In honor of Disability Pride Month, Waypoint Adventure North Carolina recently joined NC State Parks and NC Friends of State Parks for a Celebration of Access at Lake James State Park. The event recognized a growing partnership dedicated to making North Carolina’s state parks more welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities through staff training, adaptive recreation programs, and shared commitment across all three organizations.
Approximately 80 people with and without disabilities gathered for the celebration, enjoying a free lunch, adaptive equipment demonstrations, and time together in community. Guests had the opportunity to learn about and try adaptive hiking and kayaking equipment while hearing from leaders and community members about the importance of access in outdoor spaces.
The program featured remarks from North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pam Cashwell, NC State Parks Director Brian Strong, Waypoint Adventure North Carolina Director Adam Combs, and Waypoint participant Troy Heatly. Their reflections centered on a shared vision: state parks where people of all abilities can experience adventure, belonging, and the confidence that comes from being included.
During the celebration, Friends of State Parks Executive Director Michelle Leonard and Waypoint Adventure North Carolina Director Adam Combs were honored to receive a letter from Governor Josh Stein commemorating the partnership and recognizing the investment being made to expand access across North Carolina’s state parks.
Since the partnership began, NC State Parks, NC Friends of State Parks, and Waypoint Adventure North Carolina have worked together to provide adaptive paddling and hiking programs, train park staff, and create more opportunities for people with disabilities to connect with the outdoors. We’re proud to say that, together, we have facilitated 45 accessible adventure programs, served 320 people with disabilities, and led 13 trainings for around 50 state park staff—all with the goal of ensuring that NC State Parks are accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. This celebration was both a moment to reflect on that impact and a reminder that the work continues.
We are grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, spoke, supported, and helped make the day possible. Together, we are building a future where access is not an afterthought, but a shared responsibility—and where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy, connection, and possibility of North Carolina’s state parks.
We need your help making these adventures possible for people with disabilities at a price that’s affordable for them. Will you donate today? Even better, will you become one of our monthly recurring donors (at any amount)?
https://nc.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/WPA-Lake-James-Visitor-Center-07-24-2026-45-2-1.jpg10801618Jacob/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJacob2026-08-13 17:08:492026-08-20 16:57:28Celebrating Access, Partnership, and Disability Pride at NC State Parks
13 bikers pedaled tandems through the Biltmore carriage roads for our open enrollment cycling program. Four of them were on a bike for the first time, or the first time since a life-changing event. One family drove three hours because the adaptive cycling opportunities they’d found only let them test a bike in a parking lot. Here, we’re all about riding together. We also celebrated a father and son pedaling side by side for the very first time. Huge thank you to Vaya Health for supporting a day full of firsts!
Huckleberry Hiking demoed their Cascade Cart at our office. Several families from our community tried it, and one bought one on the spot! We’re adding one to our fleet too!
16 youth who are blind or have a visual impairment took on Crowders Mountain for Bravo: Blue Ridge Adventures – Vision Optional Adventure Week. Some were lifelong friends. Others met that morning. Many had never climbed outdoors before. By the end of the day? One team, some ascending as high as 90 feet up the granite cliffs!
North Carolina State Parks and Recreation staff joined us at Lake James for our Adaptive Kayak and CAP (Community Access Preparation) Sauce Training, the not-so-secret ingredient behind all our programs. Great discussions about disability history, disability etiquette, and practical strategies for including people with disabilities in adventure, recreation, and educational programming!
We climbed with U.S. Army soldiers and chaplains at Devil’s Cellar in Linville Gorge alongside BENCHMARK Adventure Ministries. We started the day with a question: why adventure? Everyone shared their why. The challenge. The thrill. The camaraderie. To overcome something difficult.
Co-Founder and NC Director Adam had a blast at an Asheville Tourists game chatting all things Waypoint Adventure with fellow Tourists fans.
We need your help making these adventures possible for people with disabilities at a price that’s affordable for them. Will you donate today? Even better, will you become one of our monthly recurring donors (at any amount)?
On a recent hike in DuPont State Forest, I walked with a participant named John. John is an older gentleman who lives with cognitive disabilities and who also happens to love walking. And not the fast kind. John walks slow. Deliberate. Steady. The kind of pace most of us have forgotten.
As we moved down the trail, John often stopped to simply look . He looks up at the trees, down at the creek, out at whatever catches his eye. On this hike, he wasn’t worried about keeping up. He wasn’t rushing to the destination. He was fully present.
Toward the end of the hike, I noticed he’d fallen a bit behind. When I went back to check on him, he was standing on a small bridge, just taking in the forest around him — quietly, contentedly, completely.
Watching him, something hit me: I need more John in my life. More slowing down. More noticing. More taking it all in.
Life moves fast. I usually move fast with it. But that day, John reminded me of the beauty of moving through the world differently; moving at a pace that allows room for wonder.
