We’re grateful for our partnership with Charles River Recreation! CRR houses the outdoor recreation companies Paddle Boston and Weston Ski Track. For many years we’ve been using Paddle Boston sites all over the Greater Boston area. Only in more recent years, as we’ve acquired more adaptive snow equipment, have we partnered with Weston Ski Track to provide accessible snow sports to the community. People with disabilities and their families who want to recreate together are often met with challenges when showing up for a private or group recreation activity. Waypoint and companies like Charles River Recreation can provide access, adaptive equipment, differentiated instruction, individual or group programming for all ages and all abilities.
Participants with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Limb Differences, Paraplegia, Spinal Cord Injuries, Brain Injuries and more can all participate in the fun and freedom of kayaking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sit-skiing, and hiking thanks to partnerships that use their strengths in unison.
Weston Ski Track
Paddle Boston
00JULIA SPRUANCEhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJULIA SPRUANCE2023-11-16 12:37:302023-11-16 12:37:30Waypoint Partnership with Charles River Recreation
Here at Waypoint, we continue to enjoy outdoor adventures! In fact, winter hiking, biking and snowshoeing trips can be exhilarating and fun with proper clothing, the right equipment, a mask, and a bit of social distance. Let’s be real, even a stroll around the block on a gray day can refresh the mind and raise our spirits. We are excited to venture into the outdoors with you if you are up for the adventure! Our new online registration process is up and running – click on ‘The Adventures’ tab on our website to sign up or give us a call and we’ll find the best program fit for you and your goals!
We understand that the pandemic can sometimes make travel, or even getting out of the house feel challenging. The good news is that opportunities to virtually enjoy nature, as well as resources and inspiring stories are available at the tap of your device or computer. Studies have shown that even virtual nature can improve our health and happiness. Here are some websites and links to virtual adventures that might get you dreaming of post-pandemic outings.
Try a virtual nature hike or “visit” a national park at one of these links:
ProArtInc’s Virtual Hikes via the 4K Virtual Outdoor Hikes Playlist on YouTube – Immerse yourself in a trail for several hours, listening to the sounds of nature as the camera moves along a hiking trail at walking speed
As winter arrives and daylight grows a little shorter, the brambles and thorns of life might tug at you and try to hold you down or keep you indoors. Nature has a way of affording us a literal view of the forest through the trees. Science has proven that nature (even virtual nature) can contribute to happiness and boost our moods and state of mind. Come join us on a Waypoint Adventure; and if that isn’t possible at the moment, try experiencing nature virtually!
Please contact us via email or phone to let us know about other virtual nature experiences that you like or to request that Waypoint run a virtual experience
Eleven young adults – each with such unique stories, sets of strengths and challenges, personalities, and character – graduated from the Leaders-In-Training program on March 1st. It was a “waypoint” for all – a monumental marker along their journey. Parents were beaming, siblings and friends were excited, and LITs were incredibly proud of their achievement.
But to us, it was big as well! This was no typical program! It was the first time since Waypoint opened in 2010 that we’ve put together an intentional, goal-focused, extensive series for a specific population that is “Open Enrollment” style – meaning we formed a team from the public. And it was an incredible success! There are a million good stories or times we can point to and say “THAT was a moment that he/she grew…” but the BIGGEST, most impactful outcome was belonging.
Let me set the stage: The transition from youth to adult is scary for anyone. Even with the most solid support systems, it’s easy to lose confidence in yourself, lose sight of your preferences, get confused about what decisions to make, know when to take risks, etc. And it’s precisely why transition-age youth with disabilities – who aren’t given the same opportunities to step out of their comfort zone and take on leadership roles – have the odds stacked against them.
But our theme addressed this: “Leadership” is actually all about knowing yourself. Knowing who you are deep down. When decision-making opportunities come up or there are relationships to manage, if you know yourself well, you can trust your judgement and your preferences, rely on your strengths, or ask for help. In this LIT program, the curriculum was written around “learning to be leaders,” but it turned out to be so much more about knowing yourself and being known by others. This group formed quickly into a “family” and they used this word over and over again to describe the group… “We’re a family!”
