From trails to transformation: How Youth Heartline is empowering young lives through the outdoors

This blog was authored by Semilla Strategies in collaboration with Youth Heartline in an effort to spotlight how the Outdoor Equity Fund is helping improve access to the outdoors for youth across New Mexico. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Youth Heartline and Semilla Strategies for their partnership in this storytelling series. 

For over three decades, Youth Heartline has been a cornerstone of support for underserved children and families in Taos, Colfax and Union counties in northeast New Mexico. Founded in 1991 as the first and only Court Appointed Special Advocates program for the Eighth Judicial District, Youth Heartline has since expanded its mission to provide a wide range of services aimed at improving long-term outcomes for families experiencing trauma and instability.

Among its many impactful programs, Youth Heartline’s Branches Outdoor Adventures stands out as a beacon of hope for children who otherwise might never experience the transformative power of nature. Fueled by a grant from the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), the organization has been able to expand this program to offer year-round outdoor experiences, nurturing confidence, resilience and a sense of possibility in the children it serves.

Despite a location rich with natural beauty, many of the children that Youth Heartline serves have never had the opportunity to explore the outdoors. Barriers such as transportation challenges, financial constraints and complex family dynamics often keep these children confined to their immediate environments. The OEF grant has been instrumental in dismantling these barriers, enabling Youth Heartline to expand Branches Outdoor Adventures and create meaningful outdoor experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

“A lot of these kids live in one of the most idyllic places in the country, yet they’ve never walked along the Rio Grande, set foot in the ski valley or explored a mountain trail,” said Colleen Shaughnessy, executive director of Youth Heartline, “The OEF funding allows us to bridge that gap and give these kids experiences that foster joy, resilience and connection.”

In the past year, the OEF grant allowed Youth Heartline to add summer programming to Branches Outdoor Adventures, which had previously been limited to winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. The expanded program includes hiking trips, outdoor educational activities and a highly anticipated overnight camping experience. 

The impact of these outdoor adventures on the children’s confidence and outlook is profound. Many of the participants come from households where survival takes precedence over exploration, and the idea of venturing into nature is unfamiliar, if not intimidating. But through the support of trained facilitators and the camaraderie of their peers, participants find themselves overcoming fears, discovering strengths and building lasting memories.

“We see incredible growth in confidence,” Colleen shared, “Kids who were initially hesitant to step into a stream or explore a cave are running through the water and venturing deeper into the cave by the end of the day. They walk taller, speak up more in school and begin to see themselves differently.”

One memorable moment came during an overnight camping trip, where participants not only learned practical outdoor skills, like setting up tents and cooking over an open fire, but also experienced the natural challenges of camping in the New Mexico monsoon season. As the rain poured and the temperature dropped, the children persevered, and the pride they felt the next morning—having overcome their fears and discomfort—was palpable.

“They woke up beaming,” Colleen recalled, “They’d made it through the night and cooked their own meals. For some of them, it was the first time they felt truly capable and independent.”

Beyond the immediate joy and excitement of outdoor adventures, the Branches program is designed to foster long-term resilience and life skills. Facilitators weave lessons on environmental stewardship, teamwork and emotional resilience into each activity. Participants learn about the importance of leaving no trace, the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the value of working together to achieve shared goals.

The program also emphasizes “positive risk-taking”—encouraging children to step outside their comfort zones in safe and supported ways. This approach helps to counteract the negative risk-taking behaviors that many of these children may be exposed to in their daily lives.

“For kids growing up in cycles of trauma, poverty and instability, learning how to navigate challenges in nature translates to a sense of agency in other areas of their lives,” Colleen explained, “If they can climb a mountain or hike a trail they never thought they could conquer, they start to believe they can handle other challenges, too.”

The outdoor setting also provides a unique environment for emotional healing. Many of the children that Youth Heartline serves are grappling with complex family dynamics and the lingering effects of trauma. Nature offers a space for reflection, connection and growth that is difficult to replicate in traditional settings.

Colleen recounted the story of two siblings who joined the program after losing their father in a tragic accident. Through their participation in Branches Outdoor Adventures, they found a safe space to process their grief and rebuild their sense of security. Whether it was sharing memories of fishing with their dad or simply feeling supported by the group, the experience helped them take important steps toward healing.

Youth Heartline’s ultimate goal is to instill in these children a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. By introducing them to hiking, skiing, rafting and other activities, the program opens doors to new possibilities for recreation, relaxation and even career paths in environmental science, conservation and outdoor education.

“We want them to see the outdoors not just as a place to visit but as a resource they can turn to for joy, peace and inspiration,” Colleen said. “It’s something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Despite New Mexico’s abundant natural resources, access to outdoor experiences is increasingly limited for many children, particularly those in rural and low-income communities. Transportation challenges, financial barriers and a lack of structured opportunities contribute to this disconnect. Programs like Branches Outdoor Adventures, supported by OEF funding, are critical in reversing this trend.

“Access is the key,” Colleen emphasized, “Without programs like ours, many of these kids would never have the chance to hike a trail, visit a ski valley or camp under the stars. These are experiences that should be part of every childhood, and OEF makes them possible.”

As Youth Heartline reflects on the success of its expanded programming, the organization is determined to sustain and grow these opportunities. The equipment purchased with OEF funding—from tents to sleeping bags—provides a foundation for future outings, ensuring that the program can continue to serve children even if funding fluctuates. However, long-term sustainability will depend on continued support from initiatives like the Outdoor Equity Fund.

“This funding is a lifeline,” Colleen said, “It allows us to dream bigger and reach farther, creating experiences that truly change lives.”

Through its partnership with The Wilderness Society and Semilla Strategies, Youth Heartline hopes to amplify its story and advocate for the importance of OEF funding. By sharing the successes of Branches Outdoor Adventures, the organization aims to inspire legislators, community members and potential supporters to recognize the transformative power of outdoor access.

“The outdoors is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Colleen concluded, “And thanks to OEF, we’re able to provide that necessity to children who need it most.”

Youth Heartline’s work, powered by the Outdoor Equity Fund, is a testament to the profound impact that intentional, nature-based programming can have on the lives of underserved children. By fostering confidence, resilience and a connection to the natural world, Branches Outdoor Adventures is not only changing the lives of its participants but also planting seeds of hope and possibility for generations to come.