Outdoor Recreation

What’s Here

Camping

  • Title: Camping Programs at SCORE
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: STRIDE Adaptive Sports
    Description: In 2012, STRIDE opened its doors to an 85-acre camping retreat facility, named SCORE (STRIDE Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education) in Chatham, NY. Formerly Girl Scout Camp Sha-Te-Muc, the use of the property is donated.  SCORE is now home to many year-round, exciting, and unique outdoor education programs which include themed tent-camping, archery, paintball biathlon, disc golf, fishing, hiking, and so much more!
    In addition to serving hundreds of STRIDE youth participants, SCORE is also used as a retreat center for Wounded Warriors and their families. The spacious lodge offers space for trainings, seminars, weddings, and retreats.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with DD and their families
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for more info
    County: Columbia
    Contacts: To register contact mevans@stride.org or 518-598-1279.
    Find out more info at:https://www.stride.org/sports/score-center/

Camps

  • Title: Project Explore Summer Program, Onondaga County
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Exceptional Family Resources
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Teens ages 14-21 with DD; HCBS waiver eligibility
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call 315-478-1462 ext. 335
  • Title: Spina Bifida Weekend
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Double H Ranch
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with spina bifida
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Warren
    Contacts: Call 518-696-5676

Farm Programs

  • Title: ARISE at the Farm Summer Adult Camp
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: ARISE, Inc.
    Description: Adult Camp is a fun summer camp for adults that provides fun and slower-paced adventure for campers of all abilities. Activities include: horseback riding, cart driving, arts and crafts, fishing, games.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Madison
    Contacts: Call Laura Little at 315-687-6727 or email at llittle@ariseinc.org
  • Title: ARISE at the Farm Cart Driving
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: ARISE, Inc.
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Madison
    Contacts: Call Laura Little at 315-687-6727 or email at llittle@ariseinc.org
  • Title: ARISE at the Farm Ground Lessons
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: ARISE, Inc.
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Madison
    Contacts: Call Laura Little at 315-687-6727 or email at llittle@ariseinc.org

Geocaching

  • Title: Accessible Geocaching
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Fitness Inclusion Network
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: All are welcome
    Application process: None
    Required documentation/fees: None
    County: Many
    Contacts: “Accessible Geocaching: The Treasure is in the Journey” Guidebook bbi.syr.edu/projects/fit-in/docs/AccessibleGeocachingFiNAL_TAGGED.2016pdf.pdf

Horseback Riding

    • Title: ARISE at the Farm Horseback Riding Program
      Type: Outdoor Recreation
      Organization: ARISE, Inc.
      Description: 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.
      Details: Eligibility: Individuals with DD
      Application process: Call for info
      Required documentation/fees: Call for info
      County: Madison
      Contacts: Call Laura Little at 315-687-6727 or email at llittle@ariseinc.org
    • Title:  Therapeutic Riding
      Type: Outdoor Recreation
      Organization: From The Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
      Description: An adapted riding lesson program that addresses physical, cognitive, social and educational goals through the context of working with and riding horses.
      Details: Eligibility: anyone
      Application process: https://ftguhorses.org/post/_docs/ProgramsPacket.pdf
      Contact – contactftgu@gmail.com
      Required documentation/fees: Call for info
      County: Onondaga
      Contacts: 315-238-7014
    • Title: Horses 4 Health
      Type: Outdoor Recreation
      Organization: From The Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.
      Description:  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.
      Details: Eligibility: anyone
      Application process: https://ftguhorses.org/post/_docs/ProgramsPacket.pdf
      Contact – contactftgu@gmail.com
      Required documentation/fees: Call for info
      County: Onondaga
      Contacts: 315-238-7014
  • Title: Synergy Stables-Adaptive Horsemanship
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Move Along, Inc.
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with and without DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call Trisha Williams at 631-708-8604 or email at trisha_williams@movealonginc.org

Hunting and Fishing

  • Title: Hunting and Fishing Programs
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Advanced Strategies Adventures
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Youth and elderly participants with developmental disabilities
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Email: willi2117643@gmail.com
    Find out more information at:
    https://www.advancedstrategiesadventures.org/page/page/5682047.htm

Nature Retreat

  • Title: Lucky Hollow Nature Retreat
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Open to all
    County: Onondaga
    Location:
    1645 Swift Road
    Fabius, NY 13063
    Contacts: Michele Paetow, Director
    Email: michelepaetow@gmail.com
    Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/pg/luckyhollownatureretreat/about/?ref=page_internal
  • Title: Nature on Wheels NOWmobile
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Beaver Lake Nature Center
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with and without DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: $3/person
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call 315-638-2519
  • Title: Dodge Pond, St. Lawrence County
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Saint Lawrence County NYSARC
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Adults and children with IDD or DD and their families
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: None
    County: Lawrence
    Contacts: Call 315-848-2336

