Special-needs children explore Heise
Everyone needs to think safety in the outdoors, especially when it comes to fire prevention.
Not only that, but everyone can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, whether you’re an avid hiker or a special needs child.
This is something a new group called Outdoor Explorers is focusing on in a first-ever series of events.
On Tuesday, leaders took a dozen handicapped children on a hike through one of Idaho’s most pristine areas to help the kids enjoy what many people take for granted.
Logan Conran, who is 8,came with his parents Kelly and Kevin.
Logan registers high on the autistic spectrum, but he can still appreciate the heights of Heise.
“I think the best part is just exposure to the outdoors and having fun and socializing with each other,” said Kevin.
Sarah Wheeler with the Bureau of Land Management helped organize Tuesday’s event, which started at the quarter-mile Cress Creek Nature Trail.
“The Outdoor Explorer program was built on the premise of trying to get kids with disabilities the ability to go out and experience a whole lot of things that other kids do, from hiking a trail to horseback riding,” said Wheeler.
Special needs children hiked the completely wheelchair-accessible trail. They stopped along the way to learn some quick facts about the area on informational kiosks.
Wheeler said it was a great success.
“The kids just like being outside,” said Wheeler.
They got to hang out with a forest service rock star.
“Anytime you have Smokey the Bear, they’re happy,” said Wheeler.
The group Outdoor Explorers has more therapeutic events scheduled for this summer. On Saturday, they’ll be horseback riding in Idaho Falls.
