The Great
Outdoors
About This Program
Many who struggle with addiction haven’t had the chance to slow down and reconnect with themselves. Nature is healing—a powerful teacher of self-care that creates space for reflection and renewal. Time spent outdoors calms the nervous system, encourages presence, and fosters thoughtful decision-making and self-awareness—key components of lasting recovery. By learning to care for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being, we lay the foundation for meaningful and sustainable change. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital part of living a healthy life and an essential element of recovery.
The Nature Program runs year-round offering guided walking tours on local trails, hiking excursions, fishing trips, and kayaking or canoeing on Vermont’s lakes and rivers. By offering a variety of activities, the program makes it possible for individuals to explore different ways of connecting with themselves, each other, and the natural world through physical activity and wellness. For some, these activities are a renewal of past interests, while for others they are brand-new experiences—both opening the door to fresh perspectives in recovery. Participants have the flexibility to take part in activities on their own or as part of a group, depending on what feels most supportive to their journey.
The
Basics
Who Qualifies
Our Nature Program is designed for current participants and graduates of the First Step Recovery House residential program. It is an extension of the support and structure offered during your time at First Step, providing opportunities to continue personal growth and healing through outdoor experiences.
Whether you're currently in the program or have successfully completed your stay, you are welcome to take part. These experiences are intended to strengthen recovery, deepen self-awareness, and build lasting connections—with nature, community, and yourself. No outdoor experience is necessary—just a willingness to participate and engage in your ongoing journey of wellness and recovery.
Program Residents
Physically Independent
First Step Graduates
Space is Limited
Our
Trips
New Experiences
Hiking / Walking Adventures
Kayaking / Canoeing
Fishing
In The
News
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about our nature program coming soon.
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Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
