Recreation Therapy Activities Planned for Spring and Summer

As warm weather approaches, Shepherd Center’s Recreation Therapy Department has moved into full swing, offering outdoor activities beginning in May. Opportunities include the annual Adventure Skills Workshop (ASW), a whitewater rafting trip and waterskiing workshops. 

ASW, scheduled for May 17-19, is three days of land and water adventures that include adaptive waterskiing, tubing, water polo, fishing and jet skiing, as well as a climbing wall, zip line and target shooting. The event is held at Lake Martin in Jackson’s Gap, Ala.

“People travel from all over the country to attend ASW,” says Rebecca Washburn, Shepherd Center’s manager of wellness and Beyond Therapy®. “It’s a good way for people to get exposure to a lot of different activities.”

The cost to participate in ASW is $200 (includes meals, lodging, activities, instruction and a T-shirt); family members or caregivers can attend for $175 (includes lodging, meals and a T-shirt). The registration deadline is April 19. Space is limited and registration can close before the deadline date. For more information, call 404-350-7375 or visit www.shepherd.org/recreation.

Meanwhile, plans are being made for a fully guided river rafting excursion on the  Class II and III rapids of the Nantahala River in western North Carolina. The trip, planned for August, is open to people of all skill levels and abilities, and friends and family members are welcome to come along. The cost is $50 per person. Register by contacting Chris Ravotti at chris_ravotti@shepherd.org or 404-350-7790.

Three water skiing workshops are planned for June, July and August on Georgia lakes in Acworth, Allatoona and Commerce. Led by professionally trained ski instructors, participants can learn the fundamentals of adaptive skiing. These workshops are designed for beginner and intermediate skiers. The cost is $50 per person. Register by contacting Lisa Ruger at lisa_ruger@shepherd.org or 404-350-7786.