Be a Trailblazer experience turns points, prizes into lasting outdoor rewards

Julie Rogers of Plainfield didn’t think her 12-year-old son would enjoy tagging along on hikes when she joined the Forest Preserve District’s Be a Trailblazer experience in January.

“He wasn’t super excited about the concept because I’ve dragged him along on nature walks and hikes before,” she said.

But this was different, and soon Luke was hooked.

“When he saw the set-up in the Goosechase app, it clicked for him,” she said. “It’s totally gamified, with a good mix of missions, trivia, and photo challenges. To him, it’s like a real-life video game.”

Luke has his own smartphone, “so there’s a sense that we’re all on an equal playing field – the adults don’t have an advantage.”

Luke also gets to pick which missions the family tackles.

“That means he’s willing to get moving on a sleepy Saturday,” Rogers said.

Luke is competitive, and “he wants to earn ALL the points,” Rogers wrote in an email. But in the end the points aren't the point, 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.”

Rogers 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." 

Join today to make new memories

The Rodgers are among approximately 1,500 people who have joined the Be a Trailblazer experience in its second year. The challenge is divided into seasonal sessions featuring new missions and dozens of prizes awarded randomly to participants. The summer session runs through Sept. 12, and the fall session will run from Sept. 23-Dec. 12.

Each season features two mission drops. Prizes are awarded through random drawings and include weekly giveaways as well as 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. 

New in 2026, participants can earn collectible pins by reaching four achievement levels: Rookie, Explorer, Adventurer and Master. To join, download the free Goosechase app to your smartphone and search for “2026 Be a Trailblazer” or enter code JYBKK4.

‘How did I not know this was here?’

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.”

Stacey Adelmann said one of the women in a walking group she created, Walk With Us – Plainfield Women, mentioned the Trailblazer challenge last fall. The group joined and has been having fun discovering new trails, getting in extra steps and exploring new places.

“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?’ Had it not been for the Trailblazer challenge, I don’t think I would have discovered many of them.”

She appreciates that all participants can win prizes, no matter their point totals.

“There isn’t a prize for finishing first, and that makes it feel less about competition and more about community, which has always been a big motivator for me,” she said.

All who participate also receive intangible rewards, she said.

“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.”