Waypoint Adventure NC 2025 Impact Report

/in ,

Letter from the Director

2025 was a year of remarkable growth, deepened partnerships, and powerful moments of transformation for Waypoint Adventure North Carolina. As a young branch of a mission-driven organization, we set out to build a foundation that can provide ongoing life-changing outdoor adventure opportunities for people with disabilities across our region.

This year, the impact speaks for itself: record participation, expanding school partnerships, new collaborations with disability service agencies, increased volunteer engagement, and a continued partnership with the North Carolina State Parks.

More importantly, we watched confidence grow, friendships form, and barriers fall away for hundreds of participants who discovered what’s possible for them when adventure becomes truly accessible.

We are proud of what this community—our staff, volunteers, participants, caregivers, partners, and supporters—has created together. And we are even more excited about where 2026 will take us.

Adam Combs, North Carolina Director

By the Numbers

Participation

Total Experiences: 59
Total Participants: 565
Percent of Returning Participants: 55% (showing trust and enthusiasm in the community we’re building!)

Program Types Delivered

Outdoor Kayaking: 14
Hiking: 14
Cycling: 6
Indoor Rock Climbing: 4
Outdoor Rock Climbing: 4
Ropes Course: 3
Indoor Kayaking: 2
Backpacking: 1
Team-Building: 11

Experiences by Program Model

Open Enrollment: 33
School Programs: 17
Custom Group Programs: 9
Private Lesson: 1
Equipment Rentals: 10

Who We Served

Disability Representation

2025 participants represented a wide range of disabilities, including:

  • Autism (13.2%)
  • AD/HD (13.2%)
  • Intellectual Disabilities (11.5%)
  • Developmental Disabilities (10.2%)
  • Visual Impairments (7.9%)
  • Epilepsy (7.3%)
  • Physical Disabilities (4.2%)

Other disabilities include – Anxiety Disorders, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Deafblind, Deaf, Down Syndrome, Expressive Language Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Mental Health Conditions, Neurological Disabilities, Non-verbal Learning Disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Social/Emotional Disabilities, Specific-Learning Disabilities, Speech & Language Impairments, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury.

Age Diversity

Participants ranged from 7 to 76 years old, with strong involvement from teens and young adults—an encouraging sign for long-term relationship-building.

Languages & Demographics

  • 97% English speaking
  • 2% Spanish speaking
  • 1% multiple languages

Participants came from 26 counties across North Carolina, with highest concentrations in:

  • Buncombe County (60%)
  • Jackson County (20%)
  • Henderson County (10%)
  • Wake County (5%)
  • Transylvania County (5%)

Veterans Served

26 veterans participated primarily through a partnership with Veterans Restoration Quarters.

“I cannot put words to how moved I am by what you and your team do for others. Adventure makes me feel so alive and you are freely giving that feeling to the people you work with. I know our veterans felt alive out there in the sunshine on the lake that day!”
—Veterans Restoration Quarters Staff

“We had a fantastic time! It was a huge boost for all the men who came and a great time for our staff as well. The mood the whole day was wonderful – we were all looking forward to the adventure and all came back tired but happy. Paul was so pleased he had challenged himself and faced some of his fear around water. Jimmy was very happy to have been kayaking again after many years, especially with his mobility challenges now making a standard kayaking trip outside his reach. It was meaningful to all of us, each in our own way.”
—Veterans Restoration Quarters Staff

“Wow! Waypoint Adventures – what a joy to kayak on the beautiful Lake James and the way you guys took us out of our comfort zones for some of us. Was awesome! Thanks again.”
—Mike (Disabled Veteran)

“What an absolute great time. The team that Waypoint sent was professional, informative and fun. A wonderful experience.”
—John (Disabled Veteran)

“I felt more alive than in a long time and the exercise with oars made me tired at the time, but I worked through it and had a lot of fun with my backseat driver shooting water on anybody and they shooting water on us well. Thank you.”
—Winston (Disabled Veteran)

“I got reacquainted to the beauty of what nature offers.”
—Vince (Disabled Veteran)