Paddling

  • Title: Adaptive Paddling
    Type: Unified Sport
    Organization: Sitrin STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation and Sports) Program
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Visit website for info
    Application process: Visit website for info
    Required documentation/fees: Visit website for info
    County: Oneida
    Contacts: To register for an upcoming event, contact Marc DePerno at (315) 737-2459 for more information.
    Brochure with more info: file:///Users/marylocastro/Downloads/SITR%20BR019%20STARS%20F.pdf
  • Title: Adapted Paddling
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Move Along, Inc.
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with and without DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call Dawn Gooley at 315-744-2064 or email at Dawn_Gooley@movealonginc.org

Rafting

  • Title: Whitewater Rafting
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: STRIDE Adaptive Sports with Beaverbrook Outfitters
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Age 13+, must be able to swim
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for more info
    County: Jefferson
    Contacts: To register contact mevans@stride.org or 518-598-1279.
    Find out more info at:https://www.stride.org/sports/whitewater-rafting/

Sailing

  • Title: Adaptive Sailing
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: STRIDE Adaptive Sports
    Description: STRIDE’s sailing program offers a one-of-a-kind curriculum, with format provided by American Red Cross and US Sailing. Participants learn to sail both through classroom instruction and on the water, with rigged sloops adapted to meet the individual learning needs of each child. Classes run for 6-8 weeks on Saratoga Lake.
    Classes are run by certified sailing instructors at the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club. First mates must attend weekly lessons at the SLSC on weeknight evenings.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with ID/DD 8-21 years old
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: $25 administrative fee. Call for more info
    County: Saratoga
    Contacts: To register, contact mevans@stride.org or 518-598-1279.
  • Title: Introduction to Sailing
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Y Knot Sailing
    Description: introductory program consists of three consecutive Sunday afternoon sessions, and includes both classroom instruction and on-the-water. The boats we will be using are 24-foot Rainbows and 23-foot Sonars — these boats are stable, safe, roomy, and in general great boats on which to learn.
    Details: Eligibility: anyone
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Warren
    Contacts: 518.656.9462

Skiing

  • Title: ARISE and Ski Program
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: ARISE, Inc.
    Description: ARISE & Ski can help you take on the slopes at Toggenburg and learn how to ski. They are dedicated to ensuring that anyone who wants to is able to participate in winter sports to their fullest potential. The instructors are experienced in all forms of adaptive ski instruction, including mono-ski, bi-ski, 3 track and 4 track, blind instruction, and working with people with developmental disabilities.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info.
    $160.00 and this includes all lessons, every student’s lift ticket and any equipment that the student may need.  Some students may qualify for financial assistance.
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call 315-671-3094 or email at ski@ariseinc.org
  • Title: Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Description: Offering adaptive skiing and snowboarding for participants with developmental disabilities.
    Details: Eligibility: Individuals with ID/DD
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: Call for info
    County: Cortland
    Contacts: John Cahill, Program Director
    Phone: 607-288-2176
    Email: gpasconnect@gmail.com
    Find out more information at:https://www.gpadaptive.org/

Walking Club

  • Title: Inclusive Walking Club via Monday Mile Program
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Fitness Inclusion Network
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: All are welcome
    Application process: None
    Required documentation/fees: None
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: “How to Create an Inclusive Walking Club” Guidebook: http://healthymonday.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/HowToCreateAnInclusiveWalkingClub_2015_tagged.pdf

Other

  • Title: After-School and Summer Programs, Onondaga County
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Catholic Charities of Onondaga County
    Description: Offers activities designed to help children develop social skills through arts and crafts, cooking, dramatic play, athletics, games and field trips. Provides tutoring and homework support to youth living in each Neighborhood Center’s respective area.
    Details: Eligibility: Children must reside in neighborhood of their respective center
    Application process: Call for info
    Required documentation/fees: None
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call 315-472-6343Title: Recreation and Events
    Type: Outdoor Recreation
    Organization: Advocates, Inc.
    Description: 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.
    Details: Eligibility: Children with OPWDD eligibility and families
    Application process: Call to apply
    Required documentation/fees: OPWDD eligibility letter
    County: Onondaga
    Contacts: Call 315-469-9931