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Archive for BOEC Wilderness Program
Saturday, July 14th, 2012
The Adventures Within Camps are specially designed for adults living with MS along with friends and family members. Camps are offered both in summer and in winter. See a full desription of this program on our Adventures Within page. The summer camp will feature activities such as rafting, canoeing, ropes course and plenty of time to enjoy the mountains. Please call for details. 1-800-383-2632.
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Sunday, July 8th, 2012
Modeled after our Children’s Hospital Program, “Camp Little Tree”, this course is designed for boys and girls, 12-16 years old, with sensory integration disorders, learning and/or attention deficits. The course is designed to set a quick pace for activities and fun. This requires that all participants be fully independent with self-care tasks. Through outdoor activities, designed upon established experiential education models, participants will have the opportunity to develop social skills, teamwork traits and leadership qualities that will transfer into everyday life. This is a mobile course based out of Bunea Vista, CO. Students will be involved in cooking, cleaning and gear preparation during the course. However, the emphasis will be on having fun in a structured setting. Activities will include rock climbing, river rafting and camping.
Cost: $650
FORMS:
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Saturday, July 7th, 2012
Wounder Warrior Family River Trip
A multi-day river trip for wounded warriors and their families
July 6-14, 2012
The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is a Colorado based Not-for-Profit with a thirty-four year history of providing adapted outdoor recreation opportunities for people who are routinely excluded from participation in outdoor activities due to factors such as injury, disease, developmental or birth issues, psychological conditions and mental illness, and social or economic challenges. Providing services to people and families living with brain injury has been a core element of our Wilderness Program throughout the BOEC’s history. Our client base includes children, youth and adults. Our venue is the western United States where we partake in classic adventure activities such as; hiking, rafting, skiing, climbing and backpacking.
Who: With this program the BOEC extends a special welcome to military veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury in the service of their country and their family members. The program is designed to accommodate veterans who have sustained a moderate to significant injury which has resulted in the veteran being unable to continue in active service, but willing and able to engage in adventurous and adapted outdoor activity. Participants must be non-violent and enjoy other people. Behaviors such as verbal outbursts, perseveration, or other forms of communication are welcomed. Children as young as 10 years old are welcome
What: A classic western river trip format will be utilized. Floating down river in rafts will provide access to a true wilderness environment while providing the ability to serve veterans who have mobility restrictions. An educational component will also be included by providing exposure to the prehistoric culture of the four-corners region.
Where: The San Juan River in southeast Utah is proposed for this trip. The San Juan cuts through beautiful canyon country and offers mild white water that is suitable for vets with significant injury and families with kids. Sandy beaches & camps, ancient rock art and beautiful scenery will be highlights of the trip.
Why: The BOEC and the funder of the Wounded Warrior Family River Trip believe that veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury are a vastly under-served segment of our returning veterans. The trip will be designed primarily as a fun family experience with activities focused on all attending. The outcomes of the trip will flow from the activities and experience such as; increased family bonding and integration, fun and relaxation, new knowledge and skills and increased understanding of being a family while living with a brain injury.
Transportation: Participants can drive personal vehicles to the put-in at Bluff, UT or utilize BOEC transportation.
Weather: Expect hot and sunny conditions with thunderstorms possible.
Mobility: Veterans with mobility limitations are welcome on this trip but the ability to assist with rescue in the event of falling out of a boat is essential. Participants must be able to roll over and sit up without assistance.
Medical Care: The BOEC staff is Wilderness First Responder trained and experienced within the wilderness setting. This allows the staff to respond to typical medical situations that arise on wilderness trips. Participants considering this trip should be stable in their personal medical condition and able to be away from advanced medical care for several days. Typically, participants who have entered a long-term orientation to their care and condition are suitable for this type of trip. Being able to tolerate exposure to heat and sun is critical for this trip.
Personal Care: The BOEC is recognized for its ability to work with people who would be excluded from participation in standard outdoor trips and will provide personal assistance for our clients. This can be assistance with; transfers, mobility, daily living skills such as dressing, eating and bathing. Because this is a river trip, bathing is possible whenever one wishes by cleaning up in the river. Using soap is fine, so staying clean, if a bit sandy, is easy. During July, getting in the river will be very pleasant.
Toileting: On river trips all solid human waste must be contained and transported out of the river corridor. An approved human waste transport system, (basically a rocket box fitted with an internal tank and a toilet seat) called a “groover”, will be used for this purpose. Participants must be able to sit on the groover with minimal assistance and have the ability to clean themselves after toileting or have a family member available to assist with post toileting cleaning for participation in this trip.
