Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.

Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.

Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.

Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Learning Lab
  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Contact
    • Programs
    • Events
    • Learning Lab
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Learning Lab

Programs

 

 Our programs are thoughtfully created to support emotional, mental, and social well-being while helping manage the stress and pressures that often come with caregiving responsibilities.

We offer activities that promote resilience, problem-solving, and coping skills, while providing opportunities for fun, creativity, and connection. Programs are carefully tailored to accommodate different ages, abilities, and schedules, ensuring that everyone can participate fully and benefit from the experience.

Family involvement is an important component of our approach. We provide meaningful opportunities for families to engage with each other, communities to connect with peers in similar situations, and develop a sense of support and community. Activities also incorporate elements of outdoor experiences and environmental education, offering restorative opportunities for stress relief and personal growth.

Safety and well-being are at the heart of our program design. We ensure that all activities are conducted in safe environments, facilitated by trained staff who provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Programs are flexible and responsive, adapting to the needs, preferences, and circumstances of participants. Through ongoing evaluation and feedback, we continuously refine our offerings to ensure they remain effective, supportive, and enriching for children navigating the challenges of having a caregiving parent or guardian.


Shifting the Way People Experience Nature

 Our programs transform the way people experience the outdoors, blending creativity, tradition, and environmental exploration. Participants of all skill levels can engage in innovative, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, mindfulness, and connection. It’s an initiative that invites communities to discover. 

Find out more

Our programs

Community Family Network

 The Community Family Network (CFN) is transforming the way families and communities connect and collaborate. By creating meaningful engagement opportunities, CFN strengthens bonds, sparks creativity, and fosters lasting connections. This is more than a network; it’s a dynamic platform for building stronger communities and discovering new ways to get involved. 

5K Fundraiser

 The CFN 5K Fundraiser is a signature community event that brings people together for a shared purpose: connection, wellness, and impact. Participants of all ages and backgrounds come together to support community initiatives, celebrate local partnerships, and experience the energy of a united community. It’s an opportunity to join something bigger while making a difference in your own backyard. 

Community Family Hub

 The Community Family Hub is a vibrant gathering place where families and community members of all ages can explore, create, and connect in new ways. From interactive workshops to unique hands-on experiences, the Hub inspires learning, fosters relationships, and strengthens local connections, offering a space that’s welcoming, innovative, and full of opportunity. 

Wilderness Art Initiative

Fly Tying for Fishing

Map & Compass Navigation

Map & Compass Navigation

Create your own custom fly to mimic the natural food sources of fish. This hands-on program teaches the basics of fly-tying, including how to select materials such as furs, feathers, and hooks. Whether indoors or outdoors, participants will learn how to craft their own flies, enhancing both their fishing skills and their connection to nature. 

Map & Compass Navigation

Map & Compass Navigation

Map & Compass Navigation

Learn the essential skills of map reading and compass use in this engaging outdoor activity. Seniors and their families will develop orientation and navigation skills, while enjoying the benefits of physical activity in a natural setting. This program promotes cognitive engagement and encourages family teamwork in an outdoor environment.  

Nature Photography

Map & Compass Navigation

String Making for Archery

Capture the beauty of the outdoors while learning the fundamentals of nature photography. This program encourages seniors and their families to explore their creativity, enhance their observational skills, and deepen their connection to the natural world. Photography sessions are conducted in scenic, accessible outdoor locations to support both physical and emotional well-being. 

String Making for Archery

String Making for Archery

String Making for Archery

Learn the traditional skill of making string for archery in this hands-on program. Using natural materials, participants will craft durable strings for bows, fostering both fine motor skills and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in outdoor activities. Perfect for families to engage in a collaborative and skill-building experience. 

Camping Workshop

String Making for Archery

Wilderness First Aid

 Explore the basics of camping in the great outdoors, including how to set up a tent, and prepare for a comfortable, eco-friendly camping experience. This workshop is designed to promote physical activity, mental relaxation, and family bonding in the wilderness, offering a chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way. 

Wilderness First Aid

String Making for Archery

Wilderness First Aid

Equip yourself with the essential skills to manage emergency situations in the wilderness. This program teaches basic first aid skills tailored for outdoor environments, offering practical knowledge for both seniors and their families. The training promotes safety, confidence, and peace of mind during outdoor adventures.   

Kayaking

Build a Birdhouse

Build a Birdhouse

Experience the calming benefits of kayaking while exploring local waterways. In this program, seniors and their families can enjoy a gentle introduction to kayaking, enhancing cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination. It's an excellent way to enjoy nature while promoting physical and mental well-being. 

Build a Birdhouse

Build a Birdhouse

Build a Birdhouse

This program allows participants to engage in a simple, yet rewarding woodworking project: building birdhouses. Families will work together to construct and decorate their own birdhouses, learning valuable skills and contributing to the local bird population by providing them with safe, sheltered homes. 

Gardening

Build a Birdhouse

Gardening

Discover the therapeutic benefits of gardening in this hands-on program. Participants will learn how to grow plants, vegetables, and herbs, while gaining knowledge of eco-friendly gardening practices. Gardening fosters physical movement, mental relaxation, and provides an opportunity to bond with family in the natural world, creating a lasting connection to the environment. 

Friends of the Water Trails, Inc.

Copyright © 2025 Friends of the Water Trails, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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