All Abilities Challenge
Last summer I started hiking one trail a week and it made me want to do all these different challenges. I saw my friends complete some but I wasn’t able to do so because of my different abilities with having mild Cerebral Palsy. I tend to push myself too much which often gets me in trouble physically. Then it mentally hurts me because of the frustration of wanting to do things that I may never be able to do. Sometimes I’m just not able to hike that week because the pain in my knees flares up. So, I decided it was time to start my own challenge and I want to make it a challenge that others can join.
Welcome to the All Abilities Challenge. What “all abilities” means to me is that we all have different abilities; whether it’s hiking the tallest peaks all around the world, sitting to watch a sunset, going on a paved trail, going on a dirt trail with some elevation, going on a hike even if its less than a mile, or just sitting on my porch because I needed some sunshine and it helps my mental health when maybe I can not get out that day, week, or month. Everyone’s circumstances are different and getting outdoors looks different for everyone.
Join me! I created a weekly challenge where you get outside and challenge your own abilities and the only requirement is to just get outside once a week. You can repeat the same activity and if you do share it through posts or stories (not required). All you gotta do is tag @nationalparkcapable and use the hashtag #allabilitieschallenge. After 52 weeks send off your list of outdoor and travel activities you did and receive our sticker or patch for the All Abilities Challenge. Let’s grow this community of all different abilities and show that the outdoors and travel is for people of all abilities. Here is a list of examples that I’ve come up with but remember it’s your challenge and your abilities. YOU GOT THIS!
- Hiking a tall peak
- Finding a wheelchair accessible trail
- Watching a new sunset
- Visiting a playground
- Visiting a national park
- Rock climbing
- Explore a new city
- Visit the ocean
- Ski or snowboard trip
- Sitting watching the ocean
- Sitting and watching for wildlife
- Fishing
- Child led hike
- Adaptive skiing
- Horseback riding
- Floating a river
- Sitting waiting for the sunrise
- Bird watching
- Mountain biking
- Outdoor yoga
- Sitting on your porch with a cup of tea