On March 1st, on the 13th floor of a Boston high-rise at Wilmington Trust, the evening celebration began. With food and drinks, a slideshow, and view of the city, each LIT was given a new name honoring the ways they were “known” within the group. Several LITs shared about what they had taken away from the experience, and all received a certificate and gift. Also in attendance were the new LITs and their families – those that have been accepted into the 2018-2019 crew! The graduating class got to shake hands and welcome in these new and excited young adults.
Ryan Horrigan delivering his speech: How he has felt a sense of belonging in the group.
Shayda Tahmili and Sara Young share about the ways they became friends and what they have in common… The list was extensive!
Sara Frost shares about what she has learned from the LIT program… her biggest takeaway: confidence in herself!
An excerpt from Sara’s speech
Robert King receives his certificate. His new name was The Magnifier.
Sara Young receives her certificate. Her new name was The Connector.
Tessa Geomelos receives her certificate. She got the Mirror Award.
Ryan Horrigan and Chris Dunn welcome in new LIT, Daemon Tendler.
Will Haas welcomes in new LIT Anthony Curioso.
Sara Young and Kristina Gillis welcome in new LIT, Emma Ferrick.
A proud group standing together having just graduated!
All the LITs! The graduating class as well as the new class inducted in!
The big group along with Wilmington Trust. Thank you Carl Robinson, Rob Coly, Alycia Joyal, Josh Christian, and Timothy Wade for hosting us!
The rest are pictures from our last few programs. Below is our Outdoor Rock Climbing adventure at Quincy Quarries in October 2017. Everyone was assigned a specific partner that they had to work with for the rest of the day. On this day, friendships in the group really started to go deeper.
Next up was our Indoor Rock Climbing adventure of November 2017. This program started out a bit differently than most. Thanks to the gracious hosts at Central Rock Gym in Watertown, we held a panel discussion and all the LITs’ families joined us. On the panel were three young adults with disabilities who had leadership experience and could speak to the adulthood transition process: Melissa Bradley, Kamisha Heriveaux, and Jack Hanke. These three shared about their experiences getting jobs, finding roommates, balancing schedules, navigating relationships with parents, and gave good advice to our LITs who were working on figuring that stuff out! At the end, we all climbed together!
Our planned January “Snowshoeing” adventure turned more into an ice-hike in the 60s…. strange… but wonderful. We spent the day at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge practicing navigation, making decisions, and working together as a team.
Our last adventure was a full weekend up at The Browne Center at UNH. It was a perfect way to celebrate the culmination of hard work and personal growth. This group became a family. And no, that doesn’t just mean “they became great friends.” That means dragging gear on sleds to a yurt, burrito buffet by headlamps, a NEVER-ENDING, no-mercy Uno game, a chorus of snoring unlike anything you’ve ever heard, launching through the trees on the Flying Squirrel, trying to balance the entire group on a teeter totter, Robert hoarding the pop tarts, Zach’s mad libs, Ryan sampling the roast beef, and a heartfelt, honest, and beautiful bracelet ceremony. There’s so many memories to take away from this weekend and this series overall. But it’s the connection to purpose and investment in relationship that made weekends like this one stand out.
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2018-03-09 16:59:352018-03-09 16:59:35The First Graduating Class of LITs
Guest Blogger alert! Steve Dastous joined Waypoint’s program team in October. He’s a stellar facilitator, volunteer coordinator, and member of this team. Check out his account of this impactful weekend.
♦Hey Y’all♦,
Well, 2018 is off to a thrilling start! For the 7th consecutive year, Waypoint Adventure’s Winter Summit was a complete success.
On Friday (February 23rd), a group of 11 adventurers made the trek up to Crawford Notch to stay at the AMC Highland Center for two days and two nights. While up in Crawford Notch, the crew set out to hike Mt. Willard, a renowned mountain that is known for great views.
