Year after year, Pine-Richland Best Buddies has continued to thrive, creating an inclusive environment where students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can build friendships, try new things, and make memories together. The chapter continues to show that some of the best experiences happen when everyone has the opportunity to be part of the adventure.

On August 12, members brought that spirit to the water for a paddleboarding outing that doubled as a send-off for their seniors, who had graduated earlier in the summer. The idea for the event was sparked when club advisor Ami Moore began brainstorming ways to elevate their annual Best Buddies summer picnic. What started as a simple idea quickly became a full afternoon on the water, giving members the chance to spend time together outside their usual school setting.

The group participated in L.L.Bean’s Adventure Discovery program, which guided members with and without IDD on a paddleboarding outing around North Park Lake, with their picnic as the final destination. On the lake, club members caught up on their summers, chatted eagerly about the coming school year, and laughed until their stomachs hurt as some pushed their luck and ended up in the water.

For many, paddleboarding was a new experience—and one with a bit of a learning curve. As everyone found their footing on the water, it was evident that Pine-Richland Best Buddies embodies what it means to show up for one another. The afternoon was filled with patience, encouragement, and laughter as friends helped each other navigate something outside their comfort zones.

Once they reached the shore where their picnic was taking place, members raced toward the pavilion. They spent the rest of the afternoon eating, playing volleyball, and sharing stories from the day. What began as a small idea to enhance a summer picnic became an afternoon full of new experiences, laughter, and time together, leaving members with another memory to carry into the new school year.