Auburn Lewiston area families enjoy an "Outdoor Adventure Day"
The Auburn Lewiston YMCA’s Outdoor Education and Learning Center was abuzz with activity on Sunday June 25th when local families impacted by autism joined the MAIER Family Partnership and AL YMCA for an “Outdoor Adventure Day.” Children were greeted with a variety of activities led by YMCA & MAIER staff and volunteers, and families gathered to share a BBQ lunch at noon.
Twenty families, including children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum and their siblings, joined in the activities. The field filled with bubble blowing fun and hula hooping, and a spontaneous volleyball game ensued with players of all ages. Families headed down the wooded trails to explore their skills at archery, an obstacle course, and a low ropes course, all supervised by YMCA staff and volunteers. Children searched for pinecones, moss, and acorns for the Nature Scavenger Hunt, studied their finds with their new magnifying glasses, and collected prizes for their finds.
Other highlights of the day included a visit from the Auburn Fire Department and their ladder truck. The children were invited to climb on board to steer the wheel and get up close to fire equipment. Thanks to Krista Nadeau and Beth Harriman, families also had the opportunity to take home a free “ID a Kid Kit” courtesy of Prudential Life Insurance.
This “Outdoor Adventure Day” was spearheaded by Carissa Arnold, mom to Gage, who expressed her desire for a MAIER Family Partnership (MFP) event in her community. Once she connected us with Steve Wallace at the AL YMCA, the planning team took off with designing a day of outdoor fun with flexibility and acceptance in mind.
Our thanks to Carissa and the AL YMCA staff, Steve, Will, and Mike, who helped make this event a huge success! Our heartfelt thanks to the local donors who helped to make this a free event for local families: Pediatric Associates of Lewiston, Brava Meat Company, Lepage Bakery, the Lewiston Hannaford Supermarket, and the Walmart Distribution Center #7014, Lewiston. Thanks as well to our mighty crew of volunteers, Sue, Bob, Skye, Ariel, Sam, Martha & Bella, and Nick.
Interested in hosting an MFP event in your community? Contact Donna Doherty, Family Partnership Director at MAIER, by email (donna.doherty@maine.edu) or phone (207-581-2468).
