Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Civil Rights, Disabilities, Disabled Persons Rights, Environment, Environmental Education, Human Services

Mission: Our mission is to provide outdoor adventure experiences that inspire personal growth, community integration, and enhanced awareness of the environment. Wilderness inquiry adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities.

Programs: Youth engagement:canoemobile canoemobile brings hands-on learning to underserved youth via the "floating classroom" of a 24-foot voyageur canoe. Originating from a place-based learning initiative in the twin cities in 2008, canoemobile has grown into a nationally-recognized outdoor program that connects youth to their local public lands and waterways, develops our next generation of environmental stewards, provides career pathways for our future leaders in the outdoor industry, and addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time--the academic achievement gap. Based on successful expansion throughout greater minnesota, canoemobile now reaches more than 50 communities across the nation-- serving youth in saint cloud, crookston, rochester, minneapolis, saint paul, san francisco, chicago, d. C. , new york city, philadelphia, atlanta, and more. In 2017, canoemobile earned the "founder's award" from the national summer learning association, recognizing the program's effectiveness in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development among low-income youth. More than 32,000 people were served in 2017 through canoemobile, including more than 50% from mn and 70% from disadvantaged backgrounds. Number of people served: 32,910number of service days: 16,582number of events: 380

share the adventure (sta) is wi's oldest and original inclusive outdoor program providing integrated experiences for individuals regardless of ability, background or income. Inclusion is incorporated in the culture of all wi experiences creating authentic, inclusive and positive travel experiences for all participants. Sta program typically range from 3-12 days and include activities such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking and dogsledding. Over 2,000 people participated in the sta program in 2017 including 10% with disabilities. Number of people served: 2,671number of service days: 7,692number of events: 141

wis mission is based on inclusion - to give people from different physical, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Wi has tailored two programs specifically for individuals and families with disabilities: gateway to adventure and project fit (families integrating together). Gateway to adventure provides life-training skills to people with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Through outdoor recreational experiences, the participants gain social competence, independent living and vocational skills. Wi served 482 individuals with cognitive disabilities through this program in 2017.Project fit (families integrating together) makes outdoor adventure experiences possible for families who have a child or family member with a disability, who otherwise wouldnt have access to outdoor experiences. Wi deploys adaptive equipment and specially trained staff to assist families in achieving positive outdoors experiences. In 2017, wi served 1,064 individuals on 42 family adventures. Number of people served: 1,546number of service days: 2,482number of events: 55