Program Partnerships

Disability Service Organizations

These relationships allowed us to serve participants who often face the highest barriers to outdoor access. This year we partnered with numerous outstanding disability service agencies, including:

  1. Blue West Opportunities
  2. Blue Ridge Adventures Vision Optional (BRAVO)
  3. J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center
  4. Catalyst STEM program (NC State)
  5. Camp Lakey Gap
  6. Veterans Restoration Quarters (ABCCM)
  7. Black Mountain Neuro Rehab Treatment Center
  8. Open Hearts Art Center

“They have molded their program to accommodate people with disabilities, which is something we don’t see a lot. Having these adventures for them to experience and making them feel like they are a part of something and giving them the self-confidence to enjoy themselves. Watching my residents smile and have a great time. They do a great job with prepping everyone for the adventure. Having pictures (etc.) to choose from and having everyone participate regardless of their abilities. Thank you for another wonderful day on the lake.”
—Staff | Blue West Opportunities

“The mental health benefit of what you offer is incredible. This trip was a morale boost & confidence boost. It created a happy space, connection with nature, challenge & sense of accomplishment. Thank you for all you do to make these trips happen for people who wouldn’t otherwise get to have such awesome adventures.”
—Staff | J. Iverson Riddle

“The communication and mobility accommodations provided were exceptional.”
—Staff | Blue West Opportunities

Schools – Waypoint Education Program

Thanks to Dogwood Health Trust, Waypoint Adventure NC launched the Waypoint Education Program in WNC, giving students with disabilities meaningful outdoor adventures that build confidence and social-emotional skills.

This program served 4 school classrooms and 37 unique students from 3 different WNC schools:

  1. Owen Middle School (Buncombe County)
  2. Smokey Mountain High School (Jackson County) – 2 classrooms
  3. IC Imagine Charter School (Buncombe County)

Pre and post surveys from these program series showed:

  • Growth in Confidence, resilience, and self-efficacy
  • Strong Sense of Belonging and Psychological Safety
  • Many Social Connections & Meaningful Moments
  • Extremely positive program experiences

Student reflections emphasized friendship, teamwork, memorable moments outdoors, and increased environmental awareness – highlighting how adventure fosters connection, belonging, and joy.

Teachers echoed these findings by observing significant increases in:

  • Confidence
  • Perseverance
  • Peer support and encouragement

They also stated that the skills practiced during Waypoint programs carried back into the classroom—improving empathy, positive self-talk, and group dynamics. And, for many teachers, the program strengthened their own relationships with students and offered rare opportunities to see them thrive in new environments.

Teacher testimonials that were emailed following this programs completion:

“Your ability to connect with our kiddos, meet them exactly where they are, and gently challenge them to grow has been remarkable to witness. The patience, warmth, and professionalism you and your staff bring to each session make such a difference. Our students feel seen, supported, and inspired because of the environment you create.”
—EC Teacher | Owen High School

“This was a fantastic experience and very empowering for our students. I was very impressed with the professionalism and compassion of Waypoint staff and volunteers. The communication and mobility accommodations provided were exceptional.”
—EC Teacher | Buncombe County Schools

As we begin the 2025 – 2026 school year several schools have re-enrolled for another series of programming, and several new schools have signed on after they heard about the success from other teachers:

Returning schools:

  1. Owen Middle School (Buncombe County)
  2. IC Imagine (Buncombe County)
  3. Smokey Mountain High Schools (Buncombe County)

New Schools:

  1. Owen High School (Buncombe County)
  2. Franklin School of Innovation (Buncombe County)
  3. Hillandale Elementary School (Henderson County)
  4. Hendersonville High School (Henderson County)

NC State Parks Partnership

2025 marked a leap forward in our partnership with North Carolina State Parks:

  • 21 programs across 4 state parks (Lake James, Lake Norman, Chimney Rock, South Mountain)
  • 148 participants served in state park settings
  • 7 trainings delivered for park staff (Inclusion & Access, Adaptive Kayaking, Adaptive Hiking)
  • 21 rangers and park staff participated in these trainings

Park staff expressed that these trainings fundamentally shifted their perspective on accessibility, and new parks have already requested collaboration in 2026.

