Access to Adventure for People with Disabilities

Do you see it? Do you feel it? I certainly do! 

What a year of change and surprise. They’ve occurred within the community we serve and here at Waypoint Adventure as well! I am thrilled to have many exciting updates to share with you and to highlight some of what we hope to accomplish in 2023.  

However, before sharing any exciting news, I want to make clear that none of this would have been possible without your support.  Everything we do, from adventures made accessible to the lives changed, is only possible because of your commitment, generosity, and investment. So, from all of us at Waypoint and on behalf of our constituents, we say ‘THANK YOU’. 

At the close of 2021, I reported that Waypoint facilitated 269 annual programs (130 of which were private lessons). Our goal of hosting 200 programs for groups was still out of reach… (drumroll please) until this year! 

In 2022, Waypoint led 201 adventures exclusively for groups! In addition, we continue to facilitate private outdoor lessons for individuals and families, while also providing the option to ‘create your own adventure experience’ through our popular Equipment Rental Program, offering access to our fleet of off-road wheelchairs. 

This year, a new series of adventures was launched and dubbed the ‘Waypoint Adventure Club’ (WAC). WAC excursions are uniquely open to anyone (with or without a disability) desiring to join as a program participant. How does it work? 

• Each person pays a standard $20 registration fee.
• Everyone is encouraged and challenged to contribute their strengths/abilities to the group.
• Space is created for each person to receive support from a united and diverse community.

This year the WAC community kayaked, hiked, and rode tandem bikes all over eastern Massachusetts. Way to go WAC crew! 

And there is more…
As we look to the future, I find myself asking the question: ‘How do we continue meeting the needs of our community while extending Waypoint’s reach to a broader demographic of people with disabilities?’ We know there’s a growing demand for the services we offer; however, we’re aware that our capacity to meet these needs has been exceeded. Programs are currently booking out eight months in advance, and we’re continuing to move people onto our wait lists for open enrollment excursions. 

A few points for you to consider: 

• Support from the community comprises 75% of Waypoint’s Operating Budget.
• We remain committed to offering our programs at a price point in alignment with what anyone from the public might pay for similar adventure experiences.
• To mitigate monetary barriers, we never want to inflate program fees for those requiring additional support due to a disability.
• The reality is that the services we provide are indeed costly, and this is where YOU come in!

Let’s chat… Have you appreciated time outside with friends this past year? 

Will you consider helping make similar opportunities available for others? 

With a donation today, you will become a Waypoint partner, helping to make transformative Adventure Education experiences accessible for people, regardless of any physical or cognitive disability. 

We couldn’t have accomplished anything noted above without YOU, and we’re incredibly grateful to our phenomenal donor base. From the bottom of my heart (and on behalf of the Waypoint team), THANK YOU for your support. It’s 100% essential, humbling, and appreciated more than I’m able to express in this letter. 

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be another wild ride this coming year! 

Sincerely, 

Dan Minnich 

Waypoint co-founder and Executive Director

PS - Everything you give right now will go towards making adventure education opportunities accessible for youth and adults with disabilities in the new year! 

Links:

• Check out our article in the Boston Globe!
• Help us head into 2023 strong! Consider partnering with us?