Recreational Opportunities at Hope

Hope Studios

Artists within the community who experience a developmental disability often do not have an avenue or opportunity to express themselves artistically. Therefore, the mission of Hope Studios is to provide artists the space and opportunity to create, while allowing them to explore their form of self-expression through different mediums. It is also Hope's mission to elevate the talents that develop through self-expression to becoming a viable part of the art community in Anchorage. We believe that it is possible to enhance the quality of life through participation in the arts.

 

The studio allows for artists to explore individual interests while incorporating the skills and talents of each artist to create a final work through the collaborative art model. The studio’s creative team, made up of individuals with and without developmental disabilities work together to try different mediums and pull everyone’s skills together. The artists that participate in the program are the creative drivers and conceptualize all that the studio produces. The collaborators simply become the creative engineers; assuring that the concept comes to life the way the artist wants it to. Anyone interested in Hope Studios should email hopestudios@hopealaska.org or call 907-561-5355 for more information.

 

Subsistence Program

Many of the people who choose Hope’s supports are Alaskan Natives who have been displaced from their rural communities, losing their cultural ties along the way. In addition, there are others who would like to experience the traditional Alaskan lifestyle, but have not had the opportunity to do so. The Subsistence Program provides opportunities for individuals to participate in activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping in order to become acquainted or reacquainted with traditional subsistence activities that are indicative to a traditional Alaskan lifestyle. Whether one is looking for a day outing or wanting to provide their own yearlong supply of game, fowl and fish, access to the Subsistence Program is available for everyone who chooses Hope’s supports. 

 

Safety is of primary concern to Hope. Any activity in the great Alaskan outdoors has the potential for risk. Hope compensates for some of this risk through extensive training of the primary subsistence staff. Subsistence staff members are experienced as guides and receive extensive specialized training including U.S. Coast Guard approved training and licensing for 25-ton boats, approved snowmobile safety courses and advance first responder wilderness training and certification. The Subsistence staff can be reached at subsistence@hopealaska.org or by calling 907-561-5335.

 

Camp Cara

This series of weekly camps is offered during the summer months in Anchorage through a collaborative effort between Hope and volunteer students from Ireland. The camp’s operational structure is designed to provide hands on coordinating and teaching experiences for students who are majoring in the field of leisure and recreation. In addition, the project engages people who experience a disability and challenges them to be creative in the opportunities they offer to camp participants. In exchange, participants of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to engage in personal growth through new discoveries and activities that generate challenges and encourages success, while building friendships and increasing the awareness and acceptance of disabilities in the community.

 

Camp Cara and its inclusive approach to the summer rings bright and true with worth, dignity, value and a defined sense of contribution for all campers. The Camp Cara schedule and Application are now available. For more information, please email campcara@hopealaska.org or call 907-433-9415.

 

Actabilities

Mainstream theatre has typically been unaccepting of people who experience disabilities into their world. However, that is changing. A group of self-advocates who dream of acting have begun their own theatre troupe, Actabilities, which is inclusive of people of all abilities. The troupe has recently had its challenges; however, they are ready to get back on the stage and are currently looking for new members.

 

If you’re interested in acting, writing, directing, building sets, making costumes or just wanting to help out, your talents are needed. For more information, please email actabilities@hopealaska.org.

 

Other

There are several other opportunities outside of Anchorage to get involved in outdoor and indoor activities at Hope. They include the Rockwell Group in Juneau, the Kodiak Summer Camp and the Hope Community and Recreation center in Soldotna.