Environmental
Traveling
Companions
accessible outdoor adventures for people with special needs
www.etctrips.org
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Dear ETC Friends,
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I hope you all are having some exciting adventures this summer, and getting out of the fog if you live in the Bay Area! I just returned from joining ETC's Young Women's 21-day course on SF Bay for an enlightening day of environmental education on the Romberg Tiburon Center research vessel. I then cruised up to Lake Tahoe to join ETC's new Shared Kayak Adventure on Emerald Bay. What a stunning trip, from paddling the blue-green waters to great food, perfect weather and of course, great camaraderie. We're having a packed summer of paddling adventures and outdoor discovery, and there's much more to come - we hope you'll join us on an upcoming rafting or sea kayaking trip!
Make sure to take note that the Regatta date has been changed to Sunday, October 17th. We're creating some great incentive prizes for those of you who get out and gather sponsorships for the Paddle-a-thon. This year we will again be offering a free trip to Baja for everyone who raises $3,000 or more, and a custom single sea kayak for those who are really inspired and raise $10,000! Speaking of Baja and kayaking, ETC's 2011 kayak expedition to Isla Espiritu Santo is March 20-27. Right now airfare is extremely reasonable (Alaska Airlines has great deals into La Paz) and the prices begin to soar around the holidays, so it's the perfect time to sign up for one of the most stunning paddle destinations on the planet.
This month marks the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I believe it's important to recognize this date, and be reminded of the vigilance necessary to create an inclusive society and to ensure the civil rights of all people. Thirty-eight years ago, ETC was ahead of the game in regards to making outdoor adventures accessible to people of all abilities. Just yesterday I was purging my old files and found a typewritten letter on yellowing paper from Ron Caldwell, one of our ETC's early founders. He reflects:
"We founded ETC on a wing and a prayer...that by working together in an unconventional manner, just a few people could make a difference in the lives of so many others. It was a hope that this was just the beginning and that others would carry the dream on and be more creative, more inventive and more daring that we could have imagined. Going down whitewater rivers with folks in wheelchairs or blind paddlers was incomprehensible to our friends, our counterparts in the outdoor industry and the groups we wanted to serve. We were continually met with skepticism. But we followed our dream because we knew that to get people out in the wilderness and out of their typical paradigms that they would receive amazing feelings of self worth and would be able to face other challenges in their lives with renewed vigor and hope. ETC today is more that we could ever have imagined. It's a tribute to others who have answered the call and taken on the challenge!"
On this 20th Anniversary of ADA, ETC pays tribute to our early leaders and to all of our volunteers, participants and donors who continue to push open the doors to the great outdoors so that everyone can "get out" and paddle, pedal, hike, sail, surf and explore new possibilities.
With appreciation for all you give
to keep the ETC dream alive,
Diane Poslosky
ETC Executive Director
P.S. We want to extend another huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and brought new folks into the ETC community at the Make a Ripple event. It was a grand success!
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| **NEW DATE!**Sunday, October 17, 2010 ETC and SeaTrek's Annual Regatta and Paddleathon!
Save the date now for an amazing day on the bay! Choose one of 3 courses, from Richardson Bay to Alcatraz, and paddle for fun, the thrill of the race, or to raise funds for ETC. This year, our top Paddleathon fundraiser will win a kayak trip to Baja!
On top of that, enjoy a great barbecue lunch on the beach, and have the opportunity to win exciting items in our raffle (like a trip to Baja, or Patagonia luggage) or bid in our Adventurer's Auction (last year someone nabbed a Feathercraft for an amazing, under-retail price).
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Make your donation do double-duty!
Does your employer offer a Matching Program?
Many companies will match your volunteer hours or financial gift with a donation of their own. Speak to your Human Resources department now!
Donate Online: Donate your car, boat, or RV:
 
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 Kayak Mendocino
October 8-10, 2010
Enjoy the stunning Mendocino coast as we paddle up the Big River and explore sea caves on the open ocean. We will stay at Jughandle Creek Farm, in a quaint 120-year old farmhouse with excellent access to coastal trails.
$350 includes lodging, all meals, kayak gear, instruction, and guides. Scholarships available to people with disabilities.
For more information, or to sign up, please contact
Allison (415) 474-7662 x 13
kayak@etctrips.org
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Youth LEAD 24-day Course
Our 24-day LEAD students have returned from their adventures in the great outdoors, and instructor Riely White shared a few of his favorite memories of the trip.
If
you've ever been on a trip with ETC, you will likely remember the closing
circle where every person is asked to share his or her "Kodak moment," or
highlight from the trip. When I
was asked to share this about my experience as an instructor on the 24-day
Youth LEAD course my mind began to reel; there were so many moments that stand
out as truly memorable.
On
the Fourth of July, we found ourselves
on a layover day before rafting, with our various tasks complete and some free
time to celebrate. Though not part
of our usual programming, we organized various events ranging from three-legged
races, compactor bag hops (devices which had previously been used to keep our sleeping
bags dry during kayaking), apple bobbing, and bean spitting contests, among other traditional
favorites.
During
these activities each member of the group, at one time or another, was
overwhelmed with laughter as we hopped across the parking lot of the campsite, or
attempted to accurately spit a bean into a small pot.
It's moments like these, where people laugh hard and play hard, that
truly bond groups together. Our group was comprised of youth born in seven different countries and it was the first time that many had celebrated The 4th of July. This inevitably spurred interesting
conversation surrounding the culture of the United States and specifically each
person's personal perception and understanding of the "American Dream." This afternoon of wild fun also evolved into a perfect opportunity to discuss a very interesting topic among a group of many young immigrants aspiring to be leaders. It was a perfect 4th of July!
Thank you Riely for all your amazing leadership! We're looking forward to hearing stories from our 12-day mixed abilities LEAD course that just headed over to Angel Island.
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Baja Sea Kayak Adventure
Isla de Espiritu Santo | March 20-27, 2011
** AMAZING airfare deals available now! **
Check Alaska Airlines
for roundtrip fares under $500!!
Beautiful beaches, warm water, abundant
wildlife, and local Mexican culture will leave you exhilarated and
inspired. Join us for a glorious week of paddling along the spectacular
shoreline of Espirito Santos Island, snorkeling with baby sea lions, and of course happy hour at sunset!
$1350, includes two nights hotel,
scrumptious Mexican cuisine, kayak gear and instruction and an adventure of a lifetime! Sliding-scale scholarships
available for people with disabilities
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Moonlight Dinner Paddles
San Francisco Bay - Sausalito to Tiburon
August 21, September 25, October 23
Join ETC on a set date or schedule a private trip for a group of eight or more. Launch from Sausalito in late afternoon for a sunset paddle to Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon and enjoy a sumptuous meal with your group as the full moon rises over Angel Island. After dinner, we launch our kayaks again for a magical paddle home under the light of the full moon. Our experienced guides will lead you safely on the bay for unforgettable views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. This is a fantastic adventure and makes a perfect celebration or gift for a special occasion!
Price: $135 includes paddle and dinner
For more information, please contact:
Allison (415) 474-7662 ext. 13
kayak@etctrips.org
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