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| Outdoor Buddies, Inc. |
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| Contact: | Dwaine Robey, President |
| Phone: | (719) 783-9044 |
| Web Site: | www.outdoorbuddies.org |
| Email: | Email |
| Mailing Address: | 555 Highlands Road, Westcliffe, CO, 81252 |
| Physical Address: | 555 Highlands Road, Westcliffe, CO, 81252 |
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An Outdoor Buddies church youth group enjoying an outdoor adventure experience at our private 40 acre campground at Tarryall State Wildlife Area.
| Outdoor Buddies was founded in 1984, through joint efforts of Craig Hospital and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, to provide outdoor adventure experiences to mobility-disabled outdoor lovers.
The organizational efforts were initiated primarily because of a need to find therapeutic recreational opportunities for patients who had suffered debilitating spinal cord injuries.
Through the years, Outdoor Buddies has expanded its programs to assist mobility-disabled persons from all walks of life throughout the USA, as well as local youth groups.
Outdoor Buddies’ mission is: To provide opportunities through a volunteer organization, for those who have been deprived of enjoying outdoor experiences. The focus is on those who are mobility-disabled (requiring mechanical assistance) and youth groups.
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| Youth Program - The goals of the program are: 1) to build and strengthen family relationshiips through participation in outdoor recreational activities, 2) provide participating youth with the opportunity to develop strong positive ethical characteristics related to conduct afield, and 3) to develop relationships with other organizations who work with youth to provide opportunities to engage youth in the wise use of our natural resources.
Activities are planned and tailored for each specific youth group.
Parental participation is always welcomed and required for certain activities. |
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| Some of the services that Outdoor Buddies provides for mobility-disabled and youth participants in our outdoor activities are:
1) Experienced able-bodied volunteers (Able-Buddies) to accompany disabled participants (Handi-Buddies) on the activities on a one-on-one basis. This provides the support that is required for safety and success.
2) Locations to pursue the activities, not where the presence of general public makes it difficult for the Handi-Buddies.
3) The necessary equipment and/or knowledge needed for success.
4) The means to create the proper mental and physical environment for activities.
5) Liaison with state divisions of wildlife, parks and state legislatures.
6) Development of opportunities for the disabled by group activities as well as personal and individual attention.
7) A circle of people with similar interests and desires.
8) When needed, current information and assistance to obtain the necessary permits.
9) A newsletter with current information about activities and opportunities to enjoy the out of doors.
WHAT DO WE NEED?
We need local ranchers/landowners to donate the use of their property for outings involving mobility-disabled persons or youth groups participating in outdoor activities.
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 | Almost anyone can enjoy an outdoor outing. The handi-buddy shown in this picture was able to harvest a cow elk while using a rifle mounted on a wheelchair shooting rest equipped with a "sip and puff" mechanism to fire the rifle. He accomplished this even though he was paralyzed from the chin down and needed a respirator to breathe.
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 | A Handi-Buddy enjoying an outdoor adventure experience. Being wheelchair bound with MS does not stop this sportsman from enjoying the outdoors.
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 | A youth fisherman enjoying an outdoor adventure experience at an Outdoor Buddies fishing event.
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