WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUTDOOR FAMILY ADVENTURES OF SOUTH ALABAMA

If  you cannot find the answer to your questions below, please contact us!

We know that it's a big decision for you to join in an Outdoor Family  adventure event, especially if you have not gone with us before. If  you have a question please contact us. You can e-mail Angela Ballard, our founder and Executive Director by clicking on the link below. Angela has many years of experience with Outdoor Family Adventures and events. She first started as the fieldtrip coordinator for the largest homeschooling group in Baldwin county and did that job well for several years. The concept of educating families to be stewards of our environment touched a great need in our local area. Angela believed we  should open the environmental education opportunity to other families outside of  the  homeschool organizations. That is how the Outdoor Family Adventures organization was developed. If you have questions not answered here email us at : 

Angela@outdoorfamilyasa.com

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What makes Outdoor Family Adventures different?
In a word, it’s the relationships. Outdoor Family Adventures participants frequently tell us how amazed they are that a group of people who barely know each other can come together as a community. These experiences really do help us discover, explore and deepen relationships—with others, ourselves and the natural world.

On all of our trips you will experience beautiful destinations, fun activities, and excellent instruction.. But these things are just the beginning of the adventure—not the end in itself. We are passionate about helping people fully engage in life through shared adventure. This passion is shared by our participants, some of whom have gone on multiple trips with us. Sandy, a  young mother who went on a canoe trip to the Mobile River, said it best:

“The atmosphere was great and  we enjoyed the strong feeling of community in our group. I’d go anywhere with these people!”

Who else goes on an Outdoor Family Adventures trip?
Our trips are open to people of all ages and abilities, including persons with disabilities. We usually have an equal number of men and women on our trips. The ages of trip participants range from newborn to 88. Our general trips are for families with young children to teens,grandparents or single parents are welcome to  participate. We also have trips that are just for couples.

Who can participate?
We seek to include people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Our trips are generally divided according to the following groups:

Adults: Some of our trips are geared for adults who range in age from 18 – 90 years old. They come from all walks of life and share a passion for adventure.

Families: we’ve conducted a wide range of family trips. Some trips  are designed for families with young children, while others are geared for families with kids aged 5-17. The activities, distances traveled, and campfire chat reflect these target age groups. Families of all shapes and sizes join in on these trips, including many single parent and non-traditional families,along with inclusion for disabled family members.

 
Women: we've offered christian women's  retreats just for women. These trips are usually the same itinerary as a regular  trip, except that the staff and participants are all women. We hold bible study and campfire ministry as a fellowship time.

Youth: Each year we will do many trips for youth groups from schools and other organizations. We also conduct an extensive youth leadership program called the youth Ambassadors Program to help youth aged 10-18 develop the skills needed to become inclusive outdoor leaders (and future  staff). While learning journalism skills to be used for our own outdoor adventures blog on this site.

You:  Outdoor Family Adventures is all about including everyone. Join us!
 

Do you serve people with disabilities?
Yes, we are very committed to integrating people with varying levels of ability on our trips. In fact, we offer the DOORWAYS program it was started to demonstrate that people with disabilities can enjoy  the wilderness just like everyone else—on their own terms.

Over the years, we’ve come to realize that the notion of “disability” is a very relative concept, mostly related to one’s attitude. Integrated outdoor family adventures travel tends to destroy stereotypes people have about “disability” and helps us all recognize our common humanity.

Our philosophy is to treat each person as an individual rather than as a disability. We focus on what people can do—their abilities—not on what they cannot do. Our goal is to integrate persons with disabilities seamlessly into our trips without making a big deal about it, and we’ve been doing it successfully. We have members that are what we call  differently abled. Angela being a parent of a disabled child and later losing him to medical complications knows how important being with the family as whole is to all the family members. No one likes leaving a child or loved one behind on fun adventures due to the disabilities the person may have.

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How do you serve people with disabilities?
We think it’s easy to do. Some people need assistance transferring or moving about, and our staff  and volunteers help the caregivers do this. We cater to the caregivers during our events.

