Recreational Horizons is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that has provided unique travel experiences for intellectually disabled students and adults for more than 45 years. Our goal is to provide very special trips for very special people.
Recreational Horizons offers a wide variety of trip experiences during the year, including spring break trips, summer trips, and fall break trips.
The trips are available to ambulatory intellectually disabled individuals who can function behaviorally in 3 participants to 1 chaperone. They should also be capable of handling their essential self-care, as well as being able to communicate their needs, wants, and concerns.
When the group travels, we strive to increase the participants’ independence and enhance their communication, self-help, and social skills. We also work to break down barriers between our travelers and the general public.
On our trips, we stay in various hotels and eat at local restaurants (either in the community or at our multiple destinations). Most of our volunteers have years of experience working with the intellectually disabled. Many have backgrounds as educators, group home staff, day work/program employees, or Special Olympics volunteers.
Recreational Horizons takes pride in the quality of support we try to provide to all of our participants. We assist them in daily living areas such as grooming skills, dietary needs, or medication administration. But our ultimate goal is to provide those who go on our trips with experiences that would not otherwise be available. A related goal is to provide some much-needed respite time for their family members and caregivers.
What people say
about us
I loved the Vegas trip. I especially enjoyed the M&M Store. Shopping and Gambling with my group.
Lynette B.
Participant
I enjoyed seeing the exhibits and gaining knowledge about new things. It was lots of fun.
Kevin K.
Participant
These are some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I had had a participant who showed no emotion or talked. As the roller coaster pulled into the station, he screamed, “This is the best day of my life.”
AJ F.
Chaperone
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a chaperone with Recreational Horizons. To see the joy on the participants’ faces as they experience new things and as we do the “little things” of each day is what just makes my day.
Beth K.
Chaperone
Meeting new friends. Hanging out with my chaperone. It was great fun and I had a wonderful time.
Derek L.
Participant
I love and like being on these trips. I met my girlfriend on a Recreational Horizons trip. I have lots of fun with friends. I loved the shows and events.
Taylor R.
Participant
I enjoyed watching the participants enjoying the experiences and the joy of interacting with each other and the chaperones. They all make me happy and laugh.
Diane C.
Chaperone
I walked around a million places. I am really happy to see my friends on the trip. I liked the light show. I enjoyed shopping. I also liked eating at new places.
Zada C.
Participant
Being a chaperone for this group is amazing. It’s an honor to work with them and be able to see the world through their eyes. The kindness and joy we all share together is unmatched. I love being a part of the Recreational Horizons crew!
Liz G.
Chaperone
I have lots of fun on all the trips that I’ve been on with Recreational Horizons. I have met new friends and love my chaperone. On the Las Vegas trip, I enjoyed the shops, the light show, taking lots of pictures, and winning at the casino.
Troy T.
Participant