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Outdoor Recreation
In this section we provide information about opportunities for outdoor recreation in our region. Have fun & enjoy!
Check out these local opportunities:
Camps
Project Explore Summer Program at Exceptional Family Resources
Provides half-day summer activities to teens with developmental disabilities. Groups have a brown bag lunch together and then participate in scheduled events. Group is physically active with daily activities that include swimming, Ultimate Frisbee, short hikes, and a high ropes course.
For more information contact:
Phone: 315-478-1462 ext. 335
Spina Bifida Weekend at Double H Ranch
A weekend designed for campers who have spina bifida, and is run in collaboration with The Spina Bifida Association of Northeastern New York. Families have the opportunity to spend a long weekend in the Adirondacks, enjoying all of camp’s activities – from fishing on Lake Vanare to taking on the high ropes course.
For more information contact:
Phone: 518-696-5676
Farm Programs
ARISE at the Farm Summer Camp
Farm Camp is open to all children, with preference given to children with developmental disabilities. Farm Camp follows the Farm’s policy of a 1:3 ratio of camp counselors to campers. Individuals also have the option of being paired with an individual volunteer who is trained and briefed on the child’s special needs to ensure that every camper can experience all the Farm has to offer in a safe manner. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact Laura Little
Email: llittle@ariseinc.org
Phone: 315-687-6727
ARISE at the Farm Cart Driving
Accessible horse carts allow anyone to learn horse cart driving. Drivers can meet physical, cognitive, and psychological goals while making friends. You can enjoy a leisurely ride on a horse cart or learn how to drive the cart yourself. Cart Driving is offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall (weather permitting) to individuals as well as day habilitation groups. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact Laura Little
Email: llittle@ariseinc.org
Phone: 315-687-6727
ARISE at the Farm Ground Lessons
Ground lessons give participants an opportunity to develop confidence by learning how to handle and care for horses. Students will learn the basics of grooming, tacking, handling, and walking horses. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact Laura Little
Email: llittle@ariseinc.org
Phone: 315-687-6727
Geocaching
Accessible Geocaching
Geocaching is a real-life, scavenger hunt that uses GPS-enabled devices to find a hidden object referred to as a “cache.” Caches are placed all over CNY to highlight accessible parks and various locations. Visit the guidebook below to learn more about how to get involved, whether you would like to hide a cache to add to the array of accessible caches or find the many caches that the website has to offer. Click here to download the Accessible Geocaching Guidebook from the Fitness Inclusion Network
Horseback Riding
ARISE at the Farm Horseback Riding Program
This horseback riding program gives children and adults of all abilities the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy of horseback riding. Depending on the rider and their goals, the lessons are a blend of: Adaptive Riding Techniques which help riders learn how to ride independently. Therapeutic Riding Techniques which help riders develop balance and fine motor control through reaching, weight-shifting, and motor planning.
For more information contact Laura Little
Email: llittle@ariseinc.org
Phone: 315-687-6727
Therapeutic Riding Program at From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
The Therapeutic Riding Program at From The Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. offers an adapted riding lesson program that addresses physical, cognitive, social and educational goals through the context of working with and riding horses.
For more information contact:
Email: contactftgu@gmail.com
Phone: 315-238-7014
Horses 4 Health at From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
Unique, holistic fitness & wellness program designed for equestrians, those interested in becoming equestrians & for those who want to improve their fitness & wellness through horses without riding.
For more information contact:
Email: contactftgu@gmail.com
Phone: 315-238-7014
Synergy Stables-Adaptive Horsemanship at Move Along, Inc.
Synergy Stables is an inclusion program designed to bring people living with and without disabilities together in partnership with horses and nature. Graciously hosted by Beacon Hill Equestrian Center in Cato, NY; we believe bringing individuals closer to each other in nature, brings them closer to themselves.
For more information contact Trisha Williams
Phone: 631-708-8604
Hunting & Fishing
Hunting and Fishing Program at Advanced Strategies Adventures, Inc.
