USA: Lake Tahoe Camp Attracts Adventure-Seeking Seniors
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-08-03 00:00:00-04:00
USA: Lake Tahoe Camp Attracts Adventure-Seeking Seniors
Soaring past the California redwoods on a raft; hiking at 6500 feet elevation through the Sierra Mountains that surround beautiful Lake Tahoe—Sound like a Sierra Club outing for young twenty-somethings? Well; not anymore!
An adventure camp in Lake Tahoe now offers individuals age 55 and older the opportunity for exciting activities, such as all day hikes through the Sierras, kayaking Lake Tahoe, river rafting, mountain biking, or fly fishing. Campers stay in rustic cabins without running water or electrical outlets located on an 82 year old camp in the Sierra Mountains that overlook Lake Tahoe.
In a few weeks, the camp will begin its second season at full capacity, attracting more than 75 older adults from all over the U.S. As older adults live longer in good health, a demand has grown for this sort of program.
The City of Sacramento’s Older Adults Services has operated a less strenuous Senior Camp for more than 15 years in Lake Tahoe. At Senior Camp, individuals 55 and over line dance, do yoga, and learn watercolor painting. But the camp left some older adults longing for more challenging activities.
“We found that some of our more active seniors came to Camp Sacramento with different expectations than the camp provided them. They wanted more adventure, so we looked for opportunities that would help people connect with the beautiful surrounding while being more physically challenged,” said Kitty Esposto, Sacramento 50+ Wellness Coordinator and camp organizer.
“By the time people reach their 50s, they tend not to be challenged as much,” continued Esposto. “We help people push themselves beyond their expectations.”
Wendy Holman is one of the seniors surprised by her own agility. “I wasn’t sure I would really be able to kayak, but I decided to sign-up anyway. Now, I love kayaking,” said Holman. “I felt so good after a week at camp I sang the entire way home.”
More Information: Sacramento 50+ Wellness Program
www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/ohs/senior.htm
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