Adventure Camp in Park City, Utah

(National Ability Center, Park City, Utah)

From July 20th to July 24th, 2026, JTF hosted a multi-day camp alongside the Shepherd Center for participants to experience all that the National Ability Center has to offer.

Cecil and Joel spent several days immersed in the mountains to experience several adaptive sports. Traveling from Georgia and Tennessee, both participants managed traveling from home to one of the countries most sought after venues for activity with a physical disability.

The week included adaptive cycling, waterskiing, kayaking, target practice, pickleball, and much more! Connected as Shepherd alum, both participants were amazed at the possibilities that the center had to offer.

Did you learn anything new this week?

Cecil: “I’ve never been to Utah before, I love it! The scenery, great people, and great food, made for a great week.”

Joel: “I learned how to play spades – we were at the camp at the same time that the CreatiVets group was there and played some board/card games with them.”

What were some challenges that you problem-solved while you were here?

Cecil: “Navigating the place, especially in a wheelchair. There were a lot of hills and ramps but I figured it out and asked for help. My mindset is like, if something needs to be done, I just do it.”

Joel: “Getting onto the ski from the boat, I was like how the heck are we gonna do that? I’ve only gotten on the ski from the ramp before. I let Cecil go first so that I could see how to do it. That was helpful. I wanted to see his reaction, and he loved it. Full send!”

Was there a moment that you felt on top of the word this week?

Joel: “During every activity, all of it. I’m coming back in the winter to do skiing, and I don’t want to leave!”

Cecil: “When I arrived to the ranch, I was like, it’s about to get real!”

Was there a moment that you felt connected with other people during this trip? (peers, staff, other campers)

Joel: “Definitely with the staff, they got me used to the equipment, told me what to expect, and helped me understand how to participate in each activity. I’ve never used the kind of bike that would articulate like the mountain bike that I tried.”

If you had to explain this trip to a friend, what would you say?

Cecil: “You should definitely experience something like this camp. Try something new and get a different perspective on things you can do. We’ve seen people who were amputees, have prosthetics, different wheelchairs, etc. You feel like you can do anything and that you’re not the only one.”

Our Park City camp is one of five immersive multi-day camps that JTF is offering in partnership with the Shepherd Center for 2026. Other camps include surfing in South Carolina and downhill skiing in Colorado and Utah.

Thank you to The Ability Center, Shepherd, and all the volunteers that make these experiences possible. For more information on how to get involved or join us please visit https://www.jacktrottierfoundation.org/art

To inquire about our ART program, please message anna@jacktrottierfoundation.org