Liking, learning, and lasting impressions: youth experiences with self-guided, nature-based adventures on trails in South Carolina

Nature-based programming for youth and their families offers a promising avenue to support well-being. This study examined youth experiences with the Kids in Parks (KIP) program, which manages a nation-wide hiking trail network, ‘TRACK Trails,’ engaging youth and their families in free, self-guided, outdoor adventures via trailhead brochures with nature-based activities. A qualitative content analysis of open-ended adventure-registration questions investigated what youth liked and learned, and what left a lasting impression after the adventure. Using South Carolina-based registrations (n = 296 youth, n = 368 adventures) from February-August 2024, we observed that youth frequently described learning about or experiencing plants, animals, history, and natural features, as well as nature appreciation and stewardship ethics. Youth also highlighted feelings of gratitude, safety, and meaningful social interactions. These findings underscore the value of youth and family-centered nature-based programming in fostering connections to the natural world and well-being benefits.