While Wilderness Inquiry is known for our inclusive trips for people with and without disabilities, sometimes creating opportunities designed for people with similar experiences or identities is just what’s needed to overcome an apprehension that keeps a person from joining an outdoor adventure.
At 21, Emily Waters loved being active, being social, and saying “yes” to new adventures. But as she got older, many of the camps and programs that once welcomed her stopped being an option. As an adult with Down syndrome, Emily had “aged out” of most offerings designed for kids and young adults with disabilities. That meant fewer opportunities to be outside with peers her own age, fewer chances to build independence, and fewer spaces designed with her needs—and her potential—in mind.
Discovering a New Kind of Adventure
That began to change when Emily’s mom, Libby, saw an ad for Wilderness Inquiry’s trips for neurodiverse adults.
Here was something different: not a kids’ camp, not a one-size-fits-all tour, but an adventure intentionally created for adults with disabilities—centered on inclusion, support, and genuine outdoor exploration.
Emily arrived at the Apostle Islands with two clear goals:
• Make new friends.
• Sleep through the night in a tent.
Over just a few days, she accomplished both—and more.
Life in Camp: Plants, Paddle Strokes, and Campfire Laughter
On trail and on the water, many participants discover a different side of themselves. Group hikes become a chance to move at a comfortable pace, notice the plants along the path, and hear trip leaders share stories about the land. On the water, paddling toward the sea caves on Lake Superior, participants feel the rhythm of the waves, the echo of voices, and the satisfaction of doing something that feels both big and achievable—with the right support.
Back at camp, the small moments matter just as much:
- Choosing souvenirs that will bring back memories long after the trip ends
- Watching sunsets as the sky turns orange and pink
- Roasting marshmallows and building the perfect s’more
- Swapping stories and jokes around the campfire
For many, sleeping in a tent is its own milestone. With leaders who understand access needs and a group that looks out for one another, a night under the stars can become a powerful step toward independence and confidence outdoors.
Confidence That Travels Home
The impact of Emily’s trip didn’t stay at camp. Since her Wilderness Inquiry adventure, Emily has continued to seek out new experiences with her family. On a recent trip to Puerto Rico, she took things to a new level—literally—by cliff jumping into the ocean.
“Emily is pretty adventurous,” Libby says. “So really for her anything out of the norm is new and fun.”
Beyond the thrill, Libby noticed something deeper: an increased sense of independence and confidence. Trying new things in a supported, inclusive environment helped Emily trust herself more and opened doors to possibilities far beyond one camping trip.
Coming Back—and Inviting Others Along
This summer, Emily is returning to the Apostle Islands not just once, but twice. The place that once represented a big unknown is now a familiar, joyful destination. Her message to future trip mates is simple and wholehearted:
“You’ll learn about plants…make new friends. S’mores. Stories. Games.”
For participants like Emily, the draw isn’t just the scenery. It’s the feeling of belonging. It’s having leaders who understand neurodiverse adults. It’s being surrounded by people who cheer each other on, whether they’re learning a new skill, taking a first paddle stroke, or trying their first night in a tent.
“You’ll learn about plants…make new friends. S’mores. Stories. Games.”
emily waters
Traveling With a Disability: Your Adventure Belongs Here
If you or someone you love is living with a disability, you may have noticed that opportunities to get outside can become harder to find with age, especially for meaningful time in nature. Wilderness Inquiry exists to remedy that. Our trips are built on a simple belief: the outdoors belong to everyone. That means:
• Thoughtful support from trained leaders
• Itineraries designed to be challenging in all the right ways and accessible where it counts
• A welcoming community where differences are understood, respected, and celebrated
Emily’s story is just one example of what can happen when those pieces come together: new friends, new skills, new confidence, and memories that keep inspiring more adventure long after the trip ends.
Whether it’s traveling on an affinity trip or one of our inclusive trips, if you’re curious about what’s possible, we’d love to show you. Learn more about traveling with a disability and find your next adventure with Wilderness Inquiry.
Photos: Libby Waters
