Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.

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Charlottesville, VA
Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.

Therapeutic Adventures - IndependencePlus Adaptive Sports is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable education organization Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.

has developed a unique and integrative approach to instruction using: our IndependencePlus Model, our adaptive Circle of Courage model, and our Adaptive Outdoor Skills Mastery System. Through our unique approach to teaching, coaching, guiding and mentoring, we embolden our adaptive students/clients to set goals and to strive for functional independence. Our belief that ALL persons learn and benefit by being provided with opportunities to develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-reliance - has provided Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. with a proven framework for success.

03/14/2026

No. 2 — SPRING FLY FLING for Women Cancer Survivors
Read No. 1 first.

What members of Bugslinger™ Warriors Sisterhood have to say:

The idea of fly fishing has always been intriguing to me (in fact, if I had made a
“bucket list,” it would have been on it). But I never dreamed I would actually be
standing by stream with a splashing trout on my fishing line. It was a thrill I will
never forget!

Many times things we imagine to be special turn out to be a disappointment – not
the experience at the retreat. It was every bit and more exciting than I imagined.
Interesting enough I’ve always wanted to lean how to tie flies as well.

Although the activities were the highlight of the weekend, the generosity and
inspiration of all you who volunteered to make the weekend possible will never be forgotten or underestimated. You all made the “perfect weekend” (and I don’t say
that lightly.)

Sincerely,
Sandy
P.S. For Mother’s Day I received a fly rod kit from my kids.
_____________________________________

Thank you for putting together the wonderful Fly Fishing weekend. I really enjoyed everything about the weekend - the music, fishing, being outside, the camp, massages, the falconry lesson, great food and best of all, my time with the other women and volunteers. You have an incredible team of volunteers who really made me feel cared for, and I know the other women felt the same. I can tell you love your work and you are a real gift to those you serve. You certainly extend the love of Christ to every life you touch. I pray the Lord blesses you abundantly just as you have blessed so many people through Therapeutic Adventures. Thank you for all you do!

Sincerely, Ottilie A.

P.S. I love your book, Reflections on Spiritual Fishing! I’ve been reading and reflecting all week. 😊

www.TAonline.org

03/14/2026

Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports had an incredible, record breaking winter season .
Thank you to our amazing team of ALL VOLUNTEER adaptive guides/instructors.

You can be proud of the positive impact you made on the lives of those who we serve.

We also want to give a huge shout out of thanks to all the families, and group coordinators who made a commitment to enrich the lives of those who we serve.

www.TAonline.org

03/13/2026

#1 This is the weekend we were supposed to be providing our 18th annual SPRING FLY
FLING — Fly Fishing and Therapeutic Outdoor Retreat for Women Cancer Survivors.

Today, I reflect on a huge void in the lives of the Women Cancer Survivors— Bugslinger™ Warriors Sisterhood who benefited from our annual retreat.

The beauty of this important retreat, was that we would bring together a group of women who all share something in common—a diagnosis of cancer, a difficult journey of discovery and healing—then we provide some unique experiences that both challenge them and make it possible for them to do things they’ve never done before.

And, by the end of the weekend, those who participate may have cried a little and
laughed a lot realizing that they are loved and cared for by people they didn’t even know.

The valuable new friendships are based on all that was shared with their fellow kindred
spirits in the Bugslinger™ Warriors Sisterhood. Checking things off the “bucket list” is important. Feeling the unconditional love and support from people you did not know is powerful.

When it comes to women on their journey with cancer, Therapeutic Adventures has
always believed that you should not put a price tag on life, especially during the difficult times and circumstances that test the fibre of her being. This important healing retreat has always been provided at NO COST to those we serve. Approximately one-hundred
seventy women have had their lives transformed at this event.

It is with deep regret that this message, in part came to me in an email.

“After much discussion with the Martha Jefferson Foundation, we have made the difficult decision to not hold the Women’s Annual Fly-Fishing event moving forward. The Foundation would like to use funds in 2026 that will allow us to support a larger volume of survivors.”

