Come Alive Outside This Summer!

Summer is here! That means warm weather, longer days, and more opportunities to get outside.

Summer is here! That means warm weather, longer days, and more opportunities to get outside. Spending time outdoors increases focus and creativity, and lowers stress levels, symptoms of depression, and blood pressure. It also increases your physical activity.

Sometimes being outside can feel intimidating, especially on super-hot days, or when trying a new activity. Come Alive Outside is here to help! We have TWO apps for adults and resources to help you get outside, meet community members, and better your overall wellbeing.

Come Alive Outside’s mission is to support people’s wellbeing by encouraging them to go outdoors, so we have introduced a variety of programs to help. One program is our “Passport” program. The Passport program is a little booklet filled with activities that are given to kids before summer and winter school breaks. Now, adults can get in on the fun with our new digital version!  Search, “Come Alive Outside Passport” in your app store and download the app for free. You will have dozens of reasons to spend time outside chances to earn prizes!

Summer in Vermont is one of the best medicines. The Summer Wellness passport is designed for people who spend their days caring for others and don’t always leave much room to care for themselves. From outdoor micro-adventures and moments of self-care to nostalgic summer experiences, each activity is designed to be simple, accessible, and enjoyable. Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with a walk, a picnic, a sunset, or a few quiet moments outside.

Another program is our “Pathfinder Passport,” for adventurers to who like to explore nature. This passport has trails for all hikers including wheelchair accessible paths and half-mile walks. If you are an experienced hiker looking for a group to hike both Pico and Killington Mountains on the same day, we have that too! In this app, you will also discover local foods, how to be a trail angel, and other activities.

These summer passport programs for adults are made possible through funding from the Vermont Department of Health’s Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program.

This summer, we are also offering free one-on-one Wellness Coaching in partnership with the Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (SVAHEC). Whether your goal is to spend more time outside, be more active, reduce stress, meet new people, or simply prioritize yourself, a Wellness Coach can help. You’ll receive personalized support, encouragement, local activity suggestions, accountability, and a few fun surprises as you work toward your goals.

Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive. This summer, we’re launching the Come Alive Outside Gear Library! Borrow camping gear, fishing equipment, outdoor movie night kits, lawn games, wellness tools, blood pressure wrist cuffs, and more. Whether you’re trying something new or don’t want to buy equipment you’ll only use once, the Gear Library makes it easier to get outside and stay healthy. Thanks to support from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) and the Rutland Free Library, community members with a Rutland Free Library card can borrow Gear Library items for free!

We hope you will download one of the passports to maximize having fun outdoors, challenge yourself, or make getting outdoors feel easier and fun. Learn more at comealiveoutside.com.

See you on the trails, in the water, at a local event, or getting ice cream!