SPLORE is a non-profit organization in Utah that creates "Outdoor adventures for people with disabilities." And this is a story that is filled with goodness and happiness. There are times in our lives that we become accutely aware of our humanity. This winter, our experiences with SPLORE have been absolutely wonderful. Here's what we've done so far.
Indoor Rockclimbing
Our first experience with SPLORE was a few months ago. The program was seven weeks of rockclimbing, with the trained staff of SPLORE, teaching four autistic children the sport. Each child had someone assigned to them, to set up their equipment, spot for them, and encourage them. To say this was a success is a huge understatement. Our son Aaron absolutely loved it. Trepid at first, every climb built growing confidence and experience.
If you live in Utah, and want to get into this sport, I highly recommend Momentum. They have spectacular facilities. They even have a great web site. They have some climbs that are stories high, with a large variety of difficulty and terrain. This allowed the SPLORE folks to tailor different climbs to match the climbing level of each child. So everyone was challenged, and everyone experienced a pinnacle. Aaron was able to make the highest climbs. multiple times, and ring the bell at the top.
Cross-country Skiing
Since our first experience was so great, we did a simple, one day event at Solitude. This time, we had a mix of people with disabilities, and different ages. Debbie and I had a great time. It was easier than we had originally thought. Having a prepared area that is dedicated to cross-country skiing definitely helps.
Aaron was okay for the first hour, but I don't think he was thrilled with the bindings on his skiis. When he'd had enough, he just started off into the snow banks, with Susie chasing behind. This is just one example of the selfless and cheerful care that we've seen with the SPLORE staff and volunteers. The weather was great, the snow was fresh, and the atmosphere was easy and gentle.
Snowshoeing at the Spruces
Again, we did a first for us as a family. In the summer, The Spruces at Big Cottonwood Canyon Campgrounds is camperland. But in the winter, it's under many feet of snow. We had a new set of people and volunteers. We even had people with special sleds, who could not walk. Yet here we were, all out in the winter forest. Beautiful scenery, and a warm dose of human compassion.
There was a moment when one of the girls had fallen over on her sled. We were all there, helping out as a team, even having a good laugh. We had such a good time, we actually bought some snowshoes for the three of us. The photo shows just what kind of snow there was.
The thing we like about SPLORE is the chance to do something new in a safe environment. Being around people who are trained, who are specifically spending their time so that others can live a fuller life, is a good feeling. I have a lot of respect for the SPLORE crew, and the other participants. Their hearts are in the right place. It brings out the very best in the human spirit.
-- Cole Joplin
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