We Hike to Heal, Inc JULY 2026 Newsletter FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM SUPPORT OUR NONPROFIT GROUP HIKE CALENDAR JOIN THE WH2H BOARD JULY 2026 Hey there, Reader? Summer has a way of inviting us to slow down and notice the small beautiful things—the warmth of the sun on our skin, the shade of a favorite trail, the way the cool breeze plays with your hair on a walk with a friend. This month we're seeking Joy in the Journey at We Hike to Heal. As with so many things, we believe joy isn't a destination...
Summer has a way of inviting us to slow down and notice the small beautiful things—the warmth of the sun on our skin, the shade of a favorite trail, the way the cool breeze plays with your hair on a walk with a friend. This month we’re seeking Joy in the Journey at We Hike to Heal. As with so many things, we believe joy isn’t a destination to arrive at; it’s something we can discover along the way. It’s found in early morning hikes, quiet moments under the trees, and the simple act of choosing to step outside and care for ourselves. This month, we’re embracing the idea that healing and joy often live in the journey itself—in every deep breath, every step forward, and every moment of connection with nature and one another.
As we move through this joyful season together, here are a few ways to get outside, connect and be part of our community this month.🌿☀️💚
Let’s pop some July joy into that journal!
🌿 Meditation Invitation 🧘🏾♀️
“Follow the Light & Find the Joy”
Step outside, if possible. Close your eyes and take three slow breaths.
As you open your eyes, notice where the light is falling around you:
Sun filtering through leaves
Shadows dancing on the ground
The glow of the sky
Ask yourself:
What is bringing light and joy into my life right now?
Take a deep breath, look around, and write down three things in nature that make you feel grateful, alive, or at peace. Rinse and repeat each day this July, or as needed!
🔥Before You Hit the Trail This Summer
Wildfire conditions can change quickly. Before heading outdoors We Hike to Heal encourages you to:
✅ Check local park alerts and trail closures ✅ Review the latest fire and smoke maps ✅ Carry extra water and know an alternate route ✅ Be willing to change plans if conditions aren’t safe
Helpful resources:
Watch Duty app – Use the app to check for active wildfires, smoke conditions and closures in your area.
National Parks Service – Every park’s page features details on fire and trail closures, air quality alerts, and weather advisories.
AirNow Fire & Smoke Map – This is incredibly helpful because sometimes a trail may be open, but smoke conditions make outdoor activity unsafe—especially for people with asthma or other respiratory concerns.
Because the best hike is the one you return home from safely. 💚🔥🌲
WH2H Campout & Retreat 2025 was blessed with great trails and weather, and no local fires in the area.
Coming This Fall: FREE Community Paddles on the Chattahoochee River!
🚣♀️We’re thrilled to partner with the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center to offer a brand-new experience for our Georgia community this fall: completely FREE guided paddles on the beautiful Chattahoochee River!
These small-group experiences (just 12 community participants per paddle) will take place in August, September and early October and will include kayaking on calm, scenic sections of the river, along with We Hike to Heal’s signature moments of mindfulness, connection, and reflection.
If you’re in Georgia and have been curious about getting out on the water, keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels—registration will be opening soon, and spots will be very limited!
🌿 No gear or experience required. Just bring your sense of adventure.
If you missed water time with WH2H at a past campout, this is your chance to get out on the water with us again. (Photo: WH2H Campout 2023.)
Jay engaging with visitors at the Atlanta REI in June.
Did you catch Jay in June?
What a beautiful day of community and connection at our REI activation! We always love partnering with one of our favorite brands, and there’s something special about feeling so connected to our community, seeing familiar faces from Chasing Waterfalls, Connected Campers, and BIPOC Outdoors, and just soaking in the energy of being outside together. Our Board Chair and Emotional Wellness Lead, Jay, shared crystals with attendees and explored their meanings while guiding folks through a meditation deck, sparking some really beautiful conversations along the way. We talked about our programs, connected people with local hikes in their area, and left feeling so grateful for this community we get to build, one gathering at a time.
Join We Hike to Heal and REI for more FREE in-person events this summer!
🏕️ July is all about backpacking at REI. Join us for a day filled with food, drinks, and backpacking focused activities that will get you in the spirit. Connect with local enthusiasts and participate in outfittings and mini classes. We can’t wait to see you there!
New designs are coming to the We Hike to Heal shop, made for community members BY community members!
Submit a design and this summer pack of WH2H x REI x Hydroflask goodies could be yours!
Submissions due by: August 31st.
Submit to: info@wehiketoheal.org
👉🏿 Save the Date 🗓️
WH2H Day of Giving — Thursday, September 10th
This September, We Hike to Heal will host our first Day of Giving — a community-wide invitation to help grow healing, belonging, and access to the outdoors. Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 10th, and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks about how your support can help sustain free and low-cost programs, Ambassador-led hikes, and outdoor wellness experiences for women across the country.
💚 Until Next Month…
This July doesn’t have to be all about fires, fireworks and FIFA football! It can also be a season of dipping your toes in the water, chilling in your backyard and making time to simply be.
Wherever this month takes you, we hope you’re finding joy in your journey.
Thank you for walking alongside us and for helping create a community where healing, belonging and joy can flourish.