Food: All food will be provided by the BOEC. A standard healthy and American diet is planned. Expect vegetarian options, Dutch oven meals and deserts and lots of cold drinks. Alcohol is not allowed.
Shelter: Tents will be provided and utilized for sleeping quarters. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and a light sheet will provide bedding. Privacy and adequate room will be ensured by having plenty of tents available.
Personal Gear: Participants must bring their personal cloths and gear. Because we will be rafting through a semi-desert environment during the summer heat, what you’ll need to bring is minimal: cloths to jump in the river in, protection from the sun, shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet while swimming, casual clothes to wear around camp. Rain gear can be provided by the BOEC.
Cost: No cost for all on-course activities, though a $100 deposit is required to hold a spot, refunded upon attendance, non-refundable if cancelled by participant.
To get more information or to apply for this camp please call or email Claire at the BOEC. 1-800-3832632 ext. 16 or email: wildassist@boec.org
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Friday, June 15th, 2012
During the 5 day 4 night program the BOEC will be offering unique outdoor experiences for adults living with Parkinson’s disease. This is a great opportunity to get outside, try new activities and meet other adults who are also living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Activities include adaptive (recumbent) cycling, flat water boating (canoeing and/or rafting), hiking, adaptive yoga, stretching and movement exercises. Participants will be able to enjoy activities, and share experiences or challenges in a fun and safe environment. Program will be based in Breckenridge at the Scott Griffith Lodge.
Included in the program are, healthy meals, specialty equipment, professional instruction and 24 hour staffing. All participants should be independent with personal care tasks or provide a personal care attendant.
oar program application
cover letter and guidelines packet
For more information please call 1-800-383-2632 or email wildassist@boec.org
program cost $710 per person
scholarships available
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Saturday, June 2nd, 2012
Don’t miss this exciting chance for 4-5 days of fun and adventure! In the summer, come stay in our accessible lodge as we spend 5 busy days on a accessible ropes course, hand cycling, and white water rafting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, rock-climbing, and a getting down with a wild dance party! In the winter, the camps feature winter activities such as alpine and/or nordic skiing, dog-sledding and fun in the snow!
These camps are custom designed for adults age 18 and above with traumatic brain injuries. All abilities are welcome to apply. For more information about this camp or to get a application please contact Linda Heesch at the Brain Injury Alliance.
Volunteer Buddies
BIA Buddies are assigned one-on-one with the participants. The primary role of the Buddy is to make this course possible for their participant. They participate in all the activities with their camper, are an active “friend” who ensures that their participant is supported as needed and work within the entire community to make the course happen. Please contact Linda Heesch for a Buddy application at Camp@BIAColorado.org.
Please note all volunteers will arrive 1 day earlier than the dates below.
2012 Season Dates
- Dec. 12-15, 2011-Ski Holiday Hiatus Adventure Camp
- Mar. 31-Apr. 3, 2012-April Fools Ski Adventure Camp
- June 2-8 2012 -Outdoor Adventure Camp
- July 7-13 2012- Outdoor Adventure Camp
- July 28-August 5 2012-Outdoor Adventure Camp
- August 18- 24 2012- Outdoor Adventure Camp
- Sept. TBA, 2012-Ruby Horsethief Canoe Adventure Camp
- Sept. 7-10, 2012-Creative Minds Camp
TO REGISTERor receive information about being a volunteer buddy please contact Linda Heesch at the Brain Injury Association.
Email: Camp@biacolorado.org
Phone:1-800-955-2443 ext. 310 www.biacolorado.org
Posted in BOEC Adaptive Skiing/Boarding, BOEC Wilderness Program, Calendar, Open Enrollment Courses | No Comments »
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
The BOEC is running fast and full this summer with programs booked every week. Courses feature a full array of summer activities including rafting, ropes course, rock climbing, handcycling, canoeing and much more. Most of the courses are multi -day programs based at our Griffith Lodge. Some courses are run in a “mobile” fashion on Ruby-Horsethief Canyon on the Colorado River in western Colorado and Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River in southeastern Utah. Many long-term clients have returned, including the Brain Injury Association of Colorado for five courses, The Children’s Hospital, Adventures Within, Campfire of Kansas City, the Challenge Foundation, Summit County Youth and Family Services, the Rehab Institute of Chicago and others. We also welcome several new clients including Halcyon Middle School and Rocky Mountain Independence.
Despite the challenging economy, the BOEC is enjoying one of our best programming years ever and we thank the students, groups and agencies coming to us for keeping outdoor education and recreation as a priority. These programs are indispensible to healthy and productive lives for so many who may otherwise be excluded.
