Get Nurtured by Nature

INSPIRED BY NATURE

How the Adventure Therapy Project is Getting People Outside

BY SARA JEWELL

The deaths of two good friends and a demanding job had Mike Hudson tying up his trail shoes and going for a long run to cope with his grief and stress. The more he ran outside, the better he felt. This reminded him of vacations with his wife, Ashley, and their two young daughters when they had no cell coverage or cable TV; they spent all day walking on the beach and sleeping soundly at night.

When he mentioned this to Ashley, she told him she’d noticed that her mood was affected if she was stuck inside too long.

“So we started hiking and spending more time at the beach, and we noticed a difference in our daughters’ behaviours, moods and sleeping patterns,” Mike said.

Ashley is an elementary school resource teacher in Oxford and Mike is a Community Outreach Worker with Schools Plus as well as a basketball coach. Working in schools has shown them how little kids get outside and explore, and how they benefit from being challenged.

“Most kids talk like they are living in a video game yet have no idea what it is like to take a walk in the woods, to go looking for rocks on the beach or to even lay in the grass and look at the stars,” Mike said.

The couple had two questions: How could they help spread awareness of the benefits of being outside? How could they help people get outside to reconnect with nature and fun?

TOP: Sarah Henley sports her Adventure Therapy Project hoody at the shore.

BOTTOM: When not organizing public events, Mike and Ashley make a point of hiking with their two daughters as often as possible.

Friends Ann Harrison and Debbie Field walk the TransCanada Trail through Oxford almost daily. In 2018, they came up with their answer: The Adventure Therapy Project. They incorporated the word ‘therapy’ into the name because of their experience with family members who cope with mental health issues using less than healthy or productive ways. “It’s our attempt to get people outside in nature, too boost their mental and physical health,” explained Mike. “We live in a world full of screens and stress but we’re not telling people to throw away their phones and TVs and move into a hut in the woods. We’re simply hoping they get outside once or twice a week.” The Adventure Therapy Project started with several youth programs during

In 2019, the Adventure Therapy Project hosted the first March Break Camp for children aged seven to 12 at the outdoor school at the local school. The camp included this fire-building competition.

Responding in extraordinary times.

Read the full story at:  

aberdeenhealthfoundation.ca/response

As Nova Scotians and the rest of the world grapple with the dramatic effects of COVID-19, we have come to rely on health care professionals and support staff more than ever. Since the pandemic began, the Aberdeen Health Foundation has worked closely with the Nova Scotia Health team to provide rapid and timely support. To date, $380,000 in funding has been approved for equipment that will provide additional COVID-preparedness for our community.

TOP: Brody Kouwenberg, Cali and Aubree Hudson participated in a fun run in Oxford.

BOTTOM: “The Cumberland Crusaders” running team took part in the Cabot Relay in Cape Breton in 2019. March Break in 2019, including a guided nature hike, a snowshoe walk, and a campfire. In early December, a day-long “survival skills” program taught kids how to build a shelter, make a fire, and filter water. “We were worried it was going to be too long outside and too cold, because it was a whole day,” Mike said, “but at the end, the kids said, ‘We should do this overnight’.” There were comments about ‘letting kids play with fire’ but he said the point of the program is to learn a new skill so there are steps to follow and safety rules. “There’s that bit of risk which is good for kids so they learn to adapt and solve problems. We don’t let kids problem solve enough,” he added, “and we don’t give them enough credit for how well they problem solve.” Ashley observed this when the participants were put into teams, given supplies then told to build a shelter. “Everyone’s shelter was different but they had an explanation for why they did the things they did.” Both she and Mike are aware of the contrast of their childhoods – when they spent all day outside playing – and their daughters’. “How many times do we say ‘Be careful’ and ‘Don’t do that’ and ‘Watch what you’re doing’? So we’re not only inspiring kids, we’re inspiring parents as well to let them go out and play and get dirty,” she said. The Adventure Therapy Project is about benefiting adults as well so Mike and Ashley have found ways to inspire the entire community. While getting outside is about getting away from TVs and videos games, they do use technology to reach out to people. “We did a walk through the new bunny trail in Oxford and posted it online and now you see other people posting photos of walking the bunny trail,” said Mike. They also put out a call for ambassadors, people who will wear The Adventure

TransCanada Trail supporters Mike Hudson, Maxine Clarke, Greg Nix and Al Clarke clean up after Hurricane Dorian.

The Adventure Therapy Project organized a hike in February to encourage people to get outside even in the winter. Therapy Project gear and post photos on social media of what they’re doing and where they’re doing it. “We don’t realize how lucky we are,” Mike said. “Cumberland County is one of the most scenic areas. There’s so much to do. A lot of people don’t know what’s out there, so we try to highlight trails, waterfalls, and beaches.” The reward for these two parents, however, is seeing the positive impact all this adventure therapy is having on their eight-year-old daughter. “Aubree’s at the point where she selfcopes,” explained Mike. “She’ll say she needs to go outside and do survival.”

Allicia Payne’s border collie, Blue, checks out the bench on the Bunny Trail alongside the TransCanada Trail in Oxford.

Home cooking starts here.

We still live in very new-to-us times. Things aren’t quite the same as once before. But with all the changes in our world, some things still ring true - caring for others and family. Through the fall season, we want to give thanks to all of our friends and neighbours, for all we are doing apart... together.

* Offer valid on purchases made in our Westville Road or Denmark locations before December 1st, 2020. This offer is not redeemable for cash or gi cards, nor is it valid toward previous purchases. Offer may not be combined with any other coupons, discounts, offers, or promotions. Void if altered or copied. Offer valid on in-stock items only. No rain checks issued. Other restrictions may apply.

