Something magical happens when you step onto the campus of The Center For Discovery (TCFD). After taking in the stunning scenery of the mid-Hudson region of New York with its woods, fields, and impressive views of the Catskills, you’re then ushered into what will be an inspiring and unforgettable experience called The Adventure T.E.A.M. Challenge: NY (ATC: NY). You are welcomed to this event whole-heartedly, not just by the teachers, therapists, volunteers, and coaches at TCFD, but by its residents. Their joy and excitement are infectious and you can’t help but join them in their smiles and unwavering enthusiasm.
On June 6-8, 2024, World T.E.A.M. staff traveled to upstate New York to coach the 14th installment of ATC: NY alongside volunteers from partners TCFD and the Dolber Family Foundation. At its core, ATC: NY is not just about conquering physical obstacles but also breaking down barriers of perception and limitation–an intrinsic value to the World T.E.A.M. mission. Through a series of exhilarating outdoor activities, participants are invited to push their boundaries and embrace the power of teamwork.
The Adventure T.E.A.M. Challenge was well known in Colorado as World T.E.A.M’s most intense and challenging outdoor racing adventure. Dividing participants into numerous teams, athletes relied on their directional knowledge, athleticism, and teammates to cross the finish line over a three-day weekend. Both able-bodied and adaptive athletes supported each other from bike rides, to white-water rafting, to mountain climbing. In 2010, Jim Cashen (Assistant Chief of Integrated Arts at TCFD), Richard Humleker (Retired VP of Campus & Community Activity), and Lon Dolber (Vice Chairman of WTS, Chairman of the Osaic Foundation, and Vice Chairman of Osaic) adapted ATC for The Center For Discovery campus in NY to engage developmentally disabled teens, young adults, and adults in an epic weekend of outdoor team sports.
Day 1 – June 6, 2024
ATC: NY kicked off at the Center’s campus with the opening ceremonies and a special performance by the CFD Dance Team! Jim Cashen, as event emcee, introduced each participating team: Team Yellow Jackets, Team Green Gators, Team Red Tide, and Team Blue Steel. A special recording of “The Star Spangled Banner”, sung by one of the residents, was played and TCFD staff led the group in Zumba to warm up.
The evening continued with relay races and obstacle courses, allowing each team to become well acquainted with each other and to set the tone for the remainder of the challenges!
Day 2 – June 7, 2024
With the forecasted rain holding off just enough to allow a full day of activities, Day 2 began bright and early with two hikes. One group conquered the 60 foot climb to the Red Hill Fire Tower, with a total of 4 miles hiked from start to finish. The other athletes completed a trek around Lake Cole at Frost Valley YMCA. This year marks the return of ATC to Frost Valley following the COVID-19 pandemic.
After lunch in the mess hall, residents and coaches participated in the cycling portion of the day. With modified trikes, coaches supported their teammates to complete 1-2 loops around the Frost Valley quad. Following this event was the thrilling zipline and climbing wall, challenging participants to put mind over matter and take the leap! The smiles and cheers that followed proved that no matter how challenging an event may be, the sense of accomplishment triumphs over all.
Day 2 ended with yard games and a roaring campfire with music, laughter, and conversation filling the air.
Day 3 – June 8, 2024
After breakfast in the mess hall, teams gathered for Orienteering. With each team captain logging coordinates into their GPS’s, each team located items in their corresponding colors that would be used to create a parachute for an egg dropping competition! Whichever team built the sturdiest parachute that landed closest to the target without cracking their egg would be the winner (congratulations Yellow Team!).
Following lunch was the culminating event of the weekend: the regatta! Residents joined their coaches in rowboats, kayaks and tandem kayaks to float along beautiful Lake Cole. Parents of the residents were also in attendance, making the closing event a memorable and special time for residents, volunteers, and staff alike. After the final boat docked, it was time for the closing ceremonies and the passing out of the medals for each resident.
What truly sets this event apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Here, disabilities are not obstacles to be overcome but rather integral parts of the journey. Through adaptive equipment, specialized training, and a spirit of accommodation, individuals of all abilities are empowered to participate fully and fearlessly. Central to ATC: NY is the belief that diversity is not a hindrance but a source of strength. By bringing together individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, the event fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect that transcends differences. It’s also a celebration of community and collaboration. From the moment participants gather at the starting line to the triumphant finish, bonds are forged, friendships are formed, and lives are forever changed.
Behind the scenes, the organizers work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event is executed with precision and care. Their dedication to inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence shines through in every detail, creating an experience that is as transformative as it is exhilarating.
In the end, the Adventure T.E.A.M. Challenge: NY is more than just an athletic event; it’s a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that, no matter our differences or limitations, we are all capable of achieving greatness when we come together as a team.
