Posted on July 22, 2022 at 11:45 a.m.

A group of developmentally disabled teenagers soared to new heights Thursday on a ropes course at Blue Mountain Resort.

Camp Via participants tackled the zip lines and other elements of the high ropes course at the Blue Mountain Summit Aerial Park.

“I was really proud of them, trying new things,” said Nicole Williamson, a Via camp counselor.

Camp Via offers activities for students with special needs for 10 weeks during the summer.

Camp Via offers teens many new experiences. They also like having the opportunity to get out of the house and spend time with other children.

“I love seeing all my friends,” said camper Stewart Woolf of Bangor.

Last week was filled with health-themed activities thanks to a partnership with St. Luke’s.

They visited an organic farm and exercised at the sports performance center of the health network.

“Seeing kids really laugh and smile, having fun, that’s what it’s all about,” said Joe Stofanak, program director for St. Luke’s Sports Medicine.

The week’s activities led to Thursday’s visit to the aerial park.

Campers put on climbing gear, rode zip lines and completed several levels of the ropes course.

Each of them accomplished something they had never done before. Some have overcome their fear of heights. Others took trip after trip on the zipline.

Overcoming doubts and accomplishing something new is what the aerial park is all about. It helps people push their limits, said park supervisor Clayton Ayers.

“You appreciate it more, after you finish it,” he said.

The camp counselors were proud to see their campers succeed and have fun.

“Watching them grow is awesome,” Williamson said.

Via camper Logan Wisner of Nazareth navigates the ropes course at Blue Mountain Summit Aerial Park. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS

Via Allentown camper Liam Reed participates in the high ropes course at Blue Mountain Summit Aerial Park.

Via campers support their friends as they prepare for a trip on the zipline. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS

Via camper Stewart Woolf from Bangor gives a boost after a zip line ride. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS