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Another year brought us back to the Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) for Summer Camp with the Shepherd Center in Crested Butte. This year, four individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries joined us with their significant others and/or a family member for a week of adaptive recreation, new challenges, and opportunities to discover what is possible.

For some, it was their first experience with adaptive sports. For others, it was a chance to take activities they had tried before and push themselves further. Throughout the week, the ASC team helped each person find the right equipment, adaptations, and support to take on something new.

Day One: Getting Back on the Water

We started the week with a day of paddling on Lake Irwin.

For several people in the group, getting back on the water after their injury was something they weren’t sure would be possible. With a few simple modifications and the support of the ASC team, everyone was able to get out on the water.

Many left the day surprised by how accessible kayaking actually was and how little adaptation was needed to feel supported and capable. It was an early reminder that getting back to the activities you enjoy may be more possible than you think.

We spent almost six hours at the lake, laughing, enjoying each other’s company, and getting to know one another. A few even decided to jump into the alpine waters—a great way to start the week!

That evening, we gathered with the ASC team for pasta dinner in town, sharing stories from the day and getting to know the community that would be alongside us throughout the week.

Day Two: Bikes!

The next day, the group took on adaptive cycling.

The ASC staff worked with each individual to find the right bike and make adjustments based on their needs. The group practiced braking, shifting, steering, and getting comfortable with the mechanics of a new piece of equipment before heading out through town and onto the trails.

As the day went on, everyone became more comfortable and started pushing themselves a little harder. What started with learning the basics turned into riding through town, exploring trails, and taking on terrain that definitely pushed the group outside their comfort zones.

The group quickly discovered that adaptive cycling is no easy sport—but they also discovered that with the right equipment, support, and a little practice, it can be an incredible way to get outside and have fun.

Day Three: Taking on the Mountain

For the final day, we took things up another level with downhill mountain biking.

After loading into the vans and heading to the top of Crested Butte, everyone made their way down through groves of aspens and mountain terrain.

There were some nerves at the start, but those quickly turned into huge smiles. Each person pushed themselves in a different way—whether that meant picking up speed, navigating a challenging section, or simply trusting their equipment and abilities.

By the end of the day, the group had another reminder of what is possible when they are given the opportunity and support to try.

Discovering What Is Possible

Throughout the week, the group wasn’t just learning how to kayak or ride adaptive bikes. They were discovering new ways to stay active, have fun, and spend time outdoors.

The ASC team created a space where everyone could ask questions, try something new, make adjustments, and keep going. That support made it easier for each person to push outside of their comfort zone and find activities that worked for them.

Most importantly, everyone left with something they could take home: new ways to be active, new sports they may want to continue exploring, and the confidence to keep trying.

The possibilities are there—and now they know where to start.

A huge thank you to the incredible team at Adaptive Sports Center for another outstanding week and for creating the opportunity for people with spinal cord injuries to get outside, build confidence, find community, and discover what is possible.