Outdoor Explorations

Every group needs a hero and Outdoor Explorations is the hero of anyone with a disability looking for an outdoor experience. I am sure most of you have never heard of this wonderful non-​profit, though they have actually been around for several years. I first became involved with the group about 1 year ago and have had many incredible and heart moving experiences since. I have seen both kids and adults participating in outdoor trips that most would have considered impossible for them. Imagine a wheelchair safely manuvering a ropes course 20 feet in the air, or perhapsa child with a cognitive disability kayaking or snowshoeing. The activities offered by Outdoor Explorations for such a diverse group individuals is simply amazing.
The first training trip I went on for OE included a panel session comprised of parents and older participants of the program. One mother described how her son (as I recall it), with both cognitive and physical disabilities, was invited to participate in a «Climb and Dine» event at Metro Rock. Her initial reaction was «No way!.» After further thought she went along with the idea and sure enough her son went to the event and was helped to scale a rock wall. A few months later, the same mother was walking through the park with her son when he saw a recruiter standing in front of a portable rock wall. His eyes lit up and he insisted upon going over to the recruiter. The recruiter of course balked at the idea but was persuaded by the adoring eyes of the child. Sure enough, the child made it to the top of the portable wall, trying and accomplishing something he and his mother never would have dreamed possible before.
«Outdoor Explorations makes the outdoors a welcoming place to people with disabilities. Through our innovative, cooperative, and fun approach, we break down the barriers that prevent people from living life to the fullest. Our adventure programs, training, and community service enable people of all abilities to discover and value their own and others’ unique strengths»
The moral is, this is a great program that can use volunteers, participants, and of course donations. Tell your friends, visit the website, and show your support!