Gateway Trips

Wilderness Inquiry provides Gateway Trips for adults and youth with developmental disabilities at a variety of fantastic locations. These 3-7 day trips are a great introduction to outdoor recreation and wilderness camping, focusing on developing skills such as setting up a tent, paddling a canoe or kayak, camp crafts, outdoor cooking, leadership and group social skills. Most importantly, participants experience the beauty and joy of the great outdoors with a group of friends.

Our primary goal is to provide Gateway participants with the camping and social skills needed to participate in safe, enjoyable, outdoor adventures. After participation in a Gateway adventure, our hope is to provide opportunities for more integrated outdoor recreation, including trips that include many people without disabilities. Gateway adventures have many benefits, including:

• Enjoyment and appreciation of the natural world
• Long lasting friendships
• Positive changes in behavior
• Enhanced social interaction skills
• Increased ability to live independently
• Social skill development in a hands-on learning environment
• Canoeing, camping, and other outdoor skill instruction