Virtual Campfire #15: Gary Ware + Marionette Audifferen + Shanti Hodges

Welcome to the Hiking My Feelings Virtual Campfire. This 20-day event is a fundraiser for the Hiking My Feelings Wilderness Wellness Center, the American Diabetes Association, and RAINN - the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Each night from May 26-June 14, 2020 we are going live at 5pm PT to bring inspiration, hope, and healing to the community in these uncertain times. If you find value in what we're sharing here, please consider making a contribution to our non-profit organization.

You can get tickets to the Virtual Campfire at https://hikingmyfeelings.org/campfire and you can make a one-time donation at https://hikingmyfeelings.org/give

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When was the last time you played like a kid?

No matter what your answer is, tonight you can remember how to play with Gary Ware around the Virtual Campfire. Gary is the founder of @breakthroughplay, an improvisor, and one of my favorite humans. In fact, Gary was my improv teacher at @finestcityimprov, and his Yoda-like wisdom straight up changed everything about how I see myself and move through the world.

After Gary reminds us that it's okay to not take ourselves so seriously, we are chatting with Shanti Hodges, the founder of Hike It Baby. With the help of Jessica Carrillo Alatorre, she brought the organization from being a small hike group she founded in 2013, to a national non-profit supporting thousands of families to get on trails together. She founded the group after looking for a way to get outside with other parents in her area.

We are also chatting with Marionette Audifferen! Marionette developed a heart for nature and the outdoors at an early age. She explored and played in the creek behind her home and was introduced to camping as a Girl Scout. Then life happened. Marriage, four children and 10 years living abroad resulted in less time in nature. After returning to the U.S. in 2013, Marionette picked up hiking. Earlier this year, she started the Nurtured by Nature Club to help African-American families explore and connect with nature. Marionette is also a GirlTrek Organizer and Adventure Squad Leader, encouraging African-American women to practice radical self-care through the simple act of walking.