimately equipping youth with the mental, emotional, and physical tools to thrive on the trails and in life. During each gathering, we'll warm up, run/walk the trail at the group's pace, taking time to pause for reflection and team activities throughout. ⛰️
You don’t need to be a runner or athlete to participate in "Run Wild" - it is open to anyone interested in playful movement on trails. Ultimately, "Run Wild" seeks to break down barriers in trail running, encouraging a lifelong appreciation for wellness, community, and the outdoors for everyone.
🗝️ Some key components:
👐 All skill levels welcome: The program will introduce trail running gradually, with an emphasis on building foundational skills, safety and confidence. Sessions will begin with basic trail-running techniques, safe pacing, and group warm-ups, allowing participants to progress at their own speed. Facilitators will provide individualized attention, ensuring each participant feels capable and encouraged, regardless of prior experience. Thrive structures the sessions to ensure that nobody will be left behind.
🔆 Inclusive environment: To promote inclusivity, the program fosters a non-competitive, encouraging atmosphere where all participants are celebrated for their unique strengths. Group activities (i.e. short scavenger hunts or relays) will focus on teamwork and mutual support, allowing youth to develop friendships and enjoy a sense of belonging. "Run Wild" aspires to make trail running accessible by addressing existing needs around gear, safe transportation to trails, and other possible constraints. Our aim is to design a program where participation is not constrained by financial or logistical challenges, enabling a more inclusive and representative community on the trails.
🗓️ Timing: We are currently considering 4-6 session "seasons", where the group meets once per week or every other week for 4-6 sessions. Each session would be 1.5-2 hours on weekday afternoons. We are tentatively planning for a March-April kick-off.
Please tell us about your interest, needs, and what would make this program a success for you!
