Ready to chill out with Hearty Roots? Registration is open for this year’s Plunge for a Purpose on New Year’s Day at Pemaquid Beach. All are invited to take the plunge while having fun and supporting programs that guide local kids off the grid and into their hearts. Hearty Roots offers year-round school partnerships, campouts, and day camps, creating meaningful mentorships and connecting kids to the natural world.

"On January 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a phalanx of hardy and fun-loving folks will storm the beach in Bristol, at Pemaquid Beach Park," said Hearty Roots. "Costumes, courage and camaraderie will all be on display as folks dash into the ocean for a dramatic start to the new year. Heaters, warm drinks and access to the dressing rooms at the Park will be available to bring human thermostats back to normal post-plunge."

Plunge for a Purpose sign-up fees, along with optional crowdfunded donations, will provide support for Hearty Roots’ scholarship fund, which is designed to ensure a no-barrier and no-questions-asked process when families request a sliding fee scale during registration; over half of Hearty Roots camper families benefit from a tuition subsidy.

To learn more, and to register for the Plunge for a Purpose, go to https://www.heartyroots.org/plunge-for-a-purpose. Any questions can be sent to Ali at ali@heartyroots.org.