Youth on the North Country Trail "Good for Your Body, Brain, and Heart"

Youth on the North Country Trail - "Good for Your Body, Brain, and Heart"
📅 Tuesday, July 9 at 6:00 PM
📍 Hastings Public Library Community Room

Join us for an inspiring evening on the North Country Trail—through the eyes of 9-year-old adventurer Bernadette Wills!

Bernadette has hiked hundreds of miles across three states and has a passion for the trail that’s hard to put into words—though she’ll certainly try! She believes hiking offers limitless benefits, especially for kids and families. From boosting physical health to improving your “brain and feelings-heart,” Bernadette is eager to share what makes the North Country Trail so special.

When she’s not on the trail, Bernadette enjoys reading, crafts, dance, theater, and tent camping with her family. She dreams of becoming a dance instructor one day—and in the meantime, she’s working toward hiking 1,000 unique NCT miles before she turns 13!

Also joining us, is her mom, Lisa Will, who lives in West Michigan and works remotely for the University of South Florida. Together, they’ll talk trail life, family hiking tips, and why they’re so passionate about getting outside.

🥾 Following Bernadette’s talk:
Stick around for our Board and General Meeting, where we’ll discuss the “One Trail” spanning three counties and seven trail towns. We’ll provide updates on partnerships in Eaton, Barry, and Kent Counties, upcoming trail events, and opportunities for community involvement.

Whether you're a hiker, a family looking for outdoor adventures, or someone curious about the North Country Trail, this evening is for you. Come share your love of the trail and help support its growth in West Michigan!