Catching Up With CAT: Finding Empowerment Through Skills and Accessibility

Hey! This is Deijon. I’m an intern this summer with CAT!

A couple weeks ago we paddled at the Beaubien Woods Boat Launch and Rock Climbed at First Ascent (West Loop). During both of these programs, I have certainly grown more confident in my leadership. When we were paddling, I was able to assist a participant who had never gotten the opportunity to paddle before due to accessibility issues. This time around, we found a way to make it work and the participant had a blast! I was able to reassure them as well as demonstrate how to operate the boat with the help of other staff.

When we climbed, I belayed a lot throughout the program and it really strengthened my belaying skills. I was able to belay someone all the way to the top of a really high wall, even though they were previously a bit hesitant to climb high. I encouraged this participant the entire way through and they were really excited!

Over the whole summer, CAT has shown me that it doesn’t take much to show people a good time/get them out of their comfort zone in a way that is beneficial to them. But, this organization hasn’t only been good for the participants, it has also been good for the staff. I personally loved spending the summer working outside while having fun doing some of these sports. As far as I can tell, everyone else involved in the execution of our programs has as well.

- Deijon