Lauren Breaux – Winter Intern Post

Once notified that I had been selected as one of the seven Challenge Aspen interns for the 2013-14 winter season, I was filled with a variety of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and gratitude for such a unique opportunity. Now, six weeks later, I realize I could not have ever imagined how the world of adaptive sports would change my life or what amazing experiences this position would have in store for me.

Our intern group was immediately welcomed into the Challenge Aspen family with open arms, and, after two weeks of on-hill training, we felt ready for our first camp—the C.A.M.O. Women’s Mountain Retreat. Working closely with instructors and staff members to facilitate a week of skiing and other therapeutic, recreational events for our female veteran participants was a privilege, to say the least. This rare chance to give back and serve those who have performed the ultimate service—that of defending our country—is not something I shall soon forget.

Following the C.A.M.O. camp, we were assigned to participants from the Tennessee School for the Blind group who were coming out for their senior trip. This was definitely one of my favorite weeks of the internship so far as we were able to assist with these individuals, many of whom were skiing for the first time. Their enthusiasm and eagerness as they embraced totally new experiences was incredible to watch and even more fun to take part in.

In these past six weeks as a Challenge Aspen intern, I’ve made unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and learned so much about the possibilities that can be fulfilled through adaptive sports…and, the best part is, we’re just getting started.


Lauren Breaux graduated from Louisiana State University in 2013 with a degree in Biological Sciences. She is one of seven 2013-2014 adaptive winter interns for Challenge Aspen. Check back every Friday for a new post from one of our interns!

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