History
In
the fall and winter of 2000, Deborah Lamden, the mother of a teen with cerebral
palsy, started a two-week summer 'pilot program' called Partners In Adventure (PIA).
Over 20 community organizations were invited to collaborate in the development
of Partners In Adventure camp. Twelve organizations have continued this
collaboration. PIA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Currently we are in
our 10th year of continuous operation.
PIA
was
created in response to stated concerns heard through interviews with families
and professionals over a six-year period about the lack of joint summertime
social and recreational experiences for teens with and without disabilities
throughout northern Vermont. Parents and professionals saw a need for a
camp-style program specifically designed to give non-disabled and
disabled young people access to summertime activities in a completely inclusive
setting. Children with disabilities become increasingly isolated as they enter
their teens, a time when athletic and verbal skills become more essential to
building relationships with peers.
PIA is the only program in Vermont offering opportunities in community settings
that are fully accessible, adaptive and inclusive...partnering people who are
non-disabled with others who are developmentally, physically and mentally
challenged. Programming is tailored to the needs of individuals by a team of
therapists, parents, people with special needs and special educators.
Mission
|
Partners in Adventure’s programs are designed
to honor diversity. Regardless of our physical and mental attributes, we
all have the ability to learn, to give and to grow. Partners In
Adventure provides unique experiences to young people with and without
disabilities, that foster independence and build self-esteem. Partners
In Adventure creates personal partnerships that facilitate safe social
exploration while learning more about the world.
|
Partners
In Adventure is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Programming
Our campers reflect the full range of abilities. So we
program adaptive activities that insure access and enjoyment for each and
every one. PIA staff and visiting instructors strive to provide camp
experiences geared to every campers abilities. All of our workshops are led by
skilled instructors with a proven sensitivity to wide-ranging learning styles.
Equipment and teaching techniques are chosen and even modified on site to
ensure the success of each camper.
PIA Advisory Board
All camp programming is inclusive, non competitive and
adapted to allow each and every camper full access to all the activities and
workshops.
PIA
has become accepted as a location for campers with special needs on IEPs to
receive their summer services. In 2005, we formed a
team of professionals, including parents of teens with disabilities, a special
education paraprofessional, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist
and a speech pathologist to help design programming that enhances appropriate
skill building through camp activities. By addressing the Vermont
Standards in Education, we now offer a guide to help parents and
professionals understand how PIA
can serve their camper’s special educational needs and IEP goals.
Community
Partners
Vermont
Adaptive Ski and Sports
Shelburne
Farms
Burlington Parks and Recreation
Department
Lake
Champlain Community Sailing Center
South Burlington Recreation
Department
Essex Junction Recreation
Department
Essex Recreation
Department
Mater
Christi School
Essex
Alliance Church
Vermont
Family Network
City
Market
BPOE
916 Elks Club
Partners In Adventure
Staff
Deborah Lamden,
Executive Director
Sue Minter, Administrative
Assistant
Board of Directors
Deborah Lamden
President
Liz Robitaille
Vice-President
George Tyler
Co-Secretary
Carla Mazza
Treasurer
Ann Schmidt
Sarah Truex
Sheila Kazak
Elizabeth
Shook
Contact
Information
Telephone
(802) 425-2638
FAX
(802) 425-2638 (call in advance)
Mailing
Address PO Box 867, Shelburne, VT 05482
Deborah
Lamden, Executive Director
E-mail
dlamden@gmavt.net