Advanced Strategies Adventures, Inc. provides physically challenged, elderly and youth, the opportunity to fish or hunt on FREE guided trips with transportation and necessary gear provided if needed and of no cost to the participants. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact:
Email: willi2117643@gmail.com
Nature Retreat
Lucky Hollow Nature Retreat
A 22-acre refuge of trails and woodlands that will provide visitors gathering spaces for learning, recreation, friendship and respite. Woodland trails with an outdoor sensory regulation course of hammocks, platform swings, climbing structures, a ground level trampoline, and an accessible ropes course. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact Michele Paetow, Director
Email: michelepaetow@gmail.com
Nature on Wheels NOWmobile at Beaver Lake Nature Center
The NOWmobile, an electric vehicle that connects visitors with mobility limitations to the fascinating natural areas of Beaver Lake. Each excursion is a 90-minute tour through the Center’s diverse habitats. Accompanied by a naturalist, the NOWmobile will slowly travel the trails, stopping occasionally to take a close look at interesting features of nature.
For more information contact:
Phone: 315-638-2519
Dodge Pond at Jefferson-St. Lawrence County ARC
Dodge Pond provides year-round recreation opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Private rentals are available on the weekends for a fee to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
For more information contact:
Phone: 315-848-2336
Paddling
Adaptive Paddling at Sitrin STARS
Sitrin’s STARS program offers adaptive paddling to individuals with physical disabilities. Several workshops are planned throughout the summer and fall, with classroom, pool, and lake experience as part of the program! Family members and caregivers are also invited to participate. Kayaks, canoes, and other paddling equipment will be provided. There is no cost to participate. Transportation is not included. New participants are required to complete a training course at Sitrin before attending a paddling session. Instruction includes safety awareness, necessary equipment modifications, as well as stroke technique. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact Marc DePerno
Phone: 315-737-2459
Adapted Paddling at Move Along, Inc.
Adapted paddling opens the door to paddling to all. Adapted Paddling programs are committed to providing full integration of paddlers who have disabilities and to provide all paddlers with the equipment, teaching style, and paddling locations that best meets the paddler needs.
For more information contact Dawn Gooley
Email: Dawn_Gooley@movealonginc.org
Phone: 315-744-2064
Rafting
Whitewater Rafting at STRIDE Adaptive Sports with Beaverbrook Outfitters
Each spring, a group of adventurous STRIDE athletes meet in North Creek, NY, to ride the rapids of the upper Hudson River. The Hudson River gorge is rated as one of the top 10 whitewater rafting runs in the country! Since the water conditions are variable in early June, this trip is reserved for athletes with a brave spirit who are at least thirteen years of age and able to swim. Rafters ride the rapids for approximately four hours while wearing wet suits and paddling with seven of their close screaming friends in a raft. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact:
Email: mevans@stride.org
Phone: 518-598-1279
Skiing
ARISE and Ski Program
ARISE & Ski is one of the longest running premier adaptive winter sports programs in the Central New York Region. We are dedicated to ensuring that anyone who wants to is able to participate in winter sports to their fullest potential.
Each year, ARISE & Ski gives lessons to individuals with various disabilities including: spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, all developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, Lowe syndrome, behavioral disorders, vision impairments, and many others. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact:
Email: ski@ariseinc.org
Phone: 315-671-3094
Social media:
Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports
Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports offers adaptive skiing and snowboarding for participants with developmental disabilities. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact John Cahill, Program Director
Email: gpasconnect@gmail.com
Phone: 607-288-2176
Adaptive Nordic Skiing at Sunnycrest Park
There are two adaptive nordic ski units (one adult-size and one youth-size) at the Sunnycrest Park Winter Lodge. Open on weekends when adequate winter conditions permit. Click here to learn more!
Walking Clubs
Inclusive Walking Club via Monday Mile Program/Fitness Inclusion Network
Healthy Monday is a public health initiative founded in 2005. The idea behind Monday Mile and other Healthy Monday initiatives is to start the week off with healthy habits. People are encouraged to use the accessible and inclusive Monday Mile loops that are marked throughout Onondaga County, or create your own Monday Mile loop.
Other
Outdoor Recreation at Advocates, Inc.
Provides free, family-centered, community-based recreational activities such as holiday celebrations, family picnic, talent shows, bowling days. and fishing outings. Provide individuals, their parents, and siblings a chance to enjoy time together in a relaxed setting.
For more information contact:
Phone: 315-469-9931