Have you ever wondered what it was like to attend one of The Arc of Opportunity’s overnight trips? Here is your opportunity to gain insight, as The Arc illustrates the details of Jackie’s first overnight trip.
At 8:30 in the morning this past Memorial Day weekend, Jackie arrived at The Arc. Suitcase packed and ready to go, Jackie displayed a huge smile with a face full of excitement. She was enthusiastic about her first recreational overnight trip! The group took to the road, driving up the coast of Maine with a beautiful weekend ahead. After a 2-hour drive with surprisingly light traffic, the group arrived for lunch at Clambake Seafood Restaurant. As long car rides lead to hungry appetites, Jackie was ready to eat. With a plate of baked haddock and fries, Jackie enjoyed lunch surrounded by her friends. Next, the group headed to Scarborough Downs where they had the opportunity to not only watch horse races but also place wagers. Never wagering on horses before, Jackie took advantage of this opportunity. How do you pick the winning horse? Jackie's logic, pick the horse with the best name. Placing a $2 bet on Sportscaster, Jackie won! Her winnings may not have been much, but it was something Jackie would never forget. With a smile from ear to ear, she happily walked up to claim her winnings. Exhausted from the long day, Jackie called it an early night after dinner.
The next morning, Jackie woke up excited about the day ahead. The Arc's first stop was breakfast at Tequila Frogs, where eggs, sausage, hash browns, fruit, and french toast concealed Jackie's plate. After breakfast, the group visited a local beach to enjoy the sunny, 70-degree weather. Jackie enjoyed walking the beach with her friends but was more excited to spend the rest of the day at the York Zoo. After hours of feeding goats and deer and discovering new animals, the trip concluded and everyone traveled back to The Arc.
When asked about her first overnight experience Jackie said, “I had a lot of fun. I don’t want to be a stick in the mud anymore.” At age 71, Jackie is still creating firsts. This trip was her first overnight without caregivers or family, the first time she hand-fed animals at the zoo, and the first time she wagered on horses. Just as important, this was Jackie's first of many recreational trips. She has already signed up for New Hampshire's White Mountains overnight trip in July! It is never too late to follow your dreams and there is no time like the present to start. Congratulations Jackie, on your first overnight trip, The Arc wishes you many more!