“The unfinished journey of life, fully embraced, is a wild adventure of the heart.”
Paul Lanhart
Wild Hearts Adventures, driven by a noble mission of service, extends a compassionate hand to children and adults grappling with life’s adversities. Their approach? Harnessing the transformative power of adventure to ignite the spirit and foster personal growth.
Through a diverse range of wilderness activities, participants are afforded a rare opportunity to break free from the constraints of everyday life. Amidst the tranquil wilderness, distractions fade away, paving the way for moments of clarity, camaraderie, and self-discovery.
Central to Wild Hearts’ philosophy is the cultivation of meaningful relationships—be it with fellow adventurers or a higher power. In the embrace of nature’s splendor, bonds are forged, souls are nourished, and hearts are stirred by the sheer beauty of the wild.
In close collaboration with Thrive Family Recovery Resources, Wild Hearts extends its reach to families grappling with substance use challenges. Together, they offer a lifeline of support, empowering families to embark on a journey of healing and renewal amidst the natural wonders.
From intimate father-son expeditions to spirited church youth retreats, Wild Hearts caters to a diverse array of groups. While their focus remains on aiding those facing adversity, they recognize the profound impact of nurturing familial and mentorship bonds in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Regardless of the group’s composition, Wild Hearts beckons all to partake in an unforgettable outdoor adventure—a voyage that promises not only exhilaration and adventure but also a deeper connection with oneself and others.
In a world beset by challenges, Wild Hearts Adventures stands as a beacon of hope, inviting all to embark on a transformative journey through the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
Jake’s Story
Jacob Lanhart, fondly known as Jake, passed away on October 23, 2021, at the age of 24, in his Lakewood, Colorado residence. Renowned for his unwavering competitive spirit, Jake left an indelible mark whether he was vying in a national chess tournament or leading his rugby team as captain—a nickname, Lionheart, emblematic of his resolute drive to succeed both on and off the field.
Following his academic pursuits, Jake ventured to Arizona before finding his anchor in Colorado. There, amidst the majestic peaks, he discovered solace and passion in scaling mountains, alongside his beloved girlfriend, Maddy Cadry. Over the last 2 ½ years, Jake dedicated himself to conquering the summits of Colorado’s famed 14ers as part of his journey to recovery, professing a profound connection with the divine amidst the rugged beauty of nature. His aspiration to join his father’s nonprofit endeavor, Wild Hearts Adventures, epitomized his desire to guide others in recovery towards spiritual renewal through wilderness exploration.
Yet, alongside his triumphs, Jake grappled with the formidable challenge of substance use disorder. With unwavering resolve, he confronted each day with courage and determination, steadfast in his pursuit of sobriety. Though his battle was arduous, Jake’s spirit remained unyielding until his untimely passing. His legacy, however, transcends the shadows of his struggles, illuminating the richness of a life lived with passion and purpose.
In the wake of Jake’s passing, his family finds solace in the memories of their shared wilderness adventures, witnessing firsthand the transformative power it held in Jake’s journey towards healing. Determined to honor his memory, they aspire to extend the same lifeline of hope to others grappling with similar challenges, leveraging their experience as a beacon of inspiration and encouragement.
Through Wild Hearts Adventures, they seek to forge connections, inspire resilience, and empower individuals to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that lie ahead. In commemorating Jake’s legacy, they invite others to embark on a transformative odyssey—a journey of discovery, renewal, and boundless possibility amidst the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
Wild Hearts Adventures Events
Weekend camping trips cater to beginners eager to delve into the wilderness, offering the chance to experience sleeping under the stars, cooking over open fires, and engaging in various outdoor activities.
Joining a canoe adventure promises an unforgettable experience, whether exploring Minnesota’s stunning BWCA or navigating the scenic St. Croix River. Campsites vary, sometimes nestled on islands, providing a serene setting to soak in the natural surroundings. With minimal portaging on the river and moderately challenging trails in the BWCA, participants of all skill levels can partake in the adventure.