_____________________________________

Sometimes, less is more!

God favors those who seek to enrich the lives of people in times of their greatest need!

MAA

www.TAonline.org

03/11/2026

On 2/26/26 Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports (MASS) hosted a group of veterans with disabilities from Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital.

Throughout the winter we served four different groups providing adaptive skiing/snowboarding for our disabled heroes who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

Thank you to Jenn Vass, Reilly Paz, Irene Montero, Freda Sergi, Kai Ellison and Matt Reed for your commitment to those who you serve at the VA. It has been an honor and pleasure working with you all to coordinate and provide these important services.

It hard to believe Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports (MASS) has partnered with the VA for 45 years. Thank you for putting your faith, confidence, and trust in the services we provide. THERAPEUTIC ADVENTURES is honored to provide ALL our quality adaptive program services at NO COST to those we serve.

We also want to thank all of our awesome MASS volunteers (community & university students) who came out to serve as adaptive guides/instructors at these important program events.

www.TAonline.org

03/10/2026

#2 SUMMIT CLUB
3/8/26

CHECKOUT THIS AWESOME SKIING!

I am very proud of this wonderful little boy. He is a joy to ski with. Help me to congratulate eight year-old Ryan Brooks, the newest member of the MASSANUTTEN ADAPTIVE SNOW SPORTS — SUMMIT CLUB. This elite group is for adaptive athletes who have demonstrated proficiency with skiing skills, mountain safety, resilience, and functional independence.

Don’t let his age fool you. Ryan has an incredible work ethic and a never give up attitude. This winter, Ryan has put in the time and the hard work, skiing several day with Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports (MASS). His passion, enthusiasm and positive attitude have contributed to his success. He has become a very good 3-Track Skier, using one ski and two handheld outriggers.Ryan has a nonfunctional right lower extremity as a result of Acute Flaccid Myelitis.

Throughout the winter, MASS has provided: 1-Track, 2-Track, 3-Track, and 4-Track Skiing, Snowboarding, Mono-ski, and Bi-ski., and Guiding Blind Skiers. We are pleased with the great progress our adaptive athletes have made conquering all that our mountain has to offer.

We also want to thank all of our awesome MASS volunteers (community & university students) who came out to serve as adaptive guides/instructors.

www.TAonline.org

03/05/2026

Tune in and check all the elite, highly skilled, badass paralympians who excel in their respective sports. This promises to be GREAT!

www.TAonline.org

03/04/2026

Sunday 3/1, 2026, THERAPEUTIC ADVENTURES— Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports (MASS) and Sportable RVA did a thing.

MASS hosted a second adaptive snow sports clinic for Sportable RVA adaptive athletes. That’s right, two weekends in a row. Yes, the first weekend we were blessed with some incredible fresh powder skiing ALL day long. The second weekend, we were favored with a beautiful, sunny day. We had three sit-skiers (Bi-skiers) who did a great job (check our archives to see a cool video made by Desi, one of our great adaptive instructor volunteers. We also had a 13 y/o with a lower extremity amputation who 2-Track skied.

Heartfelt thanks to Abbie Wright for her enthusiasm and coordination assembling the two groups of Sportable RVA Adaptive Skiers who joined us on the slopes at Massanutten Resort 2/22/26 & 3/1/26. It was truly a pleasure working with you to make these two events a big success.

We also want to thank all of our awesome MASS volunteers (community & university students) who came out to serve as adaptive guides/instructors for this event.

www.TAonline.org

02/27/2026

On Sunday, 2/22/ 2026 Therapeutic Adventures — Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports (MASS) hosted 10 adaptive athletes of all ages from for a day of adaptive skiing and snowboarding.

We had an epic day and the heavens blessed us with several inches of fresh powder ❄️❄️❄️ throughout the day.
The threatening weather did not scare anyone away. Everyone welcomed the beautiful powdery snow as you can see in the pictures and video.

