Creating Independence & Positive Self-Development
David and Heather Hicks founded Cast Outdoor Adventures Inc., a veteran-owned 501(c)(3) non-profit which facilitates leadership and skills development in youth and young adults with varying levels of different abilities.
Since 2018, Cast Outdoor Adventures Inc. staff have led and facilitated trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) for Minnesota Wild Sled Hockey athletes. These trips involve guiding, teaching, and equipping more than 30 paraplegic athletes to travel 14 miles by canoe (including a 3/4 mile portage) without able-bodied assistance.
Our 2025 Current Project…
***So far we have raised enough money to purchase and build four adaptive sleds, a canoe trailer, four kevlar canoes, paddles, and PFDs.***
This season, we at Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc. are excited to launch a campaign to raise $5,000 for our year-round adaptive outdoor recreation programs. Our mission is clear:
We believe that nature should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
Through our Adaptive Adventures Programs, individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, and dogsledding in a supportive environment.
With your help, we can:
- Provide adaptive equipment for outdoor activities
- Train more volunteer guides experienced in adaptive recreation
- Expand our winter programming, ensuring everyone can enjoy Minnesota’s snowy season safely and inclusively
Every dollar brings us closer to ensuring that no one is left out of outdoor exploration.
Early giving opens November 1! Our Goal: $5,000 by November 20!
How you can help:
1. Make a donation today on our non-profit web page. (you’re here!)
2. Share our campaign with friends and family.
3. Encourage others to get outside and give back!
Together, we can make the outdoors open to all—not just today, but all year long. Thank you for your support!
Warm regards,
Dave and Heather Hicks
Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc.
PROGRAM UPDATE:
To date, Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc. has raised $37,600 to enhance our adaptive canoe and dogsledding programs.
We envision, with the addition of 3-4 customized sleds, we will be able to expand the offerings of facilitating experiences for individuals with varying levels of abilities. These custom adaptive dog sleds will allow individuals (weighing up to 300+ lbs.) the opportunity to experience both hands-on learning with a professional guide and to drive the sled dog team independently. These custom adaptive dog sleds are capable of wilderness winter travel and off-trail adventures while providing stability and security in inclement conditions for drivers and riders.
Here’s the breakdown cost for building these custom designed sleds (which we have raised):
Runners $500
Stantions $200
Brakes $200
Base $100
Plastic $50
Brush Bows $200
Seat & Brackets $1,000
Labor $1,000
Custom Sled
bag liner $450
$3,700 ea.
Our Mission…
Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc. has provided inclusive adventures for individuals and veterans with intellectual and physical disabilities since 2018. (We officially received our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2021.)
Through Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc., participants and their families have the opportunity to experience leadership training, keynote speakers, and the opportunity to participate in a canoeing trip of a lifetime in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). All needs are met by innovative adaptations and skilled guides who have a passion for working with individuals with special needs. By embracing barrier-free adventure, we can enrich the lives of individuals with different abilities, fostering a world where the wonders of nature are within everyone’s reach. Ultimately, we believe the skills learned on the trip translate back into everyday life, making Cast Outdoor Adventure Inc. experiences an effective catalyst on the path to greater independence.
We are conveniently located in Ely, MN, near the world-renowned entry point into the BWCA. The BWCA contains roughly one million acres of untouched wilderness, 1,175 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and over 2,000 designated campsites. Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc. assists visitors on their BWCA trips by providing outdoor education, necessary adaptations, support, and specifically designed lightweight food, supplies, and equipment.
Cast Outdoor Adventures, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
“By embracing barrier-free adventure, we can enrich the lives of individuals with different abilities, fostering a world where the wonders of nature are within everyone’s reach.”
A project just getting underway, a documentary film:
Ralph DeQuebec served in the United States Marine Corps as an aviation ordnance technician and an explosive ordnance disposal technician.
While deployed during the Iraq War in 2012, he tragically lost both of his legs above the knee in a bomb explosion in Afghanistan.
In that moment of devastating loss, Ralph was faced with a life-altering choice: succumb to the weight of his disability or rise above it and conquer the world.
From a kid growing up in East Los Angeles, surrounded by gang violence and poverty, to becoming a two-time sled hockey gold medalist, surfer, coach, motivational speaker, and now, an adventurer taking on dogsledding in Northern Minnesota.
This film will not only highlight Ralph's remarkable achievements but also his new adventure in the world of dogsledding.
Gaining the trust of these powerful animals, learning how to lead them through the harshest of environments, and ultimately pushing himself to new limits is just another testament to Ralph's unwavering determination. His story is about continually conquering new challenges, both internal and external, with a fierce resolve.
We believe Ralph’s story deserves to be shared with the world on the big screen. However, to make this vision a reality, we need your help.
Our goal is to raise $40,000 to fund the production of this film, covering everything from equipment and crew to travel and post-production. Your support will play a pivotal role in bringing Ralph’s incredible story to life and ensuring that his message of perseverance and triumph is shared with audiences everywhere.
How You Can Help:
Donate: Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our goal. Every dollar brings us closer to making this inspiring film a reality.
Share: Help us spread the word about this project by sharing our campaign with your friends, family, and networks.
Get Involved: If you’d like to offer support in other ways, such as connecting us with potential collaborators or sponsors, we’d love to hear from you!
Ralph’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and with your help, we can ensure that his story continues to inspire and empower others around the world. Together, we can create a documentