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Our Journey to Peaceful Valley

By Pam Bailey and Kim Tenure

Each year, The Arc Arapahoe & Douglas Counties facilitates a fun-filled weekend adventure to Peaceful Valley Resort.

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This year, 22 people set out on a whirlwind adventure to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

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Peaceful Valley staff has welcomed our group for the past fifteen years! Our road trip to Lyons, Colorado began on Friday afternoon as we battled traffic to the serene mountain location. We checked in and got situated in our rooms. Most individuals attending Peaceful Valley have a roommate, but there is staff on the floor in a designated room. Some individuals were in cabins.

Each cabin had a support person to help if anything should arise. We met for a delicious spaghetti dinner the first night. Despite being wiped, everyone was able to stay awake and enjoy some conversation and s’mores out by the campfire.The next day after breakfast, we started out with a leisurely walk.

Later on, Peaceful Valley staff assisted with horseback riding, and their patience and sense of fun was infectious. They introduced each rider to their horse and assisted in getting everyone safely on and off. Everyone who wanted to ride a horse was able to participate.

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The night ended with a wagon ride to our mountain top cookout and a barn dance. pam-steven_dance

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We danced the night away (well until 9 pm since we were all exhausted) to favorites like the chicken dance, YMCA, “Beat It”, and the hustle.  It was a great opportunity to mingle, cut a rug, and learn the latest dance moves.

Everyone talked about the fun they had on the ride back home…before napping. It certainly was an action packed weekend, and we took full advantage of the great fall weather by doing as many things as possible outside.

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As with all activities at The Arc, we could not have done this without our great volunteers. A huge thank you to Tim Yoakum, Wayne Becker, Judy Schoonover, Gene Delhaie and Tyler Dowler for making this trip possible. If you are interested in learning more about this annual trip, please contact Kim Tenure at [email protected]. The Peaceful Valley outing is for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities over the age of 21.

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