One son loves water. Rafting and kayaking bring him joy. Another gets a thrill from rock climbing. While a third son simply enjoys outdoor adventures.
Kyle Burnette
Shep Roeper Adventurers sharing strength and confidence By Chad Osborne
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The parents of these boys – all three are on the autism spectrum – have found a place close to home offering programs for their sons to find their bliss through experiences in nature. It’s called Beyond Boundaries, a not-for-profit organization that exposes individuals of all abilities and backgrounds to a plethora of challenging and exhilarating outdoor opportunities. “We primarily work with four different populations,” said Shep Roeper ’08, who, along with fellow Radford alumnus Kyle Burnette ’08, founded Beyond Boundaries in 2015. “We work with people with disabilities – kids and adults – and we also work with underserved youth groups, people in substance abuse recovery and veterans.” Based in Richmond, Virginia, and expanding to Roanoke, the organization, founded by two Radford University alumni, runs on the belief that firsthand, all-inclusive adventures can produce remarkable benefits and build stronger communities. Much of that strength comes from the incredible boost in confidence program participants gain. “I’ve seen it happen for several individuals and families,” Roeper said. “It’s happened a few different times where I have talked with either participants or their families, and they have said they noticed an increase in confidence through the program, through trying new things and opening a different world of opportunities. The confidence, they say, has flowed into their everyday life. It has led to more confidence in relationships, socializing and being more verbal with friends and family. And it has given them more confidence in their careers or trying new careers.” Beyond Boundaries has a “two-sided mission,” Roeper explained from his Richmond office. “Half of what we do, and why we do it, is getting people experiences they’ve never had before.” Those could be hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, kayaking or white-water rafting. Beyond Boundaries offers them all and more.