Bear Creek Collaborative’s work is commendable
The notion of universal inclusion is a guiding principle of the Bear Creek Collaborative. In fact, Bethany Green, director of Funding and Project Development, is quick to stress the importance of accessibility for all, no matter what physical and mental challenge someone has.
Using the recreation facility’s water resources is one of the ways the collaborative is accomplishing this goal.
This spring, the collaborative used a $5,000 grant it received in 2024 from the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s Waterway Enhancement Program to install a new adaptive kayak dock on Big Bear Creek.
It’s been a big hit, Green said recently. Summer camp and day program participants have quickly taken to the new dock.
“Everybody uses it regardless of whether they have a disability or not,” said Green. “It’s definitely proven worth the money and the installation.”
Best of all, it’s just the first step in creating a water experience that is educational, accessible and inclusive to everyone.
This year’s $5,000 grant from the Waterway Enhancement Program was used to purchase adaptive kayaking equipment, including two specialized kayaks with outriggers and customized seats for improved stability and support. The equipment should be arriving soon.
What Green and Jennifer Berry, director of Educational Programming, have accomplished at the collaborative since it reopened in 2023 is amazing.
The property with its multiple facilities was established in the 1970s. The grounds, which contain an outdoor classroom venue, the original Overton Farm Pioneer Village and the former TVA Bear Creek Education Center in Hodges, closed in 2013.
The Bear Creek Collaborative, a 501c3, is working to create the educational day program for school groups, with the longer-range goal of implementing overnight and multi-day educational camps.
The idea to reopen and expand the educational programs began with Jeremy Martin, the director of Disabilities Support Services and ADA compliance officer at the University of North Alabama.
His idea was to develop a completely accessible, educational camp that eliminates all barriers for children, be it financial or physical.
In its first year since reopening, the collaborative has completed an outdoor classroom, a fire pit area and one bunk house, including a set of bathrooms, Green said.
It also has hosted events for middle schools, elementary schools, the University of North Alabama, 4-H, county Extension services, scouting organizations, leadership programs and church groups.
Their outdoor programming includes low and high rope courses with adaptive elements, and a terrain hopper – an off-road mobility vehicle that allows users with mobility limitations to experience the property’s rugged terrain.
“We take it one step at a time,” Green said. “We’re always trying to adjust and make things better than they’ve been before.”
The efforts seem to be paying off. In 2024, the Bear Creek Education Center hosted more than 1,000 campers and day campers, and that number is expected to be even higher this year.
Green said the group is looking for help from the public, including financial assistance. However, there are other ways to assist, such as spreading the word that the facility is open again.
“You don’t have to contribute financially,” she said. “If you’ve got a talent or skill set you could share, that would be helpful, as well.”
