VERDUN ADVENTURE BOUND (VERDUN), in collaboration with The Arc of North Central Virginia, was awarded a $20,000 Community Assistance Grant on February 27, 2020, by Northern Piedmont Community Foundation to build a total of four additional challenge course elements. What makes this extremely special is that these four additional challenge course elements will serve a specific population – those with disabilities and physical limitations.

The Arc of North Central Virginia Board President, Amy Hunter, is "thrilled that our youngest son, who has a disability, will now be able to have a Verdun experience." Verdun and Challenge Design Innovations, Inc. began the build on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. All four of these course additions are high ropes challenges, previously difficult elements for adults, and children with impaired mobility to be able to use and enjoy.

Jane Bowling-Wilson, Northern Piedmont Community Foundation Executive Director, is thrilled to support this important multi-county program.  “This adaptive course expansion will allow youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate side-by-side with others – what a win for everyone! We see this experiential learning, accessibility, team-building, and inclusion as a true advantage for this population."  

"Enabling people of all abilities to participate side-by-side in Verdun's personal growth and team-building programs will be a phenomenal demonstration of community inclusion," said Marilyn McCombe, Executive Director of The Arc of North Central Virginia. "My daughter learns best through experiential learning; however, due to mobility impairments, there were many course elements she couldn't access, making it challenging for her to be included in the life-changing programs at Verdun. I'm ecstatic that everyone will now have access to the supports they need for equitable access to course elements alongside their peers."

Verdun Adventure Bound is proud to be the first adaptive challenge course with qualified staff trained to work with disabled clientele in our area. Honore Hastings, Verdun's Executive Director, knows her very talented team is ready and eager to serve more adults and youth on its already popular challenge course. For scheduling a team-building day, please call 540.937.4920 or email admin@verdunadventurebound.org.

About Verdun Adventure Bound:  Verdun Adventure Bound (Verdun) is an outdoor experiential learning retreat center for youth and adults located in Rixeyville, Virginia.  The nonprofit mission of Verdun is to provide team-building opportunities that support and promote personal growth and environment studies. The organization customizes programs for the needs of public, private, and parochial students, including at-risk youth. Verdun is also strongly committed to providing support to the Boy Scouts of America, church youth groups, and corporate team-building.

Verdun Adventure Bound is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit and currently serves as the 2019 Fauquier Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year.  For more information, please call Sean McElhinney, Executive Director, at 540.937.4920 or email at admin@verdunadventurebound.org.

  

  

Based on the success of the Adventures in Learning program Verdun brought to 4th and 5th graders at C.M. Bradley Elementary School during the 2018/2019 school year, we are excited to announce a continuation of this program this school year. 

In addition to C.M. Bradley, Verdun trainers will be working with teachers at both Brumfield and M.M. Pierce elementary schools in Fauquier County. 

Verdun's experiential learning programming implements the Botvin LifeSkills Training, an evidence-based prevention program for schools, families and communities. Botvin LifeSkills Training have been proven to cut:

• Drug use by up to 75%
• Alcohol use by up to 60%
• Verbal/physical aggression, fighting, ad delinquency by up to 50%
• Tobacco use by up to 87%

Look for updates from the Fauquier County Schools and Verdun on the development of these programs that will run into the spring of 2020.

Project SOAR will offer a four-week course with a holiday break before the second four-week course.

This Project will help adults reintegrate themselves in society following substance abuse. The program name stands for Success Overcoming Adversity in Recovery. 

Verdun has partnered with the following organizations to ensure the best program:

- Come As You Are (CAYA)
- Hope Water Wellness, LLC
- Rappahannock Good Will Industries
- Willow Circle Art
- Virginia Cooperative Extension 
- RRCS

Verdun is proud to have received funding, support and love from the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, Come As You Are, Be Well Today for Tomorrow and Rapidan Rappahannock Community Service. 

SOAR will serve the tri-county area. Verdun is proud to help our neighbors move forward during their critical time with their lives in healthy and meaningful ways.