Raise The Roof For Autismtm

Tanzania, Africa

January 2 - 14, 2017

History & Cultural Exchange

 

A.I.M. students, staff and guests will visit a small village to see, learn, experience and understand life in this developing nation. . As we say, Learning About The World, While The World Learns About Us! We'll visit a school and meet teachers and students where we can share information, stories about our lives and learn about theirs. This is a rare opportunity for A.I.M. students and other participants to see life outside of their own experiences and to gain perspective on life in the world of disabilities in a unique and personal way. Brad McGarry is the Director for the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst University known simply as AIM. He is also a father, educator, speaker, advocate and adventurer. Brad has testified before the United States Congress, featured at TEDxErie and at NBC Today.com, summited Mt. Kili and is a contributing author of a guide published in 2014 entitled: Emerging Practices for Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum in Higher Education. In early 2015, Brad experienced firsthand what life is like in Africa during his personal trip to Tanzania and his first venture to "Raise the Roof for Autism." Brad and his Mercyhurst University staff team have paired with the Walking Connection and Mosaic International for this unique opportunity that is sure to be a highlight of this adventure.

 

A Taste of Mt. Kilimanjaro

 

Mt. Kilimanjaro is on or near the top of every adventurers bucket list. A.I.M. students and members of our group, under the watchful eye and careful leadership of Brad, The Walking Connection's American and Tanzanian teams will have an even rarer opportunity to learn that great achievements can be accomplished without having to conquer a summit! Success is in the journey and students will have the opportunity to experience a 3-night 4-day adventure hike in the shadows of the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

 

This portion of the adventure includes hiking on Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route through the Montane Forest up to the Shira Plateau. Though physically challenging, this hike is spectacular and this adventure also includes a comprehensive 10- week training program created by The Walking Connection and Brad, and led by Brad in the Erie, PA area. The Walking Connection has led walking and hiking adventures in more than 30 countries around the world and handles all the logistics for the entire Africa adventure. Together, they have operated two successful Conquer The Canyon adventures for the AIM Team at Grand Canyon and the Inaugural Raise the Roof for Autism expedition.    

 

Tanzania Wildlife Safari

 

No trip to Africa is complete without a wildlife Safari. This 3-Night/4-Day Lodge based safari is in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater which is one of the most special places in all of Africa. Dense in wildlife, of wildebeest, hippos, lions, leopards, cheetah, impala, gazelle, elephants, buffalo, wharthogs, kudo and potentially rare rhinos, we'll do more than just take pictures. The expert wildlife safari guides teach students about the game and its relationship to life on the plains and to the Maasai people who inhabit and manage the area.

 

Registration is limited to 18 Students, Family & Faculty