Outdoor Enrichment Program

The Carroll Center operates the Outdoor Enrichment Program, which provides a variety of seasonal outdoor recreation activities to adults and children who are blind or visually impaired. Activities can range from half day local area activities to overnight weekend trips throughout the New England area. Each activity incorporates a partnership of a visually impaired participant with a sighted guide and uses existing community recreation facilities throughout the New England area.

Blind and visually-impaired persons of all levels of ability as well as sighted persons with an interest in sharing their love of outdoor activities, are welcome to participate. Activities include adaptive techniques for safe, enjoyable participation utilizing sighted persons as guides. A schedule of activities is available through the Outdoor Enrichment Newsletter, which can also be made available in large print or audio tape.

Activities typically include:

Skiing

Skiing both cross country and alpine skiing is provided with two-day weekend trips in the White Mts. area of New Hampshire and the Green Mts of VT. 3 trips are scheduled annually.

Canoeing

Canoeing is provided every Wednesday evening during July and August on the Charles River from 6:00 PM until sundown. Two-day weekend canoe trips are available throughout NE for experienced canoeists.

Kayaking

Kayaking day trips are conducted at nearby rivers, while weekend trips are also available.

Hiking

Hiking can include day hikes in the local parks combined with a leader from Massachusetts Audubon Society, Appalachian Mt. Club or nearby nature clubs. Hiking can also include two day backpacking trips to the White Mts. of New Hampshire and weekend day hikes on the beaches of Cape Cod during spring and fall.

Tandem Bicycling

Tandem Bicycling day trips are provided in the spring and fall seasons on a weekend. The distance and intensity of trips will depend on the abilities of the group signed up, but will typically range from 15 miles to 30 miles, over a 4 hour period. The program owns five multi-speed tandem bicycles, while some participants personally own a tandem. Instruction is provided to all guides. Past cycling has included the Charles River path, Minute Man path, Cape Cod Canal, North & South Shore beaches and the Newton area.

Other activities that have been conducted:

Rock climbing, snow shoeing, nature walks, camping, backpacking, Outward Bound©.

Cost:

Blind participants are charged a nominal fee; Sighted guides participate free, while sharing their time and expertise.

For Trip Schedule contact: Peg Hawkins