Written By: Ann Nguyen, WBRC Recreation Therapy Intern
Water splashing upon the shore near the Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) campsite, rapids swelling up at every rocky turn, people filled rafts navigating downstream, ice cold water splashing up from all sides of the raft, and the elated cries of excitement were among some of the powerful images lingering in the minds of eight veterans from the WBRC as they came back from a wondrous white water rafting trip. On August 15, 2014 WBRC recreation therapists, Rachel Smith and Lindsay Conner, teamed up with ETC certified white water rafting volunteer guides, including David Patten—WBRC visual skills supervisor—and Simone Riente—WBRC social worker—, to provide a whole weekend of white water rafting and camping along the South Fork of the American River.
From the campsite, to the staff, to the food, all the
Veterans were very satisfied with what ETC provided. After spending the night resting under the
stars, the group was oriented to the rafts and embarked on a 12 mile white
water journey down the American River. Before
this experience many of the Veterans who went on the trip could not fathom how
individuals with visual impairments could navigate the American River and all
the rapids it had to offer.
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| Photo: The WBRC Group at the ETC Campsite |
Water splashing upon the shore near the Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) campsite, rapids swelling up at every rocky turn, people filled rafts navigating downstream, ice cold water splashing up from all sides of the raft, and the elated cries of excitement were among some of the powerful images lingering in the minds of eight veterans from the WBRC as they came back from a wondrous white water rafting trip. On August 15, 2014 WBRC recreation therapists, Rachel Smith and Lindsay Conner, teamed up with ETC certified white water rafting volunteer guides, including David Patten—WBRC visual skills supervisor—and Simone Riente—WBRC social worker—, to provide a whole weekend of white water rafting and camping along the South Fork of the American River.
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| Photo: The WBRC Group enjoys a meal at the ETC Campsite |
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| Photo: WBRC rafters on the America River |
“Troublemaker” and “Fowler’s Rock” were among some of the
exciting rapids that the Veterans battled through. With adaptations made on each raft, each
individual was able to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Ingenious ETC staff took a simple lawn chair
and duct tape to create secure seats on the raft itself; any wheelchair users
definitely had the best seat. There was
a generous amount of staff support provided by ETC, as well, which all
contributed to a trip that gave lasting impressions on all the Veterans who
were able to attend. Here were only a
few of the comments made on the trip:
“It was the most fun I’ve had in the last 14 years.”
“The rafting trip itself was the most amazing thing I
have ever done-sighted or visually impaired… It
helped to boost my confidence, decrease my fears and to socialize with other
attendees.”
“This
experience is one that I will remember the rest of my life. I don’t know how to
put into words.”
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| Photo: A rafter holds a paddle with the following inscription written on it: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving SAFELY in a PRETTY and WELL-PRESERVED body, but rather to skid in BROADSIDE in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘WOW! WHAT A RIDE!’” – Hunter S. Thompson. |
This experience was made possible by a donation from a
Veteran who wishes to not be named.
Nevertheless, his selfless act brought life changing joy to many of the
Veterans who were able to experience white water rafting for the first
time. Each and everyone one of the
Veterans expressed gratitude for the staff, ETC, and the grateful retired US
Army Officer for providing an opportunity for this trip. WBRC to anticipate.