For those with a thirst for a more rigorous journey, backpacking trips into the Rocky Mountains offer an immersive experience lasting 5-7 days. All essentials, including transportation, food, equipment, and knowledgeable guides, are provided, requiring only a spirit of adventure and a desire to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.
But the adventure doesn’t end there. Other backpacking expeditions, like a 4-day trek along the Superior Hiking Trail with captivating views of Lake Superior’s North Shore in Northern Minnesota, are also on offer. Whether a novice or seasoned explorer, there’s an outdoor escapade waiting for everyone to discover.
Checkout the full event schedule & booking details:
I reached out to Wild Hearts Adventures about writing this article and received the following response from Founder & CEO, Paul Lanhart:
“The sober community needs information on what’s available in helping them stay on their path to recovery. While we work with folks struggling with all types of life’s challenges, our main focus is people in recovery. Folks who are on that path often find it difficult to find great sober activities and many people, while using, missed out on so many life experiences. My passion is to bring wilderness adventures to these folks as one activity that can have so many benefits for someone on their path to recovery!”
Paul’s candid passion to help others resonated deeply and filled my heart with tremendous gratitude. I had to experience firsthand the essence of Wild Hearts Adventures. Serendipitously, the “Wild Hearts Kickoff Weekend” at Afton State Park campground was just two days away at the time and I signed up immediately!
Follow Wilds Hearts Adventures
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-hearts-adventures/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsadventures
Contact Wild Hearts Adventures
Phone: 952-807-3121
Paul Lanhart, Founder & CEO | paul@wildheartsadventures.org
Jay Larson, Chairman & Director of Leadership | jay@wildheartsadventures.org
Thrive! Family Recovery Resources
In the pursuit of positive change, understanding the impact one can make is paramount. At Thrive!, their approach emphasizes the multitude of pathways to recovery, guided by the principles of kindness, compassion, and connection. Instead of resorting to confrontation or tough love, they prioritize empowerment through effective tools and solution-focused actions that foster healthy behaviors and constructive transformations.
Drawing upon evidence-based methods such as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), The Invitation to Change (ITC) approach, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), Thrive! creates nurturing environments conducive to familial healing. Studies indicate that engaging in a CRAFT intervention increases the likelihood of treatment entry by 64-74%.
Thrive! prides itself on being an inclusive space, welcoming families of all backgrounds and beliefs. Alongside traditional approaches, they offer two Christian faith-based programs, including a group curriculum and bi-annual women’s retreat, catering to diverse spiritual needs.
Thrive! Offers support groups online and in-person in Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin:
Contact Thrive!
Helpline: (612) 504-5424
Business Line: (612) 464-8182
Locations in: Burnsville & Duluth, Minnesota
Follow Thrive! Family Recovery Resources
Instagram: @thrivefamilysupport
SOBRIETY IN THE CITY – MINNEAPOLIS / ST PAUL: Sober living in the greater Minneapolis / St. Paul area doesn’t have to be boring; living free of substances opens the door to a world of new explorations and experiences. With our Sober in Minneapolis / St. Paul section, you have access to some of the hottest spots in the twin cities!
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Looking for recovery resources in the greater Minneapolis /St Paul area? Be sure to check out our ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCE GUIDE and scroll to the Minnesota section.
PAY IT FORWARD: At The Sober Curator, we believe in the power of giving. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, using your unique talents, or donating money, giving back to the community has numerous benefits. Not only does it make us better humans, but studies have shown that those who give are happier, have longer lifespans, and feel more connected to the world around them.
As Pablo Picasso famously said, the meaning of life is to find your gift, but the purpose of life is to give it away. That’s where Pay it Forward comes in. Our comprehensive resource directory is a curated list of reputable, recovery-related organizations that are seeking donations and volunteers to help enhance our communities.
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Resources Are Available
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