This is why your support matters. Because when you give to Waypoint Adventure NC, you’re not just helping participants like John experience the outdoors — you’re helping people like me learn from them. You’re helping shape a world where we all get to see, appreciate, and learn from the gifts that people with disabilities bring.
I want to be more like John.
And I’m grateful that your partnership makes moments like this possible.
—Adam
We need your help making these adventures possible for people with disabilities at a price that’s affordable for them. Will you donate today? Even better, will you become one of our monthly recurring donors (at any amount)?
https://nc.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260306_170152597_iOS-1.jpg567993Jacob/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJacob2026-04-03 12:09:382026-07-07 16:12:06Moving at a Pace that Allows Room for Wonder
At a recent climbing program on February 19th, in partnership with Hope Center of Hendersonville, we explored the theme “Challenge and Support.” We talked about how real growth happens when we stretch ourselves, and how we can do that best when we know we’re supported.
One participant, Anna, chose a climbing route with determination. She stepped onto the wall, moving slowly and intentionally. But as the height increased, so did her hesitation. A few feet off the ground, she paused and whispered, “I can’t do this.” After trying to encourage her upward, it became clear she wasn’t going any higher. She came down, but only after promising she’d try again later.
A little while after watching her peers climb, Anna was ready. This time, we added an assistance system- a rope setup designed to give a gentle boost when a climber feels stuck – and one of our staff climbed alongside her for extra support. With both challenge and support in place, something shifted.
Hand by hand, step by step, Anna kept going until she reached the top. When she lowered back to the ground, she lay on her back with a huge grin. The first words out of her mouth were: “I rock climbed!”
Yes, Anna. You did. You climbed. You tried again. And you discovered that you can do more than you think. Moments like this are exactly why Waypoint Adventure NC exists. Your support helps people of all abilities experience challenge, discover strength, and find joy in saying, “I did it.”
https://nc.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1.jpg8001600Jacob/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJacob2026-03-23 14:19:152026-03-23 14:19:15Anna’s Story of “I Can!”
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!)
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:
“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:
“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:
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:
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.
Last month, we partnered with Mirna Valario and the Ford Bronco Wild Fund for a program series with participants from the Franklin School of Innovation. We cleaned up trails with G5 Trail Collective and took on the challenge of rock climbing at Fiddlehead Farm & Forest!
Thanks to the Bronco Wild Fund’s commitment to sustaining the environment and connecting people to the outdoors, participants like Asher and his classmates were able to experience nature, community, and high challenge…
Dear Waypoint Adventure, thank you for allowing me to experience rock climbing & trail maintenance. I had the most fun doing trail maintenance! I look forward to adventuring with you again!! THANK YOU!! –Asher
A big thank you to our friend Mirna Valario for making this exciting collaboration happen. And thank you to all current and future Ford Bronco owners! A portion of the profits from every Bronco SUV sold goes directly to Bronco Wild Fund collaborator initiatives.
https://nc.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/trail-cleanup.jpg8981600Jacob/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJacob2026-01-15 11:17:112026-01-15 11:18:17Keeping it Wild
Nearly one year after Hurricane Helene, we pause to reflect on what truly carries us through the hardest seasons: the healing power of the outdoors and the strength of community.
This month, our team took intentional steps to honor the anniversary of Hurricane Helene. We began by returning to the French Broad River – the very river that brought so much destruction to our region. Through a day of whitewater rafting, we sought to re-establish our relationship with that powerful waterway. It was a magical day of connection, courage, and healing.
Later in the month, we joined our friends at Valley Hope Church to support a home rebuild project in Beacon Village – one of the hardest-hit communities. With hammers in hand and hearts aligned, we worked side by side to help restore what was lost and to remind our neighbors that they are not alone.
In the weeks that followed last year’s devastation, trails, rivers, and shared spaces became more than just places to gather – they became sources of healing, resilience, and hope. That experience reminded us of why Waypoint Adventure NC exists. The outdoors connects us, challenges us, and helps us move forward, even after the hardest seasons.
Looking ahead, our North Carolina team remains committed to creating opportunities where people can come together outside, build community, and grow stronger side by side. We invite you to stay connected with us as we continue this journey – and we hope you’ll join us for the programs and adventures still to come.
https://nc.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sean-foster-NbR2bonXkIY-unsplash.jpg7461600Jacob/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJacob2025-09-25 12:44:172025-09-25 15:04:11One Year Since Helene
Earlier this month, M.A. and I had the pleasure of visiting our Waypoint Carolinas team in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The warm welcome from Adam, Shelby, Ryan, and Theresa set the tone for a day full of inspiration, strategic dialogue, and vision casting for the future of Waypoint in the region.