We register participants and staff on trips with the group’s competence in mind, meaning that all individual strengths and weaknesses are considered in context. We just can’t have everyone paddling and no one cooking, or everyone portaging and no one telling jokes. Our trips wouldn’t work that way. Our trips are a group effort all participants work together to make a great adventure happen for everyone attending.

If you have a disability and you’re wondering about our ability to serve you, please call or e-mail our office.

Do you offer financial aid?
Yes. We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds from alumni and others. Financial assistance is need-based. Certain restrictions apply. Some times we do not have funds available.

Does Outdoor Family Adventures of South Alabama do trips with pre-existing groups?
Absolutely! We do many trips with schools, families, scout groups and other non-profit and for-profit organizations. We pride ourselves on being flexible and accommodating, and can customize meals, destinations, length of trip, you name it. Email us for more information on group trips.

How physically demanding are Outdoor Family Adventures trips?
In general we have a moderate pace that allows individuals to enjoy the backcountry without becoming exhausted. Each group may include people with a wide range of ability levels. We work to ensure that the overall group make-up is strong enough to have a positive experience. There are often opportunities for extra activities from camp if you want more of a challenge.

We consider where you are in terms of skills and conditioning--whether neophyte or seasoned veteran, physically fit or pasty skinned and overweight. We don’t mean to trivialize those issues, but, in our experience, those things are the “small stuff” compared to things like compassion and teamwork.

We focus on what people can do—their ability and what they are willing to do—not on what they cannot do. Our experience shows us that attitude is more important than physical ability.

Please remember that these trips are adventures, not packaged tours. The exact nature of your specific trip will depend upon many factors, including the weather, your group, and your own interests and needs.

Where do I go to the bathroom?
In many of the places we travel there are established toilets. In places where toilet facilities are not provided we search out alternatives. We pay special attention to privacy and hygiene. If you have bathroom concerns, please do not hesitate to ask--many people do have concerns about this so please do not hesitate to ask.

What are the qualifications and interests of  the trip Leaders?
All of our Leaders are experienced   and have some training in our programs. We prefer to use educators with a wealth of experience, knowledge and commitment--several have been leading trips for other organizations working  in different positions. Regardless of which trip you go on you will love the trail staff--they are the best thing about the Outdoor Family Adventures Of South Alabama.

What level of service do the leaders provide?
our leaders provide participants with support and a safe atmosphere. On the trail they are leaders, coaches, and friends. Most people can’t believe we find such wonderful people to lead the trips. From your pre-trip call, a week before the trip, to your final departure from the group, they’ll work incredibly hard with a smile on their faces. We don't put chocolates on your pillow, but we will bring you a nice cup of coffee in the morning!

Our  trips are cooperative in nature. On most trips this means that you will sleep in a tent that you and your tent mates set up. You will also participate in camp chores such as cooking, starting fires, and other camp activities.

What is included in the  campout price?
campout fees cover most all of your needs while you are in the wilderness — including  food, staff, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing,tents and a sleeping bag.

Do you conduct other programs in addition to the campouts?
Yes. We provide a variety of programs and services, besides extended trips, that are also designed to get people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities active in the outdoors.

How can I get more specific information about a trip or program?
We’ve tried to put a lot of information about each trip on this web site, but it’s impossible to include it all. Please call or e-mail us if you have questions. 

Who can I talk to about some personal concerns?
The best thing to do is email  Our staff is ready to answer your questions in a personal and confidential manner. Many people have concerns about issues such as toileting in the wilderness—no need to be bashful about talking to us. Our number one goal is to make sure that you and the other members of your group have a great trip.

If there is an issue or question about your participation, we will be up front with you and either help you solve it or refer you to some other place—nobody wins if you get in a situation that’s not right for you. In some cases we may ask you to consult with your physician. Most of the people who answer the phones also lead trips themselves — they know what it takes to make a trip a success!

Ask  any additional questions you may have.