Join the Be A Trailblazer experience for outdoor challenges and adventures

If you haven’t tried the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Be a Trailblazer experience, now is the time to give it a go.

The weather is great and the preserves are ripe for adventure and exploration.

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Three recent participants give the challenge, which features a scavenger hunt type missions and prizes awarded randomly, high marks.

Totally gamified

Julie Rogers of Plainfield said she didn’t think her 12-year-old son, Luke, would enjoy going on the hikes, but as soon as he saw the missions were in a Goosechase app, it clicked for him.

“It’s totally gamified, with a good mix of missions, trivia, and photo challenges,” Rogers said. “To him, it’s like a real-life video game.”

The app was the hook, but the experiences are what is lasting, she added.

“We’re gaining a lot that isn’t gamified: the benefits of being outdoors and moving, time with plants and wildlife, and the character we’re building when a mission ends up being a little more challenging due to the weather or another factor.”

She encouraged parents with elementary and middle school-aged kids to give it a try.

"I think they would love the family time, the nature exposure, and the reason for everyone to move," she said. "Sure, there are phones involved, but you're not looking at the screen much. Families could make this be part of their routine, quality time that creates amazing habits for kids."

Finding new favorites

Kristina Junge of Mokena joined last fall.

“This year I've been bringing my family along on hikes as often as we can, and we've explored more of Will County than ever, after living here for most of my life,” she said.

The Junges have found new favorite spots in other parts of the county.

“Hidden Oaks (Nature Center) is a favorite center of ours,” she said. “My daughter Charlotte, 2, loves the indoor play area and the turtles. My son, Everett, 10, likes Isle a la Cache, exploring the old structures. My husband, Bryan, and I just like being outside.”

‘How did I not know this was here?’

Stacey Adelmann and the walking group she created, Walk With Us – Plainfield Women, joined last fall.

“What surprised me most is realizing how many beautiful forest preserves and free resources are right here in our own community,” Adelmann said. “I wish I had known about the nature centers when my kids were younger. There were several places I drove up to and thought, ‘How did I not know this was here?'"

Participants can win prizes, but there are many intangible rewards, she added.

“Being outside on the trails lowers stress, helps with healing after grief, and creates space for fun memories with friends and family. It also helps me show up for myself. The bonus is getting to slow down, enjoy nature, take beautiful photos, and spot deer, turtles, birds, and other wildlife along the way.”

How to join

The summer Be a Trailblazer session continues through Sept. 12, followed by a fall session from Sept. 23-Dec. 12. Each session features new missions and random prize drawings, including weekly giveaways and larger items such as kayaks, coolers, camping gear, binoculars, snowshoes and fitness trackers.

Funding support comes from The Nature Foundation of Will County and more than 30 local businesses and organizations. For the full list of donors, visit the Be a Trailblazer page.

Participants also can earn collectible Rookie, Explorer, Adventurer and Master pins by completing achievement levels.

To join, download the free Goosechase app, search for “2026 Be a Trailblazer” or enter code JYBKK4.