What's Happening at Waypoint Adventure

Why Waypoint uses an Experiential Learning model

Waypoint Adventure has its roots in education. Since our beginnings in 2010, our team members have carried a background in teaching with several staff holding advanced degrees in education. Our programs are committed to a model of experiential education. Why? Experiential learning bridges the gap between theory and practice. It promotes personal growth and development. Through hands-on experiences, learners explore their interests, develop new skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. Outward Bound started the concept during World War II as a response to the need for training and preparing sailors to survive at sea, and we’ve continued the model

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The Courage to Dream

Participant and Board Member, Pete Quinn, shares a blog post about his experience on Mt. Willard: I’d already said no. It was too much work; too much energy; too challenging. I was too tired; too many logistics– hotel, packing, driving…So many reasons to say no. Under consideration was Waypoint Adventure‘s annual winter hike to the summit of Mt. Willard. I first learned of Mt. Willard, nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s Crawford Notch, through Waypoint, an organization that runs outdoor education programs for people with disabilities. Over the last year, I’ve participated in two Waypoint adventures, cycling and kayaking.

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Waypoint Adventure receives $100K from the James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation

In MassNonprofit News, it’s been announced that, for the second year in a row, Waypoint Adventure has received a grant of $100,000 from the James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation to support and expand open enrollment programming and professional development opportunities for staff. “This support comes at such a crucial time. Requests for programming are pouring in. This partnership with the James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation will allow our staff to continue expanding the services we provide to our diverse community with the highest level of professional expertise in everything we do. We’re thrilled!” Executive Director, Dan Minnich Tweet These funds

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a young woman walking on a snowy path using a sighted cane. A field is in the background and other people are walking ahead of her on the trail.

Everyone needs to go for a walk in the woods. It’s science.

Walking, skipping, wheeling, or rolling along a trail through the woods, also known as forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are five benefits that all people deserve: Stress Reduction – Numerous studies have shown that being surrounded by nature can significantly decrease cortisol levels in the body and therefore lower stress. A 1991 study in the US found that hospital patients with views of nature outside their windows had shorter hospital stays compared to patients with views of a brick wall. (Just to name one). Improved Mental Health – Nature offers a

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One Participant Selling Bracelets for Waypoint

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’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

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Eight Reasons Waypoint Adventure is different

Waypoint Adventure: Where “I can’t” becomes “I can.” Waypoint Adventure, founded in 2010, awakens youths and adults with disabilities to their willful spirit through the power of adventure. With guided, experiential programs tailored to individual needs, Waypoint provides personal growth and team triumph – as participants discover their purpose, value, strengths, and abilities. What makes Waypoint Adventure unique can be attributed to several factors: Inclusive Approach: Waypoint Adventure is dedicated to inclusivity. They focus on creating an inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can participate alongside their able-bodied peers, friends, and family members. This approach fosters a sense of community

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