Thank you to Abbie Wright from Sportable RVA for all your work assembling this group. MASS provided: 2-Track, 3-Track, and 4-Track Skiing, Snowboarding, Mono-ski, and Bi-ski. We are pleased with the great progress adaptive athletes made conquering all that our mountain had to offer.

We also want to thank all of our awesome MASS volunteers (community & university students) who came out to serve as adaptive guides/instructors for this event.

www.TAonline.org

02/26/2026

ALS

Try to Imagine what it must be like to receive life-shattering news: “You have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease.”

Yes, the shock is something that takes your breath away. It makes you pause and think about the fragile reality of life. ALS may be the most devastating medical diagnosis a person can receive. Without warning, this horrific condition is unforgiving, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. ALS invades and overtakes the entire body destroying motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually complete paralysis. As the disease advances, additional complications occur causing severe difficulties with breathing, swallowing, and speaking. Mercifully, ALS typically does not affect senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch).

Thankfully, the strength and resolve of the human spirit is incredible. The desire to seek joy, to take nothing for granted, and to live each day to the fullest is in so many ways, beyond belief. To be present, to be loving, and to be small part of a big moment is what God wants us to do.

A few months ago, I received a phone call from a woman, a big sister stating, “my little sister has ALS and I want her to experience as much fun, excitement, and the thrill of adventure while she still can. I was told that you were the one who could do this on the ski slopes at Massanutten. My sister’s name is Saundy and she has a need for speed and wants to go fast.”

I told her, “thank you for putting your faith, confidence and trust in me. Yes, I can provide her with a great experience on the snow. A few years ago, I shared a similar experience with a father who had ALS and he wanted to ski one last time with his two sons. I will do everything in my power to make that happen.”

On February 7, 2026. I was blessed to share a fast, exhilarating skiing experience with Saundy. God kept us safe. When Angels sense you need them, and Angels always do, they come unseen from everywhere to help, to protect, and to comfort you. It was as if we were carving big turns and floating over the snow on angel wings.

Savoring and making the most of life, seizing the day (carpe diem), and being adventurous with God‘s mercy and grace is so important because none of us know what tomorrow will bring.

“When we live with a servant-heart for people who typically have been excluded—those with disabilities, complex medical diagnoses, and rare genetic disorders—we make it possible for them to enrich their lives with opportunities to explore new experiences, to challenge themselves, and to achieve things they never dreamed were possible.”
—MAA

Therapeutic Adventures is proud to provide Universal access and an all-encompassing approach responsive to the unique needs of those who we serve.

www.TAonline.org

02/25/2026

On 2/20/2026 Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports hosted the Richmond Chapter of the Blinded Veterans Association for a day of skiing. Early on the weather threatened us, but we were blessed with a beautiful day and great conditions. Thank you to Kai Ellison and Matt Reed for all your hard work organizing this BVA adventure.

Everyone made significant progress, conquering all that the mountain had to offer. We also want to thank all of our awesome MASS volunteers who came out to serve as adaptive guides for this event.

www.TAonline.org

02/18/2026

In 1981, Mark Andrews, Founder/Executive Director of Therapeutic Adventures (TA) attended an Adventure Based Counseling (ABC) Course in Gloucester, Massachusetts hosted by Project Adventure, the leader in the field of experiential education. A term first coined by Karl Rohnke (and later popularised by Project Adventure), Challenge by Choice was introduced at this course.

To address and expand on the the unique adaptive needs of those who we serve, TA’s Adaptive Guides have been using our Adaptive Challenge by Choice Model for more than four decades. Thank you to the leadership team at Project Adventure who laid the foundation for this important development.

“When we live with a servant-heart for people who typically have been excluded—those with disabilities, complex medical diagnoses, and rare genetic disorders—we make it possible for them to enrich their lives with opportunities to explore new experiences, challenge themselves, and achieve things they never dreamed were possible.”
—MAA

Therapeutic Adventures is proud to provide Universal access and an all-encompassing approach responsive to the unique needs of those who we serve.

www.TAonline.org

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Charlottesville, VA
22905

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