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Thursday, December 11th, 2008
Bob Bond, Wilderness Program Director for the BOEC for over 12 years, was awarded by the Summit Foundation as the Outstanding Professional in Non-Profit work for 2008. Bob was recognized at the Summit Awards Ceremony, November 21, at Beaver Run Resort. Robin “Bean” Albert, Youth Programs Manager for Summit County and long time associate, presented the Award.
Bob has served in the non-profit educational world for over 22 years and has been the Wilderness Program Director at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) for twelve years, a post he still holds. During that time he has overseen the design, safety, staffing and conduct of all Wilderness Programs. These programs are custom-designed for adults and children with disabilities and special needs, as well as youth at risk. Wilderness activities include ropes courses, rafting, canoeing, camping, climbing and many other outdoor pursuits, as well as facilitation tailored to meet very specific needs. Courses are conducted at the BOEC facility in Breckenridge, on the Upper Colorado River, in SE Utah and in many wilderness areas in the region.
Bob’s work has impacted over 10,000 individuals in his time with BOEC, people with virtually every disability or special need imaginable-terminal illness, autism, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, MS, CP. With each client he has designed programs to inspire and uplift, to move beyond perceived limitations and find success that brings hope and greater independence into their lives.
One example of Bob’s exemplary work is the creation of the Brain Injury Camps at the BOEC. Working with the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, these seven day courses immerse adults with severe brain injury in a range of activities that progressively lead these individuals to new levels of confidence and self-esteem. So successful, these camps have grown from just one camp five years ago to five, fully enrolled camps today.
Bob has also worked extensively over the years with the Summit County community, designing and implementing courses for youth in the Mountain Mentors program, the SOAP program for at-risk girls and boys, for Upper Blue Elementary students, for employees at the Rec. Center, for Town of Breck leadership and others. He has worked hard to make the BOEC part of our community by providing direct services and partnering on local programs and events.
Prior to BOEC, Bob worked for other non-profits, including ten years with Outward Bound as Instructor, Course Director and Program Manager, and as an instructor/trainer for the American Red Cross. At Outward Bound, Bob was instrumental in creating one of the best leadership semester programs in the country. Bob also served for many years as a state-licensed Physicians Assistant in Denver’s Lutheran and other west-side hospitals.
As long as he has worked here, Bob has known no “standard work week.” He has put in whatever time is necessary to make his programs successful. He has served all roles to support his courses, from course design to course leader to logistics to clearing snow off the walk. He is a dedicated professional and passionate advocate for those in need. Through his relentless hard work and expertise, Bob has earned his way to be one of the most respected outdoor educators in the country and his efforts have greatly enhanced the quality of life for many, many people, and especially for all of us here in Summit County.
The BOEC is privileged to have Bob as a leader and manager on our staff and we are grateful to the Summit Foundation for honoring his valuable and devoted work to help improve the lives of so many people in need.
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Monday, June 16th, 2008
Just last week a group from Jefferson County for Mental Health came up to Breck for 3 days of paddling and hanging around the ropes course.
The first day of the course there was a sudden change of plans, as we were going to paddle around Lake Dillon (Dillon Resevoir). At arrival there was TONS of snow falling from the sky, even some accumulation. Even more importantly, there was oodles of wind coming at our backs and out to sea so to speak. We as a group collectively decided to change our plans to paddling up at the F & D Placer site. This proved to be a VERY good decision as everyone got a chance to paddle the crafts that they wanted, as well as had plenty of time to stick out some lines into the pond. After a quick lunch we had the opportunity to climb on the wall and have a short hike.
The next day proved to be very exciting on the Upper Colorado where Erin and Laura joined the staff to make it down the river. I had the feeling that this day was the highlight of the day, in fact we had one person decide to jump in just past the hotsprings (which were flooded) to “cool off” for a bit.
The last day the very tired group woke to tackle on the ropes course. This day was particularly impressive as we had several folks brave their fear of heights and one in particular even put his fears aside to try his hand at the zip line. It was amazing to watch.
As with any course, there are tons of stories that may never be told. I wish that there were time to tell them all. If you have never had the experience of a BOEC course I would urge you to give it a try… you may learn things inside you that you didn’t know were there. I always do, every course.
I would like like to extend my deepest gratitude to Jim, Geoff, and Jessica….you folks are amazing and truely helped make JCMH a huge success….
Now for me, it’s off tommorrow to the first Camp Little Tree
Until next time,
Ryan Latham
Tags: Canoeing, JCMH, Jefferson County Mental Health, Kayaking, Rafting, Ropes Course, Wilderness Course
Posted in BOEC Wilderness Program | 2 Comments »