As the new, freshly-made group gathered at Waypoint before leaving for New Hampshire, the levels of excitement and nervousness were high. With the luggage and wheelchairs packed into a 15-passenger van (provided by Peter Fuller Rentals), the crew embraced the pounding rain and the call for adventure. While the drive took about 3 hours to complete, the time flew by and all nervousness evaporated.
This year, the focus of the trip was centered on one main concept: Community.A positive and thriving community is one where every individual feels safe, allowed to express themselves how they want to, and contribute to the group in their own unique way.
To hone in on this idea of community, each participant was given a rock with another participant’s name on it. They were explicitly told not tell anyone in the group what name was on the rock. Their task was to observe this person throughout the entire weekend and notice when they were being a positive and contributing member of the group. For example, a contribution could be as small as giving someone a compliment or as big as carrying someone down the mountain. Other than observing this person, they also had to carry the rock wherever they went.
On Saturday morning (February 24th), the crew got up at 6:30am to make it to an early morning breakfast. The weather was a mere 35 degrees, but there was little wind and no rain or snow. Today was the day of the big hike. The hike up Mt. Willard.
♦Before The Hike♦
Here are some pictures leading up to the hike:
(The crew ate a HUGE buffet breakfast before the hike. Yum!)
(The team prepared snacks and lunches for the big hike. Flavor-blasted goldfish, pretzels, fruit bars, and sandwiches with meat/peanut butter and jelly/hummus were some of the many options for these adventurers. )
(Lydia had a great idea on how to fold her sandwich. We all followed her lead.)
(Pat and Tyler all packed and ready to get moving.)
(Steve was ready to go too!)
(Before we set out to climb the famous Mt. Willard, we decided to take a group photo in front of our home for the weekend. With the whole bunkhouse to ourselves, it was a perfect place to hangout, play games, chat with each other, and to take a rest. However, we came up to New Hampshire to hike! Mt. Willard, at 2,840 ft above sea level, is no easy feat, especially in the snow and with the intense mountain wind blowing through Crawford Notch.
♦On The Way Up♦
At around 10:30am, we set out on our hike up Mt. Willard. Here are some pictures on the way up:
(Mr. T’s A Team consisting of Steph, Steve, Tyler, Lydia, Pat, and Jim Bradley.)
(Jim, Merri, and Tim were all smiles and stoked to be outside! Other ITimirod members were Dan and Chris.)
(Chris overlooking centennial pool, which was a cool scenic offshoot on the trail.)
♦At The Top♦
After a couple of hours of hard work, we made it to the top! Here are some pictures of what we saw:
(The view we saw coming out of the tree tunnel.)
(We were all pretty tired at this point; Lydia took the most relaxing approach and laid down in the snow.)
(Tyler’s reaction to getting to the top of Mt. Willard.)
(Once we all had a moment to check out the view, it was time for a summit lunch.)
♦On The Way Down♦
Unfortunately, once you get to the top of a mountain, you have to come down eventually. After about an hour on the summit, we headed back to the Highland Center and made it back within 2 hours.
Here are some pictures on the way down:
(Chris, Tim, and Jim were so close to the bunkhouse at this point! You can see it in the right corner of this picture.)
(Steph, Steve, Tyler, and Lydia were also close at this point while they passed the old train station.)
♦Rock Ceremony♦
Once back at the bunkhouse, the crew took time to do some self-care, grab some dinner, and prepare for the night activity: the rock ceremony. Each person had the opportunity to present what name was on their rock and say what they had observed over the weekend. It was an incredible moment for everyone and there was real sense of genuine camaraderie and community-building.
Here are some photos from that event:
(Jim gave Chris a quality handshake and his rock.)
(Tim gave Merri her rock and a parting joke.)
(Merri gave Jim Bradley his rock!)
(Tyler and Pat both had each other’s rocks. They have known each other for years, but this weekend gave them an opportunity to form a deeper relationship.)
(Steph and Lydia also both had each other’s rock!)
(Dan gave Tim his rock. Both have also known each other for years. Both were on the first ever Winter Summit. Both will continue to be great people.)