“Your training really impacted me! I’d like to work with you guys to create opportunities in my park. Thank you for the work you are doing and the passion you both clearly have for loving on and providing opportunities for all people.”
—Mandy Blake | Park Ranger, Mount Mitchell State Park

“I could not have asked for a better training and experience. Your team did an amazing job teaching us. The client interactions were amazing and so memorable. It totally changed the way I see accessibility. I hope that State Parks will continue this relationship and continue these efforts in making our parks better.”
—Jeff Matheson | Park Superintendent, Rendezvous Mountain

Volunteer Growth & Impact

Volunteer Numbers

  • 243 volunteers in our system
  • 131 new volunteers onboarded in 2024
  • 110 new volunteers onboarded in 2025
  • 172 volunteers actively served across 2024–2025

Training

  • 6 volunteer trainings held in 2025
  • 24 volunteers trained

Volunteer Net Promoter Score

100% – “Very Likely to recommend Waypoint.”

Growing Our Community Presence

In 2025, Waypoint NC was represented at more than a dozen conferences, expos, and speaking engagements, including:

These events amplified awareness, strengthened relationships, and positioned Waypoint NC as a leader in adaptive recreation across the region.

The Feedback that Fuels Us

Caregiver Testimonials

Caregivers repeatedly highlighted deep respect and inclusion for participants, sense of community, increased confidence & independence, life-expanding opportunities and, many expressed gratitude for what their loved ones would never have had access to otherwise.

“Name tags were nice and explanation of what was happening, my son likes that.”

“Waypoint has broadened our horizons. My daughter is beginning to love adventure because of them.”

“This was an amazing experience to connect with other families in the disability community while also getting to experience an activity with my daughter that we may not have had a chance to do. I loved the care and attention from the leaders for each of the participants and caregivers!”

“They have molded their program to accommodate people with disabilities, which is something we don’t see a lot. Having these adventures for them to experience and making them feel like they are a part of something and giving them the self-confidence to enjoy themselves. Watching my residents smile and have a great time.”

Participant Testimonials

“Today I found a new me. I love kayaking now.”
—Madeline

“I didn’t know if I’d ever kayak again.”
—Randy

“This is an extension of my family.”
—Rachel

“Thank you for taking me rock climbing and teaching me about trail maintenance. I HAD THE MOST FUN DOING BOTH!”
—Anthony

“Thank you for helping me in my challenge area, a good nature experience and supporting me and learning new skills. And thank you for even letting me take a ride in the wheelchair. I had the most fun riding the wheelchair and hiking on the trail. I look forward to continuing trail maintenance. Thank You!”
—Henry

Volunteer Testimonials

“Everyone had a great time on the Hike. Great staff interaction and support with all the participants.”

“The program was incredibly well organized, the communication with volunteers was detailed and clear, I felt supported and encouraged.”

“Great experience as a volunteer with a great program. Y’all did great and I’m so impressed with the program!”

“I was very impressed with the passion, attention to detail, concern for the children’s wellbeing, planning, and instructions given by all staff and volunteers!

“The experience was amazing on so many levels. Helping folks experience being on a trail, creating new friendships with the folks you’re helping and the folks with whom you’re volunteering, having fun, pushing yourself physically… it’s just awesome”

“I had a great time, everything ran smoothly, even with the last second change of plans.”

A Year if Impact Made Possible Together

In just one year, Waypoint Adventure North Carolina delivered many empowering adventure experiences and opened doors for people who have long been excluded from outdoor adventure.

The numbers tell one story. The testimonials tell another. But the biggest story is this: Because of this Waypoint Adventure’s belief in the NC team – people with disabilities across North Carolina are discovering strength, belonging, and joy in the outdoors.

Thank you for leading us, supporting us, and believing in what’s possible.

