National Sports Center for the Disabled/Courtesy photo
The National Sports Center for the Disabled has kicked off its summer season, as they provide outdoor adventures and team-building experiences to those with disabilities.
The nonprofit organization is looking ahead to a schedule full of therapeutic horseback riding lessons, fly fishing, sailing, mountain biking and rock climbing.
Read more about the sports center’s programs, which are available to a wide range of participants, from veterans to young children.
A day in the saddle at Snow Mountain Ranch
The National Sports Center for the Disabled’s therapeutic horseback riding program is at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA near Granby, where the sports center has its own stable.
“It’s a great partnership we have with Snow Mountain Ranch,” said Mark Stump, the center’s recreation program director. “They provide that space for us as an in-kind donation, which is just huge for us to be able to offer the therapeutic riding center.”
The riding center offers several three-day camps from July to September, for all abilities.
There are also single-day activities available. Participants with disabilities find newfound freedom traveling on horseback and bonding with their chosen animal friend.
“Participants of all ages get to spend the day with our horses, whether it’s riding in the arena or doing ground therapy, or learning about how to brush and clean the horse,” said Stump. “They get to spend lots of time doing some of that therapeutic equestrian work, which is really, really fun and pretty cool.”
From Aug. 29 to Sept. 26, participants can join an immersive camp in five sessions called Rodeo Ready. This camp is for experienced riders who are hoping to improve on their horsemanship skills and gain more independence.
Costs vary depending on the camp or activity.
Sailing at Grand Lake
The National Sports Center for the Disabled’s goal is to get people outside, whether it’s on the earth or in the water. To gain safe access to the former, wetter element, the nonprofit has partnered with the Grand Lake Yacht Club.
The sailing school classes will be held on July 11, 18, and 25 and Aug. 1. Participants learn the basics of water and sailboat safety and enjoy a relaxing float with volunteer sailing instructors.
“It’s open to the public,” said Stump. “They get out on the lake on sailboats, and it’s just a really fun experience for people.”
There are beautiful views of the town of Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. The Grand Lake Yacht Club Sailing Foundation underwrites the cost of this program, allowing the National Sports Center for the Disabled to offer a whole day for only $15.
Camp On Wheels
Camp on Wheels is a fun three-day adventure camp designed for wheelchair users of all ages, offering plenty of outdoor activities and adaptive recreation.
Participants can explore the most epic places in Colorado through June 27–29. They’ll go horseback riding and enjoy the water with paddle sports and whitewater rafting, all in an inclusive and supportive environment.
The day camp is held at Snow Mountain Ranch. Staff will provide transportation to off-site activities at the Upper Colorado River and Grand Lake.
Summer Woods Camp for Adults
Those over 18 with a developmental disability can enjoy community and outdoor recreation at the Summer Woods Camp, held at Snow Mountain Ranch.
This four-day camp from Aug. 12 to 15 promotes independence and camaraderie.
Campers are introduced to new skills and activities such as horseback riding, archery, rafting, hiking, cycling and more.
Participants who are not independent in self-care must supply a personal care provider who is available to them throughout the length of the camp.
While this is a day camp, Snow Mountain Ranch is offering a 10% discount on lodging for participants and their families during camp week, for those who’d like to stay overnight.
Spinal Cord Injury Mountain Bike Camp
From Aug. 23 to 25, individuals with spinal cord injuries can bike on trails around Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants can learn the basics of mountain biking or prefect their technique. This overnight camp will focus on cross country mountain bike skills and exploration.
National Sports Center for the Disabled has a variety of adaptive bikes and power assist hand cycles. This camp includes lodging at Snow Mountain Ranch, meals and transportation, including from Denver Airport.
The cost has been reduced to $150 this year, thanks to a generous grant from the Craig Nelson Foundation.
Military appreciation experiences
A military appreciation camp from Aug. 28 to 31 includes mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and a lake day. Service members or veterans with disabilities or mental health challenges are welcome. Transportation from Denver, lodging and food is provided for a $25 registration fee.
Participants must be independent in their own care to register for the camp. All the military programs are underwritten through grants and contributions to keep costs down for service members.
“We’ll be rafting the Upper Colorado River, spending the whole day, providing lunch and everything like that,” said Stump. “We run from Pump House all the way down to State Bridge, which is just a really fun day.”
Service members can also join a free whitewater rafting trip on August 10.
Additionally, military mountain biking days give participants a chance to cruise through Grand County on July 12, 16 and Aug. 9.
“That’s tailored and brought to you by the [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs] adaptive sports grant that allows us to fund that,” he said. “It’s completely free to the individuals who want to attend.”
Additional camps
The National Sports Center for the Disabled offers camps from their base in Jefferson County on the Front Range, such as an adaptive climbing camp in Clear Creek Canyon from July 22to 25, and a cycling and shooting camp from June 30 to July 3.
Lastly, the center partners with YMCA program at Adam’s Camp at Snow Mountain Ranch to provide activities for adults and kids with cognitive disabilities.
The National Sports Center for the Disabled offers adaptive outdoor experiences, with a home base in Winter Park. Learn more or sign up for an activity at NSCD.org.
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