Outdoor Explorers is a therapeutic recreation program designed for young adults with intellectual and physical developmental disabilities. Through this program, “explorers” engage in active outdoor activities in a safe, supportive manner while practicing social skills, self-care and gaining an appreciation of nature. Through experiential learning with our certified recreation therapist and interns, small groups of explorers meet weekly at Candlelight Ranch and community parks.
Outdoor Explorers is offered in the spring and fall to special needs students in Round Rock ISD, Lago Vista ISD, and in the community through age 22 and is facilitated at local parks within the community. We strategically keep groups small, ranging from five to ten participants to maximize learning and social skill development. Weekly sessions for high school students last for an hour and a half, while our adult explorers spend two hours in local parks each week.
Explorers engage in the natural environment through physically active adventures intertwined with our experiential nature-based education themes. Program activities include hiking, birding, equine assisted learning, and animal identification. Activities are designed specifically to reinforce fine and gross motor skills, social skills development, sensory stimulation, and Texas nature education.