♦Flags♦
Along with the rocks, each team also made a flag that represented them and their unique hiking experience.
Here are the pictures:
(Mr. T’s A Team making their flag.)
(ITimirod making their flag. Steve was not on this team however.)
(Finished flag!)
(Finished Flag!)
♦Final Day♦
On Sunday (February 25th), the crew woke up at 6:00am to get to an early breakfast. Due to incoming snow, we left the Highland Center around 10:00 am and arrived back at Waypoint around 1:00pm. While we were all tired from the weekend, we all agreed that it had been an incredible adventure. The trip will last in our memories for the rest of our lives. By creating an environment where all individuals felt safe, loved and challenged, quality community was built in a short period of time.
♦Final Thoughts♦
Thank you to all who were part of the planning and logistics of the Winter Summit. Thank you AMC for all that you do for us. Lastly, I am so grateful for all the participants that went on the Winter Summit. You made the experience so incredible.
Till next year everyone!
-Steven R. Dastous, Volunteer and Program Coordinator
We are committed to understand the impact of Waypoint programs on the lives of people with disabilities and their communities. Thanks to a collaboration with the Social Innovation Forum, Public Service Economics, and Boston University’s Occupational Therapy Department, we released an impact report that includes feedback from participants, parents and teachers/caregivers.
Want a quick snapshot? Keep reading…
Waypoint PARTICIPANTS were asked to fill out a post program evaluation that looked at four key outcome areas which research has shown as deficits in the lives of people with disabilities. Following a Waypoint program, participants report…
At the end of the evaluation we ask a few open ended questions about what participants valued, advice they would give others, and what they would change. Some of their responses include:
When we askedTEACHERSto report back on their perspective of Waypoint’s impact they continually tell us things like:
PARENTS are a crucial part of the feedback we seek in determining impact. When weask them to report on the impact of their son or daughter’s participation in Waypoint programs and we continually hear things like…
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2017-12-08 14:36:562017-12-08 14:36:562017 Program Impact Report
Throughout this school year, we have had the opportunity to work with Somerville’s Next Wave Junior High School and Full Circle High School. Next Wave / Full Circle teaches students who have difficulty learning in traditional educational settings. They boast of an environment safe for every member of the community and a place where everyone is treated with respect.
David Aronofsky, teacher at NWFC, got a taste of Waypoint programming last year and sought his own funding to make it happen for his students again this year. He champions the belief that adventure education has a “positive impact on building self-esteem and confidence in [his] students.” We whole-heartedly agree!
This year, the theme was community and we built a strong one throughout time at school working through team initiatives and five adventures off campus (indoor and outdoor rock climbing, snowshoeing, hiking, and the ropes course). Students quickly caught on that working through challenges equips you for life! Each teen took their role within the community seriously; They were supportive of one-another’s progress and courage. It’s in knowing that our community is encouraging that we’re more willing to try something new.
Check out this series:
Teambuilding program: Students had to (1) get two different weighted balls into the bucket across the gym without letting either one hit the ground and without anyone touching the ball; and (2) lower a hula hoop with keeping only a flat finger underneath to support the weight. Both simulated challenges introduced the idea of working together with a common goal and purpose.
“It was a good experience because not only did people have fun, but we got together and really got to show support and be a group. I got to meet some of the the kids I wasn’t that close to in school!”
Snowshoeing: In February, we were able to explore snowy trails and work together to follow our map through the Middlesex Fells. Many students were experiencing snowshoeing for the first time! To cap it all off, we enjoyed hot chocolate with the views of the hills on one side and Boston on the other.
Outdoor Rock Climbing: In April, we spent the day in the woods using the team-belay to keep each other safe. We talked a bit more about how we can rely on each other and why supporting each other is so important.
Hike: On a hot and gorgeous day in the Blue Hills, we went up to Hancock Hill and enjoyed some amazing views of Boston, the Atlantic, and felt a little like we’d made our way to New Hampshire. Everyone in the group had a great perspective on why it’s important to look out for one another. Countless times on the hike, a hand was extended, the bug spray shared, or some encouraging words were given to get up and over a hard spot. It was an awesome day!
