A Call to Adventure

By Tia Gilbert, Outdoor Bandits Founder

My name is Tia Gilbert, and I’m the founder of Outdoor Bandits, a community I started in

the spring of 2024. Outdoor Bandits is dedicated to encouraging parents and their

young children to connect with nature. Through guided, toddler-led hikes, outdoor

activities, and tips and inspiration, we aim to foster a love for the outdoors, spark a

sense of adventure, and create meaningful connections among families.

The Roots of Outdoor Bandits

I’ve been an outdoor enthusiast for most of my adult life. My love for hiking began

unexpectedly, but once I discovered the trails and natural beauty of New Hampshire, I

was hooked. As a kid, I would chase the sunlight after school, squeezing every possible

moment outdoors. As an adult, being in nature became my therapy…a way to feel alive

and grounded.

When my oldest was born, my world shifted, but the outdoors became our sanctuary.

Parenting felt easier outside! My husband, Tom, jokingly called us the "Outdoor Bandits"

because we spent so much time outside, and the name stuck. However, it wasn’t until

January 2023, pregnant with my second baby, that I wrote down my goal of creating a

community for adventurous families. After a particularly challenging postpartum journey

with two under two, I realized how vital connecting with others and nature was for my

mental health.

By spring 2024, I took the leap and launched Outdoor Bandits. I wasn’t reinventing the

wheel, there are plenty of meet-up groups, but I envisioned something inclusive,

accessible, and welcoming for everyone.

Building a Community in the Outdoors

At its heart, Outdoor Bandits is about fostering connections. We’ve hosted weekly hikes

across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, celebrated holidays together, and

even marked milestones like our six-month anniversary, (and so close to our one

year!!!). The friendships we’ve built and the memories we’ve created have been nothing

short of magical.

It’s incredible to see how the little ones grow on the trails. Their creativity, resilience, and

confidence blossom with every adventure. Of course, it’s not without its

challenges…meltdowns happen! But we’ve learned to embrace them, armed with

snacks, silly games, and plenty of patience.

Tips for Hiking with Kids

In my journey of parenting outdoors, I’ve picked up a few tips that make hiking with kids

not only manageable but enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just

starting to explore nature with your little ones, these strategies might come in handy:

Preparation is Key

• Pack essentials: snacks, water, layers, and a first-aid kit.

• Research family-friendly trails that match your kids’ abilities.

• Make It Fun

• Turn hikes into adventures with scavenger hunts or storytelling.

• Let kids lead and set the pace.

• Manage Expectations

• Embrace slower paces and shorter hikes.

• Celebrate small wins (a lollipop at the end never hurts!).

A Call to Adventure

Outdoor Bandits isn’t just about exploring nature, it’s about transforming our perspective

on parenting and life. I hope this community fosters a sense of belonging for every

family who joins us.

If you’ve been searching for your own "village" I encourage you to step outside your

comfort zone. Whether it’s joining us at Outdoor Bandits or connecting with like-minded

people in your area, taking that leap could lead to friendships, growth, and experiences

that might just change everything.

If you’re looking, you can find us every Wednesday at Willowdale (of course) and

connect with us online. Our Facebook group is a hub for sharing stories, tips, and meet-

up details. On Instagram (@OutdoorBandits), we share inspiration, trail highlights, and a behind-the-scenes look at our adventures.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Your support has been the foundation of everything we’ve built together. Let’s continue

to explore, connect, and grow—side by side. The outdoors has room for all of us, and

the adventure is just getting started.

Tia and her family are an integral part of the WIllowdale community. We are so grateful for her willingness to contribute to our blog and encourage you to join the incredible Outdoor Bandit community for some hikes in 2025!