Dungarvin Washington Staff Find Ways to Provide Access to the Great Outdoors

Camping is a much-loved activity many Americans enjoy. The outing usually includes roasting marshmallows for s’mores and trading in your bed for sleeping bags. Unfortunately, many individuals facing intellectual or developmental disabilities never get the chance to enjoy what many of us take for granted.

Thankfully, Victoria Frazier, Washington Statewide Clinical Director for Dungarvin, along with LaVon Frazier, Tacoma Area Manager, and Enrique Marquez, Clinical Supervisor, plus other key Dungarvin leaders in Washington, recognized the importance of this opportunity.

Although it had been years since the first Dungarvin camping trip, the team wanted the event to happen again. “To bring back the annual campout reminded me of the reason we started it: to unplug and reconnect,” recalled LaVon.

“All of the activities allowed participants to engage in effective communication, work on social skills, team building and self-confidence.” With these goals in mind, the team set out to plan a trip of a lifetime.

In September, they took the group to picturesque Millersylvania State Park near Olympia, Washington, where approximately 40 individuals Dungarvin serves, plus staff, enjoyed a new and exciting experience.

“For months, we had weekly check-ins and ‘committees’ dedicated to all areas, including equipment, food, staffing, transportation and activities,” Victoria said. “This event was significant because it affords an opportunity for the individuals we support in our clinical programs to practice the skills they have learned in the community and outdoors. They deserve an opportunity to experience the world, and we have a responsibility to make that happen.”

About 20 people participated in the day trip, while 15 stayed overnight with their Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Dungarvin staff. Together, they had the opportunity to fish, hike, play games, make tie-dye shirts, roast marshmallows and participate in other activities that helped them practice skill development, emotional regulation and teamwork.

We asked Dungarvin staff about these activities. Here’s what they had to say:

Andrea Crumps, Program Coordinator
Q: What does it mean for you to be able to take this trip with the individuals you support?
Andrea: “I think it’s great that we are able to take our individuals out and experience them in a different way. We are all so used to the same routine at home. I mean, there are some changes depending on behavior, but it was nice to see them out with their friends and get along with everyone so well.”

Sauimalae Gaoa, DSP
Q: Does this trip change the way you approach your job moving forward?
Sauimalae: “Yes! It is a daily reminder that this job is more than just routine. It’s also about connection, trust and growth.”

Vance Quichocho, DSP
Q: What do you want to tell readers about this experience?
Vance: “They should experience camping with the people we assist. They had a wonderful time playing games, camping and eating. They also enjoyed time by the campfire.”

Because the trip was about and for the people we serve, we also wanted to know what they thought about the outing. Here are some of their responses:

Christina, Person Served
Q: Who is a staff member you appreciate?
Christina: “I look up to and appreciate Alex, because she took me and even though I had behaviors before the trip, she still took me and we had a great time.”

Jason, Person Served
Q: Why do you think you enjoyed this trip?
Jason: “As a person with a lot of previous restrictions and community guidelines, I felt less restricted being out in nature with other people.”

Marshall, Person Served
Q: What was your favorite part about the trip?
Marshall: “My favorite part was the fishing! I truly had a good time fishing.”

Matthew, Person Served
Q: Can you pick three words to describe this experience?
Matthew: “Fun. Relaxing. Adventure.”

After the staff and individuals returned home, the consensus among all was that this trip was wonderful – and should happen again next year! They’re even considering a multi-day trip, with the hopes of having another incredible experience together.

“Fresh air, nature and community have the power to heal and uplift. We all feel better when we step outside and soak in the world around us,” Victoria shared.

If you or anyone you know is interested in the services Dungarvin provides in Washington or other states in which we provide services, visit www.dungarvin.com for more information.