August 2023, Tahoe Ability Program participants and staff embarked on our third annual camping trip. During previous years everyone was always sad to see the day or two go by so quickly, so this year we opted to stay for almost the whole week! This proved to be the right choice as we had ample amount of time to pack in tons of fun activities.
One memorable moment was Wednesday's boating day with the Dresslar family. Each participant had the opportunity to not only drive the boat, but also tube behind it. Staff witnessed elated participants joining their friends both on the tube or cheering them on. All of this, plus a beautiful day of sun- we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
At our campsite we had several wonderful dinners with friends and family joining in to lend a helping hand. Tuesday night the Capshaw family made burgers, macaroni salad and delicious dessert that we enjoyed throughout the whole trip. Thursday, Jeffrey's sister Kristen, made a whole spread of BBQ chicken and several delicious sides as a great end to our week!
When we weren't boating, we spent our days basking in the sun on the beach or in the water on tubes. Some of our braver participants and staff members also took to the nearby dock to show off their skills with flips and jumps into the lake.
Each night we spent hours around the campfire talking, making s'mores (even some exotic concoctions with brownies and Reese's peanut butter cups) and dancing to some of our favorite tunes. The weather did not stop our fun either, as we spent a few nights listening to the soft rainfall on our tents or playing card games under cover until the storm passed by.
Year after year our Tahoe Ability Program camping trips seem to get better. As we continue to grow as an organization we are so pleased to not only add more participants to the tradition, but staff and family members as well. We are so grateful for the immense amount of support and time that went into making this one of our best weeks ever!