New Board Members

/in

Please join us in welcoming Curt Stevenson, Rachel Musto, and Chris Smith to our Board of Directors! Keep reading to learn more about them…

Curt Stevenson

Curt joins the Waypoint Board of Directors bringing an extensive background as a former software and insurance executive. Having previously served as a Board Chair for two non-profits and currently sitting on the finance committee for an independent school in Greater Boston, Curt offers deep expertise in organizational scaling, investment, and fiscal stewardship.

Curt’s commitment to the adaptive community is deeply personal, sparked by a family member with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. For the past 15 years, he has been a dedicated adaptive skiing and snowboarding coach. He was drawn to Waypoint’s unique model of turning adaptive sports into inclusive group adventures and is eager to help the organization expand its reach and impact.

In his spare time, Curt is working towards his USCG 25-ton Master Captain’s license. Curt and his wife, Monica, live in Boston and have three adult children.

Rachel Musto

Rachel is a non-profit finance and accounting professional who worked in the education sector for many years before moving to consulting, where she was a fractional CFO/controller for several non-profit organizations including Waypoint. Rachel’s professional passion is creating financial models and analyses that become a tool for creating positive human impact and experiences. Rachel grew up next to a state park, which instilled a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the endless opportunities for play that it provides. Waypoint has reconnected Rachel to that passion for outdoor adventure, raised my awareness around accessibility, and served as a reminder of how important adventure is for fostering personal connections and belonging for all.

Chris Smith

Chris brings to Waypoint a strong background in technology leadership and a deeply personal connection to the adaptive community. A cybersecurity executive based outside Boston, Chris has built his career while navigating progressive vision loss caused by Stargardt’s Disease, a rare genetic condition that leads to central blindness.

Declared legally blind in 2009, Chris refused to let vision loss limit his independence. After losing his driver’s license, he began biking to work—what started as necessity evolved into a passion for endurance cycling and mountain biking. Weekends are often filled with riding technical off-road terrain alongside fully sighted riders. As his latest trick, Chris tackled the Tour Divide — one of the most iconic and demanding ultra-distance mountain bike races in the world., following trails along the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains for 2,745 miles from Banff, Alberta, Canada, to the US/Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico.

Chris is passionate about advancing research for inherited retinal diseases. Once told there would never be treatments for Stargardt’s, he is encouraged by the growing number of clinical trials underway and is committed to supporting efforts that accelerate progress for children and families facing vision loss.

You can learn more about our team, including all board members here.

Another Year of Adventure for All: Waypoint Adventure NC, NC State Parks, and Friends of State Parks Continue Accessible Outdoor Programming

/in

Waypoint Adventure North Carolina is thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with North Carolina State Parks, made possible by the generous support of North Carolina Friends of State Parks. Together, we’re launching another year of fully accessible adventure programming and inclusive training opportunities – ensuring that people with disabilities can experience the life‑changing power of the outdoors.

This partnership began in 2023 and has grown stronger each year, rooted in a shared belief that North Carolina’s state parks should be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.

The goals of this partnership are threefold:

  • Welcome people with disabilities into North Carolina State Parks
  • Equip park staff with the tools, skills, and confidence to support inclusive recreation
  • Deliver high‑quality adventure programming that transforms lives and shifts community perspectives

Throughout 2024 and 2025, Waypoint Adventure NC was honored to support this vision by delivering 42 disability access trainings and adaptive adventure programs within NC State Parks.

At the end of 2024, this programming was suddenly at risk. The devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene required North Carolina State Parks to redirect significant resources toward cleanup and repairs to safely reopen parks — a process that is still ongoing today.

In a powerful show of commitment to accessibility and inclusion, North Carolina Friends of State Parks stepped in, providing critical funding to ensure this partnership could continue. Their support has kept these programs low‑cost and accessible for the community at a time when they are needed most.

Friends of State Parks is so proud to be funding this partnership within North Carolina State Parks. The Waypoint program has been beyond successful. So many Waypoint participants have reached back out to State Park leadership to say this is a program they deeply value – and want to advocate for as a permanent part of the state park system for years to come.

