Transformation of Outlook: New England Ski for Light and AMC's Outdoor Journey Grant
Revised Article:
Hiking up Mount Pierce in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest isn't just about the breathtaking vistas. It's about feeling the cold winter breeze, the rhythmic crunch of snow underfoot, and the camaraderie between blind and sighted adventurers.
New England Ski for Light (NESFL), an adaptive outdoor program founded in 1977, caters to visually impaired individuals who yearn for the great outdoors but face physical barriers due to their condition. With activities ranging from skiing to hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing, NESFL has amassed an impressive following, with affiliates across the United States and Japan.
"It's an amazing experience, lifting those barriers and immersing ourselves in nature," says Susan Bueti, NESFL's President. To ensure that these experiences are accessible to everyone, the organization partners with organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).
At the heart of their partnership is AMC's Highland Center at Crawford Notch, where NESFL hosts its annual Winter Wonderland hiking trip. The trip benefits from AMC'sOutdoor Journey Fund, a lodge-based accommodation, gear, and guide service that has supported 23 trips in 2023, catering to over 420 participants.
Hiking grants an intense sensory experience for visually impaired individuals. They rely on auditory cues from their sighted guides for information about their surroundings, such as footing and upcoming obstacles like stream crossings. This relationship, built on trust and empathy, is the foundation for an unforgettable journey.
Maurie Hill, a seasoned hiker who had contended with vision loss, recounts how the hike helped her regain confidence and rekindle her passion for the outdoors. Jennifer Harnish echoed her sentiments, stating that the hike offered her a chance to return to the outdoors and achieve something new.
Many AMC chapter volunteers serve as guides for NESFL, including members of the Boston and New Hampshire Chapters. "Being part of this event is a celebration of friendship and camaraderie," says Debbie Marcus, a guide who had gained new insights into the outdoors through her experiences with NESFL.
The relationship is mutually beneficial. "These events remind us of the endless ways we can appreciate and experience the outdoors. Losing one sense doesn't have to mean losing the whole experience," adds Susan Bueti. For visually impaired individuals, it's about embracing a shifted perspective – feeling the texture of rocky trails, the rush of wind, and the aroma of conifers. The outdoors become a multi-sensory adventure.
*Want to get involved?*
Wish to support or request support from the Outdoor Journey Fund? Here are some steps you can take:
- Search Online: Hunt for related keywords like Outdoor Journey Fund, adaptive sports, and funding assistance programs. You might find suitable information on various websites, forums, or social media platforms.
- Contact Adaptive Sports Organizations: Get in touch with organizations like the Adaptive Sports Foundation or Oregon Adaptive Sports. They might have insights into similar funds or programs.
- Social Media and Community Groups: Join adaptive sports and outdoor activity-focused groups. Members may share information about the Outdoor Journey Fund or similar initiatives.
- Local Recreation Centers: Connect with local recreation centers or adaptive sports program providers. They might have information about funding opportunities or be familiar with similar programs.
- Create a Post or Query: In case you can't find any information, consider posting a query on social media platforms or forums to gather insights from the community.
If you're specifically in search of the Outdoor Journey Fund, you may need to contact organizations directly or explore local community resources.
- For individuals who enjoy outdoor-living, home-and-garden enthusiasts, and sports lovers alike, the Outdoor Journey Fund offers opportunities to support adaptive sports and funding assistance programs that allow people with visual impairments to participate in hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.
- New England Ski for Light, by partnering with the Appalachian Mountain Club, has created a platform for visually impaired individuals to experience the great outdoors through hiking, enhancing their lifestyle with an immersive, multi-sensory adventure that highlights the camaraderie between blind and sighted adventurers.
