Find your community outdoors with the Seekers ambassador crew
Feeling disconnected? You may be lonely, but you’re not alone. In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory declaring loneliness a health epidemic, equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
It may even put individuals at higher risk of premature death than obesity or physical inactivity.
The good news? There’s a fix for that.
Cure loneliness outdoors, together
There’s something about the beauty of the outdoors that brings people together. Spending time together outdoors increases our happiness and cultivates deeper feelings of connection.
You may have first gone on a hike or bike because you knew it would be good for your physical health. But getting outside has proved to be incredible for mental health too!
Hands up, anyone who feels 10 times better after a walk outside?
Bottom line: getting outdoors can be a great way to build connections with other like minded people.
So how do you find outdoors community?
Take a cue or two from us and our #seekersambassador crew, and take the leap.
Go for a group hike
If you’re an Alberta woman who loves hiking, this may be the group for you. Say hi to Amanda or Erin, Seekers ambassadors and group co-founders.
Bike with a buddy
Take a cue from longtime #seekersambassador Tyler Dixon and mix play time with social time on the trails. It’s always good to ride with a friend.
Explore somewhere new with your crew
Plan an expedition this summer with a few good friends: it'll be the best. thing. ever.
Get outdoors, get more connected, get more Zen.
Sign up for ZenSeekers enews for more transformative travel inspiration.
Golf with… your dog?
Drew Rogers shows us how easy it can be to find companionship on the links.
Break trail together
You may have big goals, but nobody gets to the finish line alone. Check out these tips from the confession of a reformed trail snob.
Tips for finding outdoor community
When it comes to getting outside and being part of community, the challenges generally are twofold: 1) motivating yourself to get outside and 2) finding other active people.
Many people start with the first challenge. But why not tackle it in reverse? Find an active group of people and commit to an outdoor activity. Committing to an activity involving other people is often just the right motivator.
Outdoor social groups
Here are some outdoor social clubs and groups in Western Canada.
Kootenays https://www.facebook.com/groups/457915398976564
Vancouver Island https://www.facebook.com/groups/1452318565058206
Okanagan https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikingintheokanagan
Edmonton https://www.facebook.com/edmontonoutdoorclub
Alberta Adventure Girls https://www.facebook.com/groups/173444412989429
Prince George https://www.facebook.com/pgadventureclub
Quesnel https://www.facebook.com/groups/QuesnelOutdoorAdventures
Volunteering
Meet people, enjoy new experiences and build relationships through volunteering.
This FestivalSeekers.com story explores how volunteering can benefit you, with lists of volunteer opportunities for summer 2023 in both Alberta and BC.
Outdoor clubs and associations
Get involved in your local trails association, show up for clean up days or a trail building event in your community. Automatic in!
However you get outside, and who ever you get outside with this summer, remember to be safe (insert bear safety article?), have fun and tag us in your posts! Our challenge to you, make a new outdoorsy friend, build your community and enjoy the beautiful places we live!
Want to join the #SeekersAmbassador Crew?
#SeekersAmbassadors are a voice for the outdoor community, whether that's as a photographer, a blogger, a content creator, or someone who just likes to share their adventures online.
Interested in learning what it's all about? Join us, we're hosting an online meetup with our Seekers Ambassadors and interested new ambassadors this Tues, June 13 at 6:30pm.
More adventures together
Sometimes all it takes is a spark.
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