Nature Builds Hope
Wilderness Youth Project Provides Positive Childhood Experiences
The HOPE framework highlights four building blocks that help children thrive. Wilderness Youth Project programs naturally bring these elements together through nature-based mentoring.
In recent years, researchers and pediatric health leaders have emphasized an important insight: positive childhood experiences are just as important as preventing adverse ones.
The HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) highlights four building blocks that support children’s resilience, wellbeing, and lifelong health.
At Wilderness Youth Project, this research reflects what we see every day in the field. When children spend meaningful time outdoors with supportive mentors and peers, they develop confidence, connection, and a deep sense of belonging in the natural world.
Certified HOPE Facilitators
We are excited to share that WYP staff Dan Fontaine and Mario Mendez have recently become certified HOPE facilitators, strengthening our ability to integrate this research-based framework into our programs and partnerships.
The Four Building Blocks of Positive Childhood Experiences
1. Nurturing Relationships
Children thrive when they have consistent relationships with caring adults and supportive peers.
WYP programs are intentionally designed around small groups and experienced mentors who build trust over time. Whether exploring creeks, tracking wildlife, or sharing stories in a circle, these relationships create a sense of belonging that supports healthy development.
2. Safe and Stable Environments
Children benefit from spaces where they feel safe, supported, and free to explore.
Nature provides an ideal environment for this balance. With guidance from trained instructors, children experience manageable challenges—crossing a stream, balancing on a log, or navigating a trail—that help build confidence and resilience.
Research increasingly shows that time in natural environments reduces stress and supports emotional regulation.
3. Opportunities for Engagement and Growth
Positive childhood experiences include opportunities to learn new skills, explore curiosity, and develop competence.
WYP programs emphasize hands-on learning. Children track animals, identify plants, build shelters, and practice teamwork in the outdoors.
These experiences help develop:
- curiosity
- problem-solving skills
- leadership
- confidence
4. Emotional Growth and Meaning
Children benefit from experiences that help them develop empathy, reflection, and a sense of meaning.
Nature creates space for these moments. A quiet observation of a bird, a reflection at the end of a hike, or helping a younger child navigate a challenge can help children build emotional awareness and connection.
These experiences support lifelong mental health and relational wellbeing.
Nature as a Protective Factor
The HOPE framework reminds us that positive experiences do more than create happy memories—they help build lifelong health.
Research shows that supportive relationships, safe environments, meaningful engagement, and emotional connection act as protective factors that buffer stress and adversity.
Outdoor mentoring programs like Wilderness Youth Project naturally bring these elements together.
By connecting children with nature and community, we are helping build the conditions where resilience, wellbeing, and hope can grow.
Learn more about the HOPE framework
- HOPE Framework: positiveexperience.org
- New York Times: Healing Childhood Trauma- What Science Says About Breaking the Cycle
References
Sege, R., & Browne, C. (2017).
Responding to ACEs with HOPE: Health Outcomes from Positive Experiences.
Academic Pediatrics.Bethell, C., et al. (2019).
Positive Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental and Relational Health.
JAMA Pediatrics.Bratman, G., et al. (2019).
Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective.
Science Advances.Children & Nature Network.
Evidence for Nature and Health.
We can’t do this work without you!
Your support allows us to continue to give out scholarships and fund community programs. We have faith that you and our community will come forward to make sure we can keep building wellness, curiosity, and connection.
Wilderness Youth Project is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization; tax #77-0526117. Donations can be made via credit card online at wyp.org/donate, or checks may be made payable to “Wilderness Youth Project.” WYP accepts donations from donor-advised funds and gifts of stock.