Queer Monthly Helpers HikesAre you a Helper/Healer and looking to connect with others who can relate?
Are you looking for Queer community and a chance to connect to nature? Please join us in the restorative power of nature at our monthly Queer Helpers Hike. When: 4th Saturday of the month, from 10am - 12pm Please bring comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and an Annual Northwest Forest Pass. Carpooling is encouraged. This is not therapy, nor is it your typical networking event. Instead we will collaborate with nature and each other to foster connection and self care. I hope you all will join me! Each month we will meet at a new trailhead, stretch and connect through hiking. This is a chance for us to get grounded, move our bodies, and learn from each other and mother earth. Trails are chosen for accessibility and will range from easy to moderate. We will take lots of breaks along the way to breathe and reflect. Please let me know if you have any health concerns or limitations that you would like me to know about. We kindly ask any participants who are financially able to donate $5-15 per hike. Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/annie-zenn |
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Frequently asked questions:
Who do you consider to be a helper or healer?
This term is vague and inclusive on purpose, because there are lots of ways to promote healing. Some examples include but are not limited to: therapists, social workers, case managers, massage therapists, energy workers, teachers, caregivers, medical doctors & nurses, yoga practitioners, spiritual guides, psychiatric nurse practitioners, life coaches, doulas, sound healers, psychologists, meditation practitioners, spiritual healers and more!
What if I have a disability or accessibility need?
Please email me privately about your needs and I will do everything in my power to accommodate you! Safety is my number one priority and I am trusting participants to make the best decision for their health and wellness. With that being said, please remember to bring your EpiPen, inhaler or any other medical device or assistance you need in order to be outside.
Will I get information about the hike ahead of time?
Yes! I will send out a detailed email before each hike with a map and a link to the hike on AllTrails so you know the length and elevation gain ahead of time.
Does anyone want to carpool?
Many of the participants are coming from the greater Portland area and carpooling is highly encouraged. Each participant will have the option to include their contact information on a shared Google Sheet. Arranging and coordinating carpools will be up to you!
Will you cancel for inclement weather?
Safety is our number one priority. I will monitor weather conditions and cancel in the event of a storm, hazardous air quality, or if the road/trail conditions are unsafe.
What if I want to stay longer or go out to lunch with others from the group?
Our event goes from 10 am to noon and after that, you are free to do what you like! Some folks may choose to stay in nature longer, while others may grab lunch at a local restaurant or cafe. Building connections and community is highly encouraged so please do what feels best for you!
Can I bring my child or pet?
No, please do not bring a child (under 18) or a pet unless we have discussed it with the group first. Some folks have allergies or fears of animals and we want this to be a safe group for everyone. We also want folks to show up authentically and they may not feel able to fully express themselves or connect to nature with children present.
What should I wear/bring?
I highly recommend wearing comfortable hiking or walking shoes with grips on the soles, rain gear and dressing in layers in case you get too hot or cold. Please bring your own water bottle, snacks and any medical items you may need (medication, inhaler, EpiPen, ect). For most of the hikes, an Annual Northwest Forest Pass will be required for each vehicle and needs to be bought ahead of time. If there are any other required passes or costs related to the hike, I will include them in my email.
Does this cost money?
In order to make these hikes sustainable, we kindly ask any participants who are financially able to donate $5-15 per hike. We accept cash and Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/annie-zenn
How can I ethically experience and protect our natural environments?
Being mindful environmental stewards means being aware of the impact we have on the world around us. One way to do this is through the 7 Principals of Leave No Trace, which can be easily summarized as "leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos." The Principles can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your backyard.
This term is vague and inclusive on purpose, because there are lots of ways to promote healing. Some examples include but are not limited to: therapists, social workers, case managers, massage therapists, energy workers, teachers, caregivers, medical doctors & nurses, yoga practitioners, spiritual guides, psychiatric nurse practitioners, life coaches, doulas, sound healers, psychologists, meditation practitioners, spiritual healers and more!
What if I have a disability or accessibility need?
Please email me privately about your needs and I will do everything in my power to accommodate you! Safety is my number one priority and I am trusting participants to make the best decision for their health and wellness. With that being said, please remember to bring your EpiPen, inhaler or any other medical device or assistance you need in order to be outside.
Will I get information about the hike ahead of time?
Yes! I will send out a detailed email before each hike with a map and a link to the hike on AllTrails so you know the length and elevation gain ahead of time.
Does anyone want to carpool?
Many of the participants are coming from the greater Portland area and carpooling is highly encouraged. Each participant will have the option to include their contact information on a shared Google Sheet. Arranging and coordinating carpools will be up to you!
Will you cancel for inclement weather?
Safety is our number one priority. I will monitor weather conditions and cancel in the event of a storm, hazardous air quality, or if the road/trail conditions are unsafe.
What if I want to stay longer or go out to lunch with others from the group?
Our event goes from 10 am to noon and after that, you are free to do what you like! Some folks may choose to stay in nature longer, while others may grab lunch at a local restaurant or cafe. Building connections and community is highly encouraged so please do what feels best for you!
Can I bring my child or pet?
No, please do not bring a child (under 18) or a pet unless we have discussed it with the group first. Some folks have allergies or fears of animals and we want this to be a safe group for everyone. We also want folks to show up authentically and they may not feel able to fully express themselves or connect to nature with children present.
What should I wear/bring?
I highly recommend wearing comfortable hiking or walking shoes with grips on the soles, rain gear and dressing in layers in case you get too hot or cold. Please bring your own water bottle, snacks and any medical items you may need (medication, inhaler, EpiPen, ect). For most of the hikes, an Annual Northwest Forest Pass will be required for each vehicle and needs to be bought ahead of time. If there are any other required passes or costs related to the hike, I will include them in my email.
Does this cost money?
In order to make these hikes sustainable, we kindly ask any participants who are financially able to donate $5-15 per hike. We accept cash and Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/annie-zenn
How can I ethically experience and protect our natural environments?
Being mindful environmental stewards means being aware of the impact we have on the world around us. One way to do this is through the 7 Principals of Leave No Trace, which can be easily summarized as "leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos." The Principles can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your backyard.