Programs

Our programs aim to increase the number of opportunities individuals living with disabilities have to get outdoors in the New England region and experience nature’s health benefits. Our camping and hiking events are designed to accommodate individuals with a wide range of disabilities and are suitable for individuals with zero outdoor experience. Additionally, our programs are deeply rooted in helping you connect with nature and experience the health benefits found within it. Each program will help you learn how to get the most out of your time outdoors to improve your well-being. Below you can find information on the different programs we are building and learn more about how you can help.

Outdoor Programs

Starting in 2022, we will provide supported, safe, and accessible hiking events in the New England region, with a primary focus within Massachusetts. Our hikes will vary in difficulty, with many of them suitable for beginners. The trails and paths will be hand-picked to ensure they are wheelchair-friendly. For the hikes that are not fully ADA compliant, volunteers will be on hand to help overcome any barrier or obstacle. All guides will be wilderness first aid certified, and hikes will be designed to ensure you feel safe so that you can focus on fully enjoying your surroundings. For the non-ADA-compliant hikes, we hope to provide adaptive equipment to those in need. Caregivers and family will also be welcomed to join the hike. A portion of the hike will focus on practicing a technique called shinrin-yoku. Shinrin-yoku helps participants obtain a deeper connection with nature through their senses and is a way to leverage the many health benefits of nature. Depending on the disability, this technique can be adaptive so that these health benefits are accessible to all participants. 

We will also offer a more traditional shinrin-yoku experience, spending time in outdoor environments and learning how to reconnect with your natural roots.

In the future, we also hope to offer overnight camping events at various accessible campsites throughout the New England region. These events are a great opportunity to relax outside in a safe environment. Specific details for each camping event will be released once the program launches. 

If you are interested in learning more about these programs or how you can help, please contact us.