Shared Adventures
Here at Shared Adventures, we get people outdoors and moving beyond limitation. A non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for those with disabilities, we believe that recreation, fun, challenge, and access to the outdoors are essential to health and fulfillment.
Throughout the year, Shared Adventures organizes kayaking excursions, camping trips, days to explore local hiking trails, sailing, and many more activities and classes.
Shared Adventures is also responsible for the annual Ability Awareness Exposition. At the exposition the latest in high tech equipment used by physically challenged individuals is displayed and the public is invited to acquaint itself with the variety of new adaptive equipment now available.
An Ability Awareness Program is made available to schools so that students can familiarize themselves with some of the physical challenges others face. Several participants visit school classrooms and describe their particular challenges to demystify their situation and discuss their efforts toward increasing their independence.
The highlight each year is the Day on the Beach, where an enormous number of volunteers help facilitate kayaking, surfing and scuba diving for those who, due to their disabilities, i.e. head injuries, quadriplegia, etc., might never have dreamed in participating in such activities.
Shared Adventures publishes ‘Access Santa Cruz’ a resource guide. “This guide is an invitation for locals and visitors with special needs to explore the sights, sounds and flavors that Santa Cruz County has to offer. It has been written primarily to meet the needs of wheelchair users, people with developmental challenges, and their caregivers. ”
Camp Adventures is an overnight, 4-day summer camp designed for children with special needs and their families/caretakers. The four days will be jam-packed with fun activities such as pool time, lawn games, boating trips, arts & crafts, ropes course with rock climbing & ziplining, archery, campfires with s’mores, a talent show & more all in a supportive and safe environment. The camp offers shared lodging in fully accessible, modern cabins and a dining hall that can accommodate ANY dietary needs. Caregivers and family members are completely included in the fun. Join families from all around the Bay Area to make new connections, reconnect with old friends, and reach new goals with your family.
This unique family camp is made possible through our Camp Counselors, Kitchen Liason, and Camp Nurse. We bring 15-20 volunteers to faciliate our camp fun. All meals, lodging, and travel are included in this unforgettable experience.
Cost: Camp Adventures is offered free of charge (thanks to the generosity of the Taylor Family Foundation)
Participant Limit: 5 members/group