Walk, Connect, Reflect & Give Back: A Gratitude Walk on National Trails Day

🌿Lace up your walking shoes, invite a friend, and join the Gratitude Choice Project for a rejuvenating 5-mile Gratitude Walk on National Trails Day! 🌿

This Saturday, June 7, 2025, we'll gather at the beautiful Vernon Rails to Trails in Vernon, CT, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to connect with nature, cultivate gratitude, give back to our community, and build meaningful connections.
Hosted by Dr. Nicola Chambers-Holder, founder of the Gratitude Choice Project, this walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the healing power of nature while engaging in practices that nourish your well-being. The Gratitude Choice Project is a vibrant wellness movement dedicated to enhancing well-being through communal gratitude, nature immersion, mindfulness, and community service – we believe in gratitude in action, connecting you to nature, community, and your inner self!
Why Walk with Us?
The Vernon Rails to Trails provides accessible pathways for everyone, offering invaluable mental, emotional, and physical health benefits – especially for those in underrepresented and underserved communities. The Gratitude Choice Project is committed to bridging gaps and creating inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds can discover the restorative power of the outdoors and embrace positive, mindful practices.
💚 Experience the Transformative Power of Our Gratitude Walk:
• Gratitude Circle (9:00 AM Start): We'll begin by coming together in a circle to share what we're grateful for and set our intentions for our mindful journey ahead.
• Mindful Walk: As we stroll along the scenic trail, we'll practice mindfulness, deepening our connection with the natural world and each other, while reflecting on the beauty that surrounds us.
• Trail Cleanup (Give Back Together): As we walk, we'll also engage in environmental stewardship by tidying up the trail, leaving it better than we found it.
• Community Brunch (Connect & Share): After our walk, we'll enjoy a delicious community brunch, providing a relaxed space to share our reflections, forge new friendships, and connect over our shared appreciation for nature and gratitude.
Event Essentials:
• 📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Vernon Rails to Trails, Vernon, CT
• 👕 Included: Commemorative t-shirts, refreshing beverages, and a truly enriching experience!
➡️ Who's Invited?
Everyone! Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to outdoor activities, this walk is designed for all levels to slow down, connect, and contribute.
Important Note: The walk will be rescheduled in the event of rain. We will notify all registered participants of the new date.
🌟 Ready to Walk, Reflect, and Give Back? 🌟
RSVP today! Don't forget to invite your friends and family to this meaningful celebration of gratitude, mindfulness, and community service.
Stay Connected by using hashtags with your pictures and comments for this walk:
• #GratitudeChoice
• #NTD2025
• #GratitudeWalkVernon
• #ConnectingThroughNature
• #GCPEnvironmentalStewardship
• #NationalTrailsDay
• #RailsToTrailsCT
We look forward to walking in gratitude with you!
For safety and legal purposes, do not just show up. Please take the time to register and have your guest register for each event. Thank you.
You are hiking at your own risk. Leaders or GCP is not responsible or liable for anyone getting hurt while participating in our events.
Thanks for joining the L.L.Bean Evergreen Outing and Adventure Group, now GCP Wild Adventures. We offer a wide range of events. Our outdoor adventures engage in Gratitude walks/hiking, paddling adventures, and paid instructional course trips and tours. Please visit https://www.meetup.com/gratitude-choice-project/ for a full list of our events. For paddling adventures, visit https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/glastonbury-connecticut to register and see the full schedule of offerings.
*REQUIREMENTS FOR GRATITUDE WALKS/HIKES:
No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they are lost or hurt in the ‘middle of nowhere by themselves – everyone must follow the guidelines to prevent such a scenario, no matter the likelihood of it happening.

• For safety concerns, we start together and end together. Unless it is an emergency, you will be removed from the group if you show up for the gratitude circle and then leave after or leave halfway into the hike).
• Keep an ID with your emergency contact/s information with you at all times, just in case of an emergency.
• Bring water to stay hydrated, snacks for energy, bug/tick repellant, wear comfortable clothes (non-cotton if possible.. to keep dry), and wear trail sneakers or hiking shoes/boots for comfort.
• Be open, accepting, and respectful at all times.

KINDLY DON'T BE A NO-SHOW. Please be considerate and cancel your spot at least 24 hours in advance, especially on a hike with a waitlist.
PARTICIPATION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hike leaders are not responsible for your safety.
--- Legal Stuff --- By clicking on "Yes" for this event, you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors, and administrators, do waive and release any rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Gratitude Choice Project meetup group for and related to the above-listed event. I confirm that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above-listed event. I grant Gratitude Choice Project permission to use any photographs of this event for any purpose related to the gratitude walk. #transformation #businesscoaching #empowerment #wellness #mentalhealth #lifecoach #positivity #mindsetcoach #gratitude #lifelessons #inspiration #growth #grateful #mentalfitness #selfhelp #spirituality #instagood #drnicolachambersholder #gratitudechoiceproject #psychologist #naturelovers #gratitudewalk #outdooradventures #hiking #cthikes #walk #nature #peace #positivevibes