News from Breckenridge
Posted on Monday, November 3rd, 2008
The following update comes from Cloudveil pro Sarah Durante who has directed courses at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center since 2004. She lives in Alma, CO and enjoys a nice bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream when she’s not in the field. Here are her words.
There is nothing glamorous about helping a grown man out of his wheelchair and into a low-ceilinged tent.
Nor is it guaranteed that a meal prepared by a group of children with sensory processing disorders will be on the table before nightfall. The most important lesson that I have learned from these situations is how to adapt.
I do not claim to be a seasoned caretaker by any means. In fact, my experience assisting people with disabilities in their activities of daily living is somewhat specialized. I am most comfortable teaching people how to stay “regular” in the woods and keep themselves organized enough so that they don’t drop their toothbrushes in the sand. And, delightfully, the majority of wheelchair transfers I have assisted in have involved canoes and climbing harnesses.
At the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, we are dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor experiences for people with disabilities. During the summer, our wilderness program activities include rock climbing, white water rafting, canoeing, hand cycling, an adaptive high ropes course and team-building activities. It has been a life changing experience and a privilege to work for this non-profit organization. My coworkers and program participants have taught me valuable lessons in group dynamics, on how to graciously receive and provide meaningful feedback, and most importantly, on recognizing the potential in everyone, regardless of ability.
