Zoe Spiegel has been a Waypoint participant since 2021 when she tried snowshoeing for the first time along side her mom at Weston Ski Track. Then, in 2023, she braved the snow again on skis!
Zoe at Weston Ski Track with Trip Leader Brenda writing her name in the snow
Zoe and mom, Mira, standing together on snowshoes smiling at Weston Ski Track
Zoe and Waypoint staff/volunteers on skis!
Zoe’s family was so impressed with her snowshoeing and skiing experiences, that Zoe’s mom, Mira, arranged for a grant from the Needham Education Foundation to fund a Waypoint Adventure School Series for Zoe and her peers at Needham High School! So far, they’ve had awesome Waypoint-led Team Building and Indoor Rock Climbing adventures!
Now, Zoe is channeling her bracelet-making skills into raising funds so that other adults on the autism spectrum and/or with disabilities also have access to the adventures that give her such a sense of accomplishment.
Mira shared, “For Zoe to be able to walk away having learned how to do something gives her a real sense of accomplishment.We wanted to make sure that Zoe’s enterprise, Zo Much More, could give back to the organization that gave her so much.“
Zo Much More is a family-owned and operated social enterprise powered by Zoe herself. Like so many other individuals with ASD, she is capable of so much more than she is often given credit for. Zo Much More provides a platform for Zoe to demonstrate some of her strengths (making custom bracelets, assembling kits, etc.) and hopefully create a model for others. Zo Much More selects different charity partners – like Waypoint Adventure – who are committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and donates 20% of their topline revenue to those charity partners. Zoe also designs a customized “Spirit Bracelet” for each charity partner – and her custom-made Waypoint “blue and green” bracelet was a huge hit. Zo Much More recently made their largest charity partner donation since the inception of their business when they donated $1,037 to Waypoint Adventure!
The Waypoint Blue and Green Spirit Bracelet
Thank you, Zoe, for all your hard work making bracelets and selling them so that people with disabilities can have access to meaningful adventures!
If you want a Waypoint blue and green spirit bracelet, Zo Much More will make you one! Head over to ZoMuchMore.com to request one or shop from Zoe’s extensive collection of beautiful jewelry.
Click a picture to read caption
00JULIA SPRUANCEhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJULIA SPRUANCE2024-01-19 15:00:262024-01-19 15:00:26One Participant Selling Bracelets for Waypoint
Transformational adventure programming is happening in Somerville! Roughly 100 students from across the district are experiencing challenging experiences and big, impactful, life-learning is coming out of it. Hiking, Rock Climbing, Snowshoeing, and Kayaking programs, all within just a short bus-ride from school are increasing self-esteem, self-confidence, and students are learning new skills. Check out pictures from some recent adventures!
December 2017 – Indoor Rock Climbing at Central Rock Gym in Watertown
January 2018 – Snowshoeing at Prospect Hill in Waltham
January 2018 – Indoor Kayaking at the Kennedy School in Somerville
February 2018 – Teambuilding and prep for Indoor Kayaking
April 2018 – Indoor Rock Climbing at Central Rock Gym in Watertown, MA.Thanks for volunteering Definitive Cares!
April 2018 – Indoor Kayaking.Thanks for volunteering Definitive Cares!
Thank you to Somerville Public Schools, Somerville teachers, aids, principals, and administrators for allowing us to be involved in your community. We hope the memories from these adventures stay with these students for a lifetime!
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2018-04-10 19:18:422018-04-10 19:18:42Self Confidence is on the rise in Somerville
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
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!
Teamwork is tough. Especially when shared experiences are new and challenging. This class at the Mario Umana Academy in East Boston has encountered the need for teamwork on every Waypoint adventure over the past 7 weeks and is rising to the challenge. Check out pictures from our Indoor Kayaking, Snowshoeing, and Rock Climbing adventures.
00waypointhttps://ma.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngwaypoint2017-03-01 22:32:342017-03-01 22:32:34Teamwork Series with Mario Umana Academy
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?
