By Sadie Hess, Founder and CEO
I went on an epic family adventure this summer to Europe. Turning 50 gave me a full-circle perspective of my life and helped propel me towards taking more adventures because time keeps moving forward! We toured Frankfurt, Bern, Grindelwald, Brussels, Zurich, Paris, Versailles, and Amsterdam. We saw the Gutenberg Museum, went on a wild trottibike ride in Grindelwald Switzerland, and marveled at the picturesque views of the Swiss Alps. We perused around the friendly town of Bern, ate our fill of chocolate in Zurich, and played in Disneyland Paris. We climbed the Eiffel Tower, took in the exquisite sights of Versailles, and walked the halls of Marie Antoinette’s private home. We made chocolate in Brussels, enjoyed the canals of Amsterdam, and took in the history of the Zaanse Schans windmills. We ate our fill of Stroopwafels, chocolate and fondue. We walked at least 10,000 steps a day and rode more trains than we could have ever imagined. We adventured to the fullest and came home with thankful hearts. I have new forever memories.
I love adventure and going on this trip reminded me why we have such a high value for exploration at Compass. Adventures open us up to possibility and creativity. They give us more confidence and hope for what is possible. It is so important to provide opportunities like this for people with disabilities. Sometimes our bodies can limit us and hold us back from stepping out of our comfort zone. I like to find ways to make adventure possible for those who think it is impossible. Hope and possibility are for all of us! At Compass, we want to give our community the opportunity to see all the opportunities available in every quest they find the bravery to pursue.
A couple of weeks ago we had the Siskiyou Backyard Retreat at Lake Siskiyou. Over 175 clients showed up for a fun-filled day of adventure. We were able to take multiple clients and staff on beautiful scenic boat rides (some of whom had never been on a boat). Multiple staff and clients went on their first ever kayak rides on the lake, which was a fantastic adventure all on its own. There was a bounce obstacle course on the water which many staff and clients enjoyed. We ate hot dogs, played games, talked, and laughed. It was a Backyard Adventure that made my heart so happy and proud of our community.
In April, some clients and staff from our Redwood Coast region went on an adventure to the San Francisco area. Most of our clients had never walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. They had over 54 attendees travel from Ukiah and Fort Bragg to walk the Golden Gate Bridge on foot. While many folks enjoyed the long and windy walk, those who chose not to walk enjoyed Fort Point and the surrounding views. Afterward, all attendees met in San Francisco at Pier 39 for lunch at Bubba Gump’s. Staff and clients were excited to see the restaurant on account of watching the movie Forest Gump just two weeks prior at the Compass movie night. After a wonderful lunch, staff and clients enjoyed shopping on the pier, seal-watching, and lots of photos and smiles. It was a wonderful day filled with excitement, memories, and new adventures.
At Compass, our calendar is always full of fun events and adventures. Some upcoming events include East Bay’s Backyard Adventure Retreat which is a day at the Oakland Coliseum for an A’s game. Camp Carrville events are throughout August, September, and October and available for all regions. The theme this year is Channel the Flannel! There will be scavenger hunts, axe throwing, dance parties, volleyball, corn hole, horseshoes, board games and swimming at the pool. South Bays’ Backyard Adventure is in October which is Boo at the Zoo! Halloween fun at the Oakland Zoo. Options Backyard Adventure is an Apple Hill farm day.
Our value for adventure at Compass always keeps our calendars and hearts full. In the words of Ellie from the Disney movie Up “Imagine all the wonderful things that would never happen to you if you don’t let them”. Here at Compass, it is our hope that you find adventure, be it big or small! Adventure is out there! What is your next adventure?
