Connect with Nature and Community at Farm & Wilderness' Fall GOAT Hike!
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, Farm & Wilderness invites you to join us for our fall Get Outside All Together (GOAT) Hike on Saturday, November 30th. This nationwide event brings the F&W community together for a day of exploration, connection, and celebration of the natural world that is so central to the F&W experience.
What are G.O.A.T Hikes?
G.O.A.T Hikes are a way for the F&W community to come together locally, wherever they may be. These events embody the spirit of F&W's commitment to joyful play, purposeful work, and rugged outdoor living. They offer a chance to unplug, explore nature, and forge meaningful connections with others who share the F&W values.
Each hike is led by a volunteer host and typically lasts about an hour, often followed by a bring-your-own picnic lunch. The hikes are designed to be accessible for various ages and abilities, making them perfect for families, alumni, and friends of F&W.
How Can You Get Involved?
Participate in a Hike:
We have hikes planned in multiple locations across the country. From the trails of Prospect Park in Brooklyn to the scenic paths of Mt. Tabor in Portland, Oregon, there's likely a hike happening near you. Visit our website to find the location closest to you and RSVP.
Host a Hike:
If there isn't a hike planned in your area, consider hosting one! It's a great way to bring a bit of F&W magic to your local community. We provide hosts with guidelines, safety information, and even some F&W swag to share with participants. Sign up on our website to become a host.
What to Expect on November 30th
On the day of the hike, you'll gather with other F&W community members at the designated meeting spot. Your hike leader will start things off with a classic F&W circle-up, setting the tone for a day of community and connection.
As you walk, you'll have the chance to chat with other hikers, share F&W memories, and create new ones. Many of our hike leaders incorporate educational elements, sharing interesting facts about local flora and fauna or discussing conservation efforts in the area.
In true F&W fashion, we encourage an "unplugged" experience during the hike. This allows everyone to fully engage with their surroundings and each other, fostering the kind of genuine connections that are at the heart of the F&W experience.
Why Join a GOAT Hike?
GOAT Hikes offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with the F&W community and values, even if you're far from the green mountains of Vermont. They're a chance to:
- Meet other F&W alumni, families, and friends in your area
- Spend time in nature, something we know is vital for well-being
- Share the F&W experience with friends or family who might be curious about camp
- Recharge and center yourself as the busy holiday season approaches
Plus, it's just plain fun! As one participant from our spring hike shared, "It felt like a little piece of camp magic right in our own backyard. My kids can't wait for the next one!"
How to Prepare
To make the most of your G.O.A.T Hike experience, we recommend:
- Wearing comfortable walking shoes
- Bringing layers (check the weather for your location!)
- Packing a water bottle
- Leaving electronic devices behind or turned off
- Bringing an open mind and a spirit of adventure
Join Us on November 30th!
Whether you're a long-time F&W camper, a parent, an alum, or just someone curious about our community, we'd love to see you at a GOAT Hike. It's a wonderful way to carry the spirit of F&W with you throughout the year and to share it with others.
Visit our website today to find a hike near you or to sign up as a host. Let's get outside all together and create some F&W magic in our own communities!