This past weekend, our Saturday Recreation group had the pleasure of welcoming Hailey and her father, Leon, for their first-ever experience at Leominster State Forest. Hailey was excited to explore the great outdoors, and it was clear from the start that this day would be something special.
We departed from The Arc at 11:15 a.m., arriving at the forest by 11:40 a.m., where the weather couldn’t have been more perfect—clear skies, no humidity, and just the right temperature for a day by the lake. Hailey had a wonderful time meeting new people and exploring the area. A special moment occurred when Stacey and Marc generously shared their plushies with Hailey, including an Anna plush from Frozen, which just so happens to be her favorite. It was heartwarming to see how these small gestures made her day even more special.
Leon, who discovered our program online while searching for weekend activities, was a tremendous help throughout the day. He jumped right in to assist with grilling burgers and hot dogs, while I helped participants customize their meals with a variety of toppings. By 1:30 p.m., everyone was happily enjoying their delicious, personalized lunches.
After lunch, the group naturally divided into those who wanted to swim in the lake and those who preferred to stay on shore. Participants embraced the beauty of nature—some sat on the grass, while others admired the fish in the water or observed frogs caught by other lake-goers. For a few, it was their first time swimming in a lake or visiting Leominster State Forest, making the experience even more memorable.
As we wrapped up our time by the lake around 3:00 p.m., it was clear that the day had been a huge success. The most memorable aspect was the incredible teamwork—everyone came together seamlessly, and the atmosphere was filled with positivity and cooperation. There wasn’t a single disagreement, just a perfect day spent enjoying each other’s company.
The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their eagerness to return. I’m already planning to organize this trip again, though next time I’ll look for a location with easier access to the lake, as the stairs at Leominster State Forest posed a challenge for some.
This trip was a shining example of what makes our Saturday Recreation program so special—bringing people together, embracing nature, and creating unforgettable memories.