Overview of Waypoint
Waypoint Adventure is a nonprofit educational organization that transforms the lives of individuals with disabilities through experiential, adventure-based programs. We serve people of all ages and all types of disabilities, providing customized programs for schools, MA and NC State Parks, social service agencies, and the general public. Every participant receives the adaptive equipment and accommodations they need to succeed. While our programs take place in the outdoors, their purpose is deeper: fostering personal growth, leadership, and meaningful group development.
Founded in 2010 in Massachusetts, we expanded to North Carolina in 2023. Our impact continues to grow—serving 2,290 participants in 2024, with projected growth of 14% in 2025. To date, more than 16,000 individuals have participated in Waypoint programs, and demand continues to outpace our capacity as we scale to meet it.
Our Ask
We’re seeking a catalytic investment to fuel Waypoint Adventure’s next chapter: one that enables us to build infrastructure, hire key leadership, and pilot new markets. Your support would not only change lives—it would also demonstrate what’s possible when equity, innovation, and adventure intersect. Would you consider partnering with us to help unlock this potential and accelerate our national expansion?
Waypoint Adventure is redefining what’s possible for individuals with disabilities by providing access to transformative outdoor education and recreation. Through kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and more, our participants build confidence, leadership, and connection—skills that extend far beyond the trail. With demand growing and our model proven, we’re poised to scale across the country, expanding our reach and deepening our impact through strategic growth, technology-enhanced training, and adaptive equipment innovation.
Core Programs
At Waypoint Adventure, our core programs are built around inclusive, adventure-based learning experiences that promote personal growth, social development, and a sense of belonging for individuals with disabilities. We currently offer the following core programs:
- Outdoor Adventure Programs – These include kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Each activity is fully adapted using specialized equipment and trained staff to ensure safe, empowering participation.
- School-Based Programs – In partnership with public and private schools, we deliver custom multi-session experiences that align with educational goals and support students’ leadership development, confidence-building, and social-emotional growth.
- Community and Group Programs – Designed for social service agencies, disability service providers, and community-based organizations, these programs foster teamwork and connection through shared adventure and challenge.
- Leadership Development Programs – Aimed at youth and young adults with disabilities, these programs focus on communication, goal-setting, problem-solving, and personal agency through progressively challenging outdoor activities.
At the heart of all our programs is the belief that everyone deserves access to challenge, support, and discovery. By combining adaptive adventure with intentional facilitation, our programs not only change the lives of participants, but also shift community perceptions of what individuals with disabilities can achieve.
Needs
Opportunities for Collaboration:
At Waypoint Adventure, we are actively seeking partners to help subsidize the true cost of delivering high-impact, fully accessible adventure programming. Adaptive equipment, highly trained staff, and individualized accommodations make our program delivery significantly more expensive than traditional outdoor education models. However, we are committed to equity—we do not believe individuals should pay more simply because they have a disability. With donor support, we offset nearly 80% of the actual cost for partnering organizations and charge individuals only a $20 registration fee for most open-enrollment programs. We also offer full scholarships to ensure cost is never a barrier to participation.
Why This Matters:
People with disabilities are consistently excluded from experiences that foster confidence, well-being, and connection. Research shows that isolation contributes to serious health disparities, including higher rates of depression, heart disease, and diabetes—conditions that disproportionately affect the disability community. By removing barriers to outdoor adventure, Waypoint provides access to experiences that are both joyful and transformative—supporting physical health, emotional resilience, and social belonging.
Ways to Collaborate:
We are seeking collaborative partners to:
- Fund program subsidies and participant scholarships
- Invest in adaptive equipment and innovation
- Support the expansion of our Leadership Development programs
- Help pilot programs in new geographic regions or underserved communities
- Partner on research, data analysis, or storytelling to amplify participant outcomes
How We Measure Impact:
Waypoint uses pre- and post-program surveys to assess outcomes such as confidence, communication, and connection. Over the past five years:
- 90% of participants demonstrated an emerging skill
- 85% reported improved self-esteem
- 83% showed increased self-efficacy
- 91% reported a stronger sense of belonging
These metrics reflect more than just a great day outdoors—they represent real momentum toward participants setting and achieving life goals in education, employment, and community engagement.