We believe too many kids are suffering from anxiety and depression today, and being mindful in the outdoors can help them–and all of us–live meaningful lives.
We want to make it easy for families to pack up and go hiking. As a hiking family, we couldn't find a "one-stop shop" to get high-quality kids gear, hiking recommendations and mental health encouragement. And so, the idea of Barkeater Kids took its first milestone step. We are excited to embark on this journey with all of you, embracing each milestone as they come, one step at a time.
Meghan & John's Story
We love each other, our families and being outdoors, but have long-suffered from anxiety and depression. Hiking and therapy has helped us repair.
How We Met
Meghan and I grew up in upstate New York and met at a community pool when we were kids.
After high school, Meghan and I went on separate journeys. She took a path to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and I joined the U.S. Army. Fortunately, we found each other again a decade later (thanks, social media👍) and fell in love on a trip to Lake Placid, N.Y. Before long, we vowed to support each other through good times and bad.
The outdoors–hiking the woods, staring at waterfalls and jumping into rivers–has always been our touchstone, a place we felt home. So we started bringing our kids to the places we love. (Yup, that's Lake Placid again.)