—Michelle Leonard, Executive Director, NC Friends of State Parks

As we move into 2026, we’re excited to expand this work even further. This year alone we will be able to run 33 adaptive adventure programs and trainings, giving people with disabilities access to activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing – experiences that build strength, confidence, connection, and joy.

We know the profound physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor recreation. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often excluded from these opportunities. Waypoint Adventure exists to change that. It’s been an honor to work alongside North Carolina State Parks and Friends of State Parks to move the needle, change the narrative, and open the door wider so that people with disabilities can recreate in these amazing mountains, lakes, and rivers that we all treasure.

—Adam Combs, Director, Waypoint Adventure North Carolina

We can’t wait for another year of meaningful, inclusive adventure on the trail, on the water, and in our communities and we would love to have you join us!

Participate on a program (Dates added frequently)

Volunteer on a program

Make a donation (80% of program costs covered by donors like you!)

All other questions or inquiries, contact us: nc@waypointadventure.org

Waypoint staff giving a high five to a young man with long curly hair while other students are around.

We’re Dogwood Health Trust Grant-Recipients!

/in
Read more

School Series Underway

/in
Read more

Hurricane Helene: Oct 10th Message

/in

Dear Waypoint Adventure Community,

As recovery efforts continue in North Carolina, Waypoint has been actively involved in supporting individuals with disabilities. Earlier this week, a team led by Waypoint’s Executive Director, Dan Minnich drove an all-wheel-drive, wheelchair-accessible van generously funded by the Dogwood Health Trust, ensuring that even the most remote and challenging terrains were accessible.

While North Carolina’s programming remains paused, we have focused our efforts on providing critical support to people with disabilities. While many people are still lacking essential services, we’ve been distributing non-potable water to social service agencies, assisting with home clean-up for individuals with disabilities, and serving as a communication conduit to connect people with necessary resources.

With the recent landfall of Hurricane Milton, we urge local leaders and organizations to prioritize the needs of individuals with disabilities during relief efforts. We appreciate the community’s support for those affected by these natural disasters. This work underscores Waypoint’s ongoing commitment to providing adaptability and holistic care in times of crisis.

Waypoint Adventure MA’s programming continues as usual, offering a variety of events and opportunities for participants in New England. We will continue to provide updates on our website regarding resources and happenings in both Massachusetts and North Carolina.

If you would like to make a donation to support our efforts in North Carolina, please click the button below and select “Waypoint Adventure North Carolina.”

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Waypoint Adventure.

Adam Combs and Dan Minnich

Adam Comb's signatureDan Minnich's signature

 

 

Co-Founders, Waypoint Adventure

From Left to Right: Oscar from MA, Theresa from MA, Shelby from NC, Dan from MA, Adam from NC, and Ryan from NC.

 

Hurricane Helene Up-To-Date Resources & Developments

/in

Video Message from Waypoint Adventure NC Director: If you need help, reach out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 4th, 2:04pm  |  New Resources

Counseling from BetterHelp: 3 months of free therapy to anyone impacted by Hurricane Helene. Go to http://betterhelp.com/voucher and use code “hurricane-helene-support”

OXYGEN Assistance: People who need help with oxygen cylinders or charging their oxygen concentrators, call Helene Hotline at (828) 652-3241.

 

Oct 3rd, 11:20am  |  Resources from Adam Combs, Waypoint Adventure NC

FOOD AND WATER: Here is a list of distribution sites for water and food in Buncombe County, which are open from noon to 4pm this week (bring your own containers):

  • Estes Elementary School – 275 Overlook Road, Asheville
  • Sand Hill Elementary – 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville
  • North Windy Ridge Intermediate School – 20 Doan Road, Weaverville
  • Fairview Elementary School – 1355 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview
  • Ingles Black Mountain – 550 NC-9, Black Mountain
  • Pack Square – 80 Court Plaza, Asheville (water only)
  • Asheville Middle School – 211 S French Broad Ave, Asheville (water only)

Here are a few businesses/nonprofits providing food or water:

  • Walmart, 60 Airport Rd, Arden
  • Biltmore Church, 35 Clayton Rd, Arden
  • Wine to Water, Wesley Grant Center, 285 Livingston St.
  • Manna Food Bank, 1pm-4pm, Wed-Sat. at the Brevard Rd. Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd.
  • Valley Hope Church 115 Rockdale Ave. Swannanoa, NC

TRAVEL: I-40E going to McDowell has been reopened to the public. I-40W going up Old Fort into Buncombe has one lane open now, though nonessential travel is not encouraged.

