Riding the bike paths on a beautiful Local Cycling Day.
Our summer in the Rocky Mountains may be short, but we enjoy it to the fullest whether on the rivers, the bike paths, or on the ropes course! This is how one participant described their experience this summer at a BOEC led Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado retreat, “I’m utterly amazed of the adaptations that the BOEC offers to the campers to participate in every activity. I love how the people here see me as a person and don’t see me as a disability.” And from a participant on a trip for veterans,
“These river trips and outdoor wilderness therapy actually have a large impact on my life and mental well-being. I feel clear of mind and centered after being on the river with new and old friends. I appreciate the time, money and effort it takes to conduct these outings. Your organization is truly helpful to veterans suffering from PTSD and other issues.”
BOEC Wilderness Campus Programs
Some of the groups we welcomed to the BOEC Wilderness Campus in Breckenridge, Colorado, included Camp Little Tree, CamPossible, Cleft Camps and Camp Zenith all in collaboration with Children’s Hospital Colorado, Operation TBI Freedom a veteran focused program of Craig Hospital, Outdoor Adventures Within, a program curated for those with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, Evergreen Parks and Recreation, Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, on multiple retreats, and REACH Burn Foundation dedicated to impacting the lives of adult burn survivors.
Allison, Adventures Within participant, on the high ropes course.
Adventures Within
BOEC’s Adventures Within summer retreat for adults living with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis was packed with outdoor adventure, offering everything from adaptive cycling and whitewater rafting to a lively concert at the Dillon Amphitheater and the joy of kayaking on the high alpine lake right in front of the lodge. Participants enjoyed a variety of new and exciting activities, including s’mores around the campfire, a meal out, and a visit to steaming mountain hot springs.
The Challenge by Choice model is particularly important at this retreat. Course director Molly explains,
“The ropes course was definitely challenging. AWI showed me how the ropes course serves as this amazing microcosm of proving to yourself that you can do hard things. Participants are nervous, maybe some of them aren’t sure how possible it is given where they are at with MS, and then they get up there and it is difficult, and it is terrifying – for everyone, regardless of physical ability – but then they do it. They took deep breaths and they walked on wires 40 feet in the air. I knew it was safe, but I hadn’t seen it through with my own eyes. It really demonstrates how incredibly capable, brave, and persevering these folks are. We all got to feel this strong sense of accomplishment. It’s truly remarkable.”
The retreat gave participants the opportunity to connect with others who face similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding. One participant shared how the experience made them feel “normal” again, adding, “It allows me to feel like a typical person, which is rarely the case. I can push myself safely and make friends who understand what I’m going through.”
The supportive environment, created by trained staff and interns, allowed for meaningful interactions and valuable informal discussions about things like life challenges, medications, and disabilities. The participants expressed appreciation for the thoughtful care provided, making it easy to accept help when needed.
With great meals and fun adaptive equipment, like the hand-crank e-assist bike to help the participants enjoy each activity, this retreat left participants feeling empowered, connected, and fulfilled. It was so saturated with enjoyable moments, from everyone laughing together around the campfire, to cheering each other on climbing the rock wall. Molly says,
“I think one of the most rewarding moments was at the end when we all reflected on what a magical week it had been. Hearing this group share how meaningful this week was (BOEC staff and myself included) was one of the best feelings in the world.”
BOEC River Trips
Leading multiple courses on river trips, we adventured with inner city youth from the Houston area through The Woods Project, young adults with developmental and learning disabilities at Wilderness Camp, participants with Jefferson Center for Mental Health, veterans with the BOEC’s Heroic Military Program, and those living spinal cord injuries with Ability360 (360Outdoors). For some this was a first time outdoor backcountry adventure.
Ability360 participants enjoying their backcountry river adventure.
Ability360 River Trip
Paddling the San Juan with Ability360, a Phoenix-based organization, was a first time collaboration with the BOEC and a highlight of the summer! Ability360 is a center for independent living or CIL, run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities to address needs and barriers within the community. This trip was composed of 10 participants with different ability levels who live with spinal cord injuries. This incredible journey allowed our staff and participants to come together, getting creative to make the backcountry accessible for those with wheelchairs and spinal cord injuries.
For some, it was their first time venturing into the wilderness areas of Colorado and Utah, and it was great to watch these individuals push their boundaries and reach their goals. In addition to rafting the rivers, everyone on the trip set up tents, hauled items to camp, and helped cook among many other things. One participant shares, “I was inspired by everyone’s teamwork and hard work ethic with not one negative word or even facial expression. The positivity was infectious.”
Ability360 leader Kaitlyn Verfuerth shared that the most rewarding part of the trip was seeing how everyone worked together as a cohesive “family” unit, with both the BOEC and Ability360 teams supporting each other to accomplish their goals. She highlighted the growing relationship between Ability360 and BOEC, expressing excitement for future collaborations. Kaitlyn emphasized how these experiences introduce Ability360 participants to new places and opportunities, showing them that they may have greater abilities and independence than they thought.
Kaitlyn’s sentiments are underscored by this participant’s account,
“I was able to participate in an activity I was initially nervous about trying. I was very eager to learn new skills and the BOEC guides were really great, such as showing me how to do things like setup a tent. They also gave me space to try on my own, on the sidelines watching in case I needed to ask for help. I had a lot more fun than I thought I would. I felt so lucky I was able to try something new with such a supportive team. I had a very positive experience and will never forget this trip, and [am] looking forward to do[ing] another!”
BOEC Locals-Focused Open Enrollment Courses
We also toured the recreational paths of Summit County on adaptive cycles with individuals living with spinal cord injuries. With youth in our local community, we rock climbed at Swan Mountain, experienced the ropes course and rafted the Upper Colorado River.
Everett, year-round BOEC participant, out on his first rafting trip!
Local Days Family Rafting Day
For the first 14 years of his life, Everett was essentially confined to a chair. His activities consisted of going for drives in the car, riding the bus, going to school, and watching TV. Once he started recreating with BOEC’s adaptive programs, his parents learned that he loves adrenaline. Everett has a unique chromosomal abnormality involving some deleted and duplicated genes on his 8th chromosome. With no specific prognoses or guarantees for his condition, his family has always taken things one day at a time.
River rafting became one of the many “miracles” made possible by the BOEC. His mom, Stacie, loves being on the water and had been saddened by the thought that river rafting was something they would never be able to share. They were stunned when the BOEC announced an opening for a local family raft day last summer and asked if Everett and his mom wanted to join. Stacie’s response was, “Are you sure? I don’t see how that’s possible,” she continues, “the BOEC saw opportunities where, as his parent, I only saw barriers.”
Everett enjoyed that day last summer so much that they joined the same local family rafting day again this August. Everett’s quest for adventure and possibility has led him to kayaking around Lake Dillon and cycling with BOEC’s locals adaptive cycling days —two other activities that Stacie never imagined him doing before his time with the BOEC. Through these outdoor activities, BOEC has helped empower Everett’s personal growth and strengthen the bond between him and his family.
Having multiple seasons keeps things exciting at the BOEC! After a great summer, we look forward to the coming winter when adaptive snowsports abound. To learn more about our year-round adaptive outdoor programs, please visit: https://boec.org/programs/.