We began by celebrating a meaningful milestone—Shelby’s 1-year anniversary with Waypoint. Her passion has been instrumental in building the foundation of our NC programs. From there, Adam walked us through several incredible stories from the field, highlighting four recent adventure programs and spotlighting one participant’s transformative journey, accompanied by a compelling photo.
Among the most moving stories shared:
Rick, a participant with Huntington’s disease, lives in a care facility where residents have minimal time outside. His experience on our hiking program—run by Shelby and the team—brought him indescribable joy.
Paul, a wheelchair user, was supported by Ryan’s expertise in adaptive gear. Ryan recounted how teaching Paul to use our off-road chair independently became a moment of trust, dignity, and self-belief.
A low-vision group from BRAVO paid full price for their program—a testament to the value and impact they experience.
Waypoint NC team & Kevin
Participant Rick with Waypoint’s Ryan Carlson
These moments are why we do what we do!
Community Partnerships & Growth Strategies
Adam shared our growing list of local partners, including The Biltmore, who generously waived fees to host a Waypoint program—an unprecedented gesture from them. M.A. is personally reaching out with a note of gratitude to acknowledge their exceptional support.
We also discussed opportunities to deepen local partnerships by inviting businesses—banks, mortgage brokers, real estate offices, and others—to sponsor or “adopt” programs in their area. Even one-year commitments could evolve into multi-year support, particularly when they can align their brand with a mission of empowerment and inclusion.
Ryan noted that while equipment donations from local bike manufacturers may be limited, nearby financial institutions may be more equipped to offer support at scale.
Adam shared impressive growth in volunteer engagement, with 160 volunteers now in our system. Theresa and I discussed creating more intentional communication to engage and retain these supporters—perhaps through a volunteer-only newsletter, videos, or stories from the field.
We’re also exploring internships and video training to streamline operational tasks like kayak loading/unloading. A nearby volunteer has even offered her driveway for trailer storage near James Lake, which could ease our logistical burden.
Additionally, Adam is in early conversations with Friends of State Parks, who recently awarded Waypoint $57,000 to renew another season of inclusive outdoor adventure in North Carolina State Parks.
The Road Ahead and Program Experience
A critical point of discussion centered on how we speak to potential supporters who do not have a personal connection to disability. Both M.A. and I emphasized leading with participant outcomes—the “why”—to demonstrate the broader impact of our work before diving into the “how.” This is backed by data from our recent NC outcomes report and our work with the research firm 2nd Nature TREC to quantify impact.
We also discussed:
The use of “Exceptional Children” (regional terminology for special education).
Reinforcing our pricing strategy to more accurately reflect true program costs (already showing results in North Carolina).
Piloting a Destination Adventure model: leveraging Black Mountain’s popularity as a family camp destination to run inclusive weekend programs for families vacationing nearby.
Finally, we brainstormed creative fundraising opportunities—from golf tournaments at local courses to securing bibs through the Asheville Marathon.
The first day concluded with a partner site visit to Chimney Rock State Park, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene just nine months ago. The spirit of recovery and community resilience was intense.
M.A. and I spent our second day volunteering on a kayaking adventure with Waypoint NC at Lake James, the largest waterfront park in North Carolina.
The park features an exceptional, accessible boat launch, an ideal starting point for an unforgettable day. We set out with 15 kayaks and were introduced to a remarkable group of young adults who had participated in 10 programs this year. For four of them, this was their final adventure before graduating high school, making the day even more meaningful.
As we paddled, we spotted two bald eagles, the first M.A. and I had ever seen – perched in a shoreline tree before taking flight above us. My friend George volunteered alongside Max, a young man with Down syndrome who grew more confident with every paddle stroke. I partnered with Willy, a high school senior who became the unofficial emcee of the group, bringing joy, humor, and leadership throughout the experience. We laughed, practiced our technique, and supported others as needed.
This was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in a long time. I’m deeply grateful to Waypoint for the opportunity to contribute my talents as a volunteer and to witness—firsthand—the immediate outcomes of confidence, camaraderie, resilience, and community.
Your support allows Waypoint North Carolina to flourish and empowers people with disabilities to access the outdoors with dignity, confidence, and joy. Thank you for making moments like this possible.
Left to Right: George, Willy, Kevin, and Max
Left to Right: Waypoint NC Team Ryan Carlson, Shelby Hampton, Theresa Scott, Adam Combs, Kevin & M.A.
With gratitude, Kevin Clark, Waypoint Board Chair M.A. Gallerani, Waypoint Supporter & Funder
https://nc.waypointadventure.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Waypoint-NC-Visit-2025-1793.jpeg7471020Jacob/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/waypoint-adventure_logo_457x152.pngJacob2025-08-15 16:27:072025-08-15 16:29:02Waypoint Carolinas: Momentum & Milestones in Western North Carolina
Thanks to the Bronco Wild Fund’s commitment to sustaining the environment and connecting people to the outdoors, participants like Asher and his classmates were able to experience nature, community, and high challenge…
