As temperatures drop and the outdoors transform into a winter wonderland, a Forest Grove nonprofit is offering an inclusive space to connect everyone with outside experiences.

Adventures Without Limits focuses on addressing the obstacles to outdoor recreation, bringing opportunities to break down the barriers that people with mental and physical disabilities may face. Offering access to transportation, outdoor apparel and skills training, the organization creates a safe community to build confidence and embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Brad Bafaro, founder and executive director, started the initiative in 1995 as an extension of a summer program for youth and adults with and without disabilities.

“Our focus is helping people who are not normally able to access the outdoors access it and enjoy it. The goal would be to create independence and the ability to recreate outdoors in a variety of activities,” Bafaro said.

Bafaro has an extensive history of focusing on inclusion, working in special education in the Forest Grove School District for over 33 years. He also taught adapted physical activity courses at Pacific University and acted as a special physical education consultant for the U.S. Department of Education. Currently, he serves on the Forest Grove school board.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping people who have special needs and people who are challenged get outside and participate,” Bafaro said. “We focus on not isolating people based on their disability, but really creating an inclusive environment, where people of a variety of abilities work together to create positive and successful outcomes.”

While the organization works to meet the needs of people with disabilities, its offerings are available to everyone in an effort to bridge gaps and foster connections.

“I thought that it was important that we didn’t just provide programming for people with special needs, so we included all kids,” Bafaro said in an interview with Pacific University.

Helping people access the outdoors requires resources for a variety of needs, according to Jennifer Wilde, the nonprofit’s director of outreach and development.

“Adventures Without Limits programs are specifically designed to be inclusive for a wide variety of audiences; when we think about a holistic outdoor recreation experience, that starts from the moment the person arrives on site,” Wilde said.

Wilde explained how some trail heads or river sites can be difficult to access, and Adventures Without Limits assesses the needs of each participant to provide the necessary transportation services. The nonprofit also considers environmental conditions, making sure people have the appropriate gear and equipment to recreate.

“We don’t need snow pants and boots and all that stuff here in Forest Grove, so we’re prepared to provide all the gear and clothing that someone would need to participate as well as instruction that’s tailored to our audience and meeting folks where they are,” Wilde said.

In terms of programming, community members can get involved with snowshoeing and cross country skiing for the upcoming winter months. But the opportunities do not end there — Adventures Without Limits operates throughout the year, including camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Funded by grants and user fees, Adventures Without Limits works to increase the accessibility of trips to those who do not have financial means. All equipment for trips is provided and any additional gear is available for loan.

“We are continually raising money for our programs, making it at least affordable for people who want to participate,” Bafaro said.

While Adventures Without Limits started with 15 kids in a beat up van, its participation has rapidly expanded, serving 1,850 participants of all ability levels during the 2022-23 year.

“We just want to be welcoming for anyone who wants to get outdoors, no matter how you’re joining our programs,” Wilde said. “We’ve got programs for kids, but we also have programs for adults, families and adventurers of all ages and ability levels who want to get outdoors. We want to help facilitate access to adventure for anyone.”