BRING IN THIS AD AND SAVE 15%

2578 Westville Road or Denmark

Take it Outside on the North Shore

Riding the Rails

BY SALLY O’NEILL

This has been the year of the staycation in Atlantic Canada. Beaches, mountain tops, epic waterfalls, we have it all! Pair with delicious local foods, unique beverages, history, and culture, and you’ve got the trip of a lifetime, right here at home.

PICTOU TO SCOTSBURN 12.7 KM | 45 MIN WHAT YOU’LL SEE:

Waterfront boardwalk and marina, farmland and forest. DeCoste Performing Arts Centre 99 Water Street, Pictou | decostecentre.ca Pictou Waterfront and Hector Heritage Quay 33 Caladh Ave, Pictou | shiphector.ca Ship Hector Historic, 1773 Landing Site, Brown’s Point (access directly from the Jitney Trail) Uncle Leo’s Microbrewery 2623 NS Route 376, Lyon’s Brook | uncleleosbrewery.ca Pipers Landing Restaurant, 2656 Route 376, Lyon’s Brook | piperslandingrestaurant.com Pictou Lunch Box and Birchwood Campground, 2521 Route 376, Lyon’s Brook. birchwoodcampground.ca (Korean and Asian cuisine) Deb’s Hidden Café 4149 Scotsburn Rd, Scotsburn | debshiddencafe.ca Cycling has become incredibly popular. The North Shore is home to a beautiful piece of the Trans Canada Trail, built on the bed of the abandoned Shortline Railway. Once a busy route for transporting coal, the railway travels from Pictou to Oxford through towns, villages, and quaint rural communities bustling with harvest markets, eateries, microbreweries, and historic sites.

The ride between PICTOU AND TATAMAGOUCHE is a wonderful trip, no matter which direction you come from. If you’re an experienced cyclist, assume a minimum of two and a half hours to go the whole distance, one way. Estimate three hours, or more, if you’re planning to stop and explore. From point to point and back is approximately 110 kilometres. A great day trip can be made going out in the morning, lunching in Pictou or Tatamagouche, and heading back in the afternoon. If more than 100 kilometres is too challenging, or time is tight, here are three possible routes between Pictou and Tatamagouche. (Distances are one-way.)

YOU’LL NEED: a bike with tires that can manage a bit of gravel. Water, extra bike tube and kit, first aid items, mobile phone. (Poor cell service in some areas.)

SCOTSBURN TO RIVER JOHN 22.4 KM | 1 HR AND 20 MIN WHAT YOU’LL SEE:

Bridges, one at Meadowville, and a spectacular long trestle bridge at River John, stunning view of the river. Fields and forests, beaver dam River John Bridge Access from the Trailhead near the Royal Canadian Legion, 2506 River John Road

River John Village | riverjohn.com Yap’s Place Restaurant 1969 NS Route 6, River John (Chinese and Canadian cuisine)

RIVER JOHN TO TATAMAGOUCHE 22 KM | 1 HR AND 15 MIN WHAT YOU’LL SEE: Forests and farmland, wetlands and large sandstone culverts.

Bridges span the Wallace River, French River, Waugh River Tatamagouche Brewery 235 Main St, Tatamagouche | tatabrew.com Creamery Square 39 Creamery Rd, Tatamagouche | creamerysquare.ca Contains the Saturday Farmers Market, Arts Centre, Museum Chowder House 265 Main St, Tatamagouche facebook.com/pages/Chowder%20House/182100848524164/

UNIQUE STAYS:

Train Station Inn 21 Station Road, Tatamagouche | tatatrainstation.com Restored train station with railcar accommodations. Famous for: Overnight stay in a real historic railcar. Smith Rock Chalets 310 Fitzpatrick Mountain Rd, Scotsburn | smithsrockchalets.com A woodland lodge perched at the top of Fitzpatrick Mountain. Hotel-style rooms and cottages. Famous for: Panoramic hilltop views, hiking trails Pictou Lodge Beach Resort 172 Lodge Rd, Pictou (Braeshore) | pictoulodge.com Premier Atlantic Canada resort on the Caribou Beach. Hotel-style rooms and cottages. Famous for: Beautiful, long, sandy beach, “Taste of Nova Scotia” seafood dining Customs House Inn 38 Depot St, Pictou | customshouseinn.ca Restored former Customs Office. Famous for: Historic architecture

1. Adventure Medical.3 First Aid Kit

Ultralight / Watertight - $11

2. Atlantick Lemongrass Outdoor Spray

Pocket Size Tick Repellant - $13

3. Sweaters

Fjall Raven Men’s High Coast Light Sweater - $120

Fjall Raven Women’s High Coast Light Sweater - $120 4. Go Girl Personal Product - $15

5. Drinkware - Hydroflask

Hydro Flask 21oz Bottle w/ Flex Cap - $40

Hydro Flask 16oz Wide Mouth Coffee w/ Flex Sip Lid - $40

6. Baselayer Pants

Ice Breaker Men’s 200 Oasis Legging - $110

Ice Breaker Women’s 200 Oasis Legging - $115

7. Hats/neckwear

Arc’teryx Women’s Chunky Knit Toque - $50

Buff Canada Collection - $25

8. Darn Tough Socks

Men’s/ Women’s Spur Boot Light Cushion Socks - $30

9. Footwear

On Men’s/ Women’s Cloud Venture Trail Shoes - $190

On Men’s / Women’s Cloud Venture Water Proof

Trail Shoes - $210

10. Day Pack

Osprey Daylite 13 Pack - $75

9 4

5 1 2 3

6

8 7

10