The Ropes Course: Our final adventure! We wrapped up our series in Waltham at Cedar Hill Day Camp. (Thank you gracious hosts from Girl Scouts of Eastern MA!). What turned out to be another gorgeous day filled with teamwork, laughter and memories was a great way to end the series. Students walked away with ideas as to why are we valuable to the many communities we are part of, and how what we do everyday impacts the community and each individual member.
Thanks for a great series Next Wave/Full Circle School! You have an awesome community to begin with. We were glad we got to help build it even more!
P.S. David A, teacher, emailed us soon after this post was published with the following letter. Check out the progress of a student who made huge strides in confidence because of the relationships built and challenges overcome. Way to go Jess!
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2017-05-31 20:19:172017-05-31 20:19:17Next Wave Full Circle: The Series
On March 4th, we marched forth despite the coldest recorded temps since the 1800’s. Yes, on Saturday, the temperature in Crawford Notch was a high of 2 and a wind chill of -26, but Waypoint hiked to the top of Mt. Willard at an elevation of 2,840ft and it was exhilarating! Knowing we’d be protected from the wind by the trees, we packed carefully, dressed warmly, had check-in partners, and committed to a grand but chilly adventure. We made it! And it was one of the most rewarding summits we’ve ever experienced.
At the Highland Center the morning after, one staff shared the 5 elements of an adventure from Adventure in Everything written by Matthew Walker and we recounted one by one whether we’d, in-fact, accomplished an adventure. See for yourself:
High Endeavor – effort was at an all-time high. We all had to work hard to get up that mountain mentally and physically. No one could afford to check out.
Uncertain Outcome – our success was certainly not a guarantee. We had to be ready to turn around if it was going to compromise the safety and well-being of the group.
Total Commitment – everyone was definitely all in and we encouraged each other the whole way.
Tolerance for Adversity – we were willing to push through obstacles and we did!
Great Companionship – any adventure pursued together requires trust and teamwork and our group formed together quickly recognizing this fact. We relied on each other!
After waiting all winter for the snow to come to New England, it finally happened! Right after the Nor’easter, Waypoint and a local group home met in the Blue Hills for a beautiful, fun and challenging Saturday snowshoe adventure.
Right form the start, these residents connected with our staff and volunteers filling the snow-covered trails with laughter and good attitudes. Every time we looked around our group, smiles filled faces and funny stories were being shared. For many in our group this was the first time they had gone snowshoeing. Honestly, they couldn’t have picked a better day for it – we even enjoyed some steaming hot cocoa over lunch!
The trails were covered in snow from the big storm and we even got a new coating from a smaller storm overnight. The woods had that amazing snowy silence. Toward the end we took some time to veer off the beaten path and explore a quieter area of the trails where we had some great conversation about community and what it means to live together and share life….great insights were shared all around.
All in all, it was a great day to talk about the importance of our community and to enjoy the snowy winter that finally came to Massachusetts.
Enjoy the photos!
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2017-02-27 16:42:032017-02-27 16:42:03We FINALLY got some snow!
If you live around Boston and you recall last weekend, it was a snowy one. Some parts of the region got 12 inches in just the course of a day! The Blue Hills Reservation in Quincy was no exception. Snow started there around 10:30am and accumulated almost an inch per hour.
But none of it deterred 20 hardcore, New-England-tough, Waypoint hikers. We braved the conditions and the effort was worth the reward ten-fold. On yak-traks and wheelchairs, we covered over 2 miles in about 2 hours and at one point just stopped and stood still to watch and listen. The forest was filled with wind and falling snow and this reflective moment reminded us of how glad we were that this group had the opportunity and willingness to come together for this moment. It was beautiful.
This was the 3rd of our 4-part hiking series in partnership with DCR’s Universal Access Program and another impactful program for many. Enjoy these pics from our day!
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2017-01-11 19:34:562017-01-11 19:34:56Where were YOU on January 7th?
