Holy Cross Ministries kicked off its summer hiking series last month on the McPolin Farm Nature Trail. The bilingual series uses the outdoors to foster healthy conversations around well-being, offering a space for healing and connection with oneself, friends and family.
The next hike in the series will take place Saturday, June 28, at Willow Creek Park, 4460 Split Rail Ln.), beginning at noon. The event is free, open to the public and will be conducted in both English and Spanish.
Designed for all ages, the hike incorporates nature, conversation and practical tools for topics like substance use prevention and mental health awareness. Organizers offer lunch, snacks, games and prizes throughout the afternoon, and participants ages 11 and older will receive a $15 gift card for attending. Advance registration is available online at forms.office.com/r/pgxPg5A3nm.
“This is more than just a hike,” said Rodrigo Coloma, community outreach coordinator with Holy Cross Ministries. “We’re creating an opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors and learn ways to support each other’s emotional wellbeing.”
Coloma and his team have found quick growth in the program, noting that people enjoy exploring nature and the hikes offer a chance to do so without the hesitation they might feel going alone.
The hiking series began in response to growing concerns around youth mental health, especially among Latino families in Summit and Wasatch counties. The goal has been to offer a safe and welcoming space where community members can talk openly about stress, anxiety and challenges they face.
Organizers said the act of walking side by side helps people open up more easily. Hikes include facilitated conversations and activities that encourage emotional resilience and reduce stigma around mental health.
Counselors at Holy Cross Ministries have found that being outdoors helps people feel more at ease, Coloma said. When people are relaxed, they’re more likely to open up and begin to heal.
What makes the program unique is its culturally responsive approach. Holy Cross Ministries works to ensure that Latino families feel seen, heard and supported. Coloma emphasized that language access, trust and representation are key.
Attendees can choose their preferred language and are typically divided into age groups. Coloma noted that kids often opt for English while adults tend to prefer Spanish, but all facilitators are bilingual and prepared to accommodate any situation.
“Representation matters,” Coloma added. “We want families to feel like this space belongs to them.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to continue growing the program by incorporating storytelling, art and peer mentorship into future hikes. But for now, they’re focused on showing families that small steps, taken together, can lead to meaningful change.
For questions about the program or other counseling services, contact Rodrigo Coloma at 385-257-2441.