You can find a full list of resources at http://ncdps.gov/helene.

 

Oct 2nd, 2:30pm  |  More resources

Relief from Valley Hope Church, Donate: https://valleyhope.church/helene

Diaper Bank of North Carolina:
https://www.ncdiaperbank.org/

North Carolina Community Foundation disaster relief fund:
https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/news/hurricane-helene

American Red Cross North Carolina (western NC):
https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina/about-us/our-work/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-response.html

 

Sep 30th, 4:50pm  |   Links to resources

Most residents of Asheville area are without Wifi or full service, meaning text is currently the best way to reach anyone and spread information. Below is a series of resources that may prove useful that can be copied, pasted, and texted directly. Take special note of current freshwater, food, and internet resources for those in stable shelter without access to vital resources. Repost from Geof Krum.

Asheville Alert System: AVL ALERT Signup:
https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/sign-up-for-avl-alert

Rescue operations: Helicopter Rescue Total Flight: 919-457-5511 ext 1 email: solutions@totalflight.com; Local rescue number: 211

General resources and info map:
https://helenehelpasheville.ushahidi.io/map

Discord Server:
https://discord.com/invite/vRcQsHBu

Road Closures:
https://drivenc.gov/?ref=share&type=event&id=183&layers=congestion&pins=event_hurricane-helene%2Cincidents_road-work%2Cincidents_other-incidents%2Croads_interstate%2Croads_us%2Croads_nc

Landslide Map:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e9f79de934f24e40a71bab8db8050612%2F&extent=-9197642.3348%2C4231016.2581%2C-9182622.4588%2C4254482.4258%2C102100

Volunteer Resources:

Missing Persons:

Search and Rescue: Call 2-1-1

WATER:
Lowe’s on Smoky Park has water, Pisgah Brewing is filling jugs, Grey Eagle was filling water yesterday

FOOD:
Candler residents: Montmorenci United Methodist Church food box distribution at 9/29 4:00pm; In parking lot of laundry mat 1523 smokey park hwy (Limit per car, only until gone.)

WIFI: Asheville, NC is a TOTAL blackout zone, so they’ve set up TWO Starlink Stations for Public Use. Even NC State Police aren’t able to connect to cellular networks, so they’re using Starlinks now. Spread this for ANYONE in the affected area. It’s been days since anyone’s been able to connect to cellular. Starlink Stations for Public Use:

  • SPOT 1: DoubleTree Hilton Downtown 199 Haywood (Network: SORTOR STARLINK Password: ncstrong)
  • SPOT 2: Asheville Shelter Ferguson Building 340 Victoria Rd (Network: HALL STARLINK Password: ncstrong)

Hurricane Helene: Sep 30th Message

/in

Dear Waypoint Adventure Community,

We are continuing to closely monitor the situation in North Carolina and surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Helene. We are both grateful and fortunate to let you know that our staff located in the region are all safe and unharmed, and we are working to support them and their families during this time. We will continue to provide updates as they become available via our website.

At this time, all programming in North Carolina has been paused. Our priority right now is to support our community in any way we can, including providing our equipment resources to support relief efforts. All programing in Massachusetts will continue as scheduled.

For those in need of assistance, we are continuing to compile a list of available resources on our website that have been coordinated via our team in North Carolina.

Thank you for your understanding – our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the storm. Please check back in with our website for future updates and information.

Sincerely,

Adam Combs and Dan Minnich

Adam Comb's signatureDan Minnich's signature

 

 

Co-Founders, Waypoint Adventure