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Recreation Program Helps Nathan Find His Inner Strength

Nathan is a very quiet, reserved young man, who at 22 lives at home with his mother and father. In August of last year, Nathan joined the DCLS Recreation Program for the first time, as part of a three-day, two-night trip to the Zajac Ranch for Children at Stave Lake, outside of Mission, British Columbia.

The DCLS Recreation Program provides opportunities for adults with a developmental disability to participate in a variety of leisure, sport and cultural activities. It builds self-esteem and provides the people DCLS serves with companionship and the opportunity to experience life in their community.

With its wide array of activities, including archery, paddleboats, drama, music, horseback riding, dancing, swimming and canoeing, the Zajac Ranch trip is an ideal venue for the Recreation Program.

Following the drive to Stave Lake, the first activity that Nathan was invited to take part in was archery. Though he didn’t appear to be overly enthusiastic at first, Nathan decided to give the activity a try. It soon became clear that he was a natural. He often hit the centre circle in the target (unlike the DCLS support staff, who most often hit the trees behind the target).

The next day the group split into teams, with some going canoeing and the others going to see the camp’s barnyard animals and to familiarize themselves with the horses, so they could go horseback riding. Nathan enjoyed brushing the horses and then went horseback riding later in the day.

Since Nathan wasn’t accustomed to communicating verbally, staff relied a great deal on interpreting his body language to determine how he was feeling or what activities he might need support with. By the end of the day Nathan had a smile so big that staff could tell right away that he was enjoying the experience immensely.

The next day heralded a big challenge for everyone on the trip. It was the day when participants and DCLS staff alike would have the opportunity to conquer their fears and navigate Zajac’s famed ‘high ropes’ course.

Approximately two and a half stories high, the high ropes course lets participants of any skill level or physical ability enjoy climbing, traversing and rappelling under the close supervision of the camp’s trained staff. The activity requires participants to be suited up with a safety harness and helmet, climb up a very high pole and then walk across a wire to the other side.

Nathan watched as some of the members of the group took on the course. Though he appeared hesitant at first, Nathan conquered his fears and did very well on the course.

The experience had a big impact on Nathan’s self-confidence and willingness to communicate with others. Following the course, he was a much more talkative, happy and confident camper. More importantly, his willingness to attempt such a challenging activity helped all the members in the group realize that nothing is unachievable – if you at least try.