News Summary

A Walk on Water, a surf therapy event for children with unique needs, will return to Huntington Beach this Saturday. The event offers a supportive atmosphere with activities celebrating the achievements of participants. Families will enjoy a day filled with surfing, art, and music, while volunteers play a crucial role in fostering inclusion and support. With a strong community spirit and safety measures in place, the event aims to empower children and build family bonds.

Huntington Beach

A Walk on Water, a surf therapy event designed for children with unique needs, will return to Huntington Beach this Saturday. The annual event will take place at the north side of the Huntington Beach Pier, featuring a range of inclusive activities aimed at celebrating participants’ achievements in a supportive environment.

Alden Fletcher, 17, who has Down syndrome, has participated in A Walk on Water events for several years, bringing joy not only to himself but also to his family from Long Beach. Alden’s parents, Marlena and Aaron Fletcher, have volunteered for the organization, actively supporting their son and enhancing the experience for other participants.

This year’s event will include two hour-long morning sessions starting at 9 a.m. and two afternoon sessions. The schedule will culminate in awards ceremonies honoring each child’s efforts, regardless of their surfing abilities. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the participants at no cost, further fostering community spirit.

Community Support and Initiatives

David Gins, a dedicated volunteer and Huntington Beach resident, highlights the mental and emotional benefits of surfing for children with unique needs. His involvement is rooted in personal experiences with mental health challenges, motivating him to make surfing more accessible. Gins was instrumental in introducing the first Mobi-Mat in Huntington Beach, allowing children with mobility challenges easier access to the ocean.

Empowerment Through Surf Therapy

Alden Fletcher has experienced significant personal growth through involvement in surf therapy. He has developed greater independence and regularly encourages fellow surfers with affirmations as they approach the water. His enthusiasm is evident when he greets classmates with high-fives upon exiting their surf sessions.

Activities extend beyond surfing, providing families with engaging opportunities such as art and music tents. Agatha Wallen, the director of family engagement, notes that the event has transformative effects on children, inspiring them to be more outgoing and encouraging trust among peers.

Family Bonding and Safety Measures

A Walk on Water events emphasize family bonding through shared ocean experiences. The program is designed to create a fun and supportive atmosphere where children, along with their families, engage in activities they might not typically experience. Safety protocols are firmly established to address sensory processing challenges and other related needs.

While registration for the event opens weeks in advance and tends to fill up quickly, volunteers interested in participating can still register online. The Fletchers are among many families who make the pilgrimage to Huntington Beach for this yearly celebration. Events also occur on the East Coast and in Northern California, but the tradition of returning annually to Huntington Beach stands out for the Wallen family.

Conclusion

The upcoming A Walk on Water event embodies the true spirit of community support, encouraging children with unique needs to embrace their strengths and celebrate their achievements. The emphasis on fun, independence, and inclusivity proves essential in fostering a nurturing environment for all participants.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Surf Therapy Event Returns to Huntington Beach
• Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
• Time Out: Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles
• Google Search: Surf Therapy
• Daily Breeze: Surfers Walk of Fame and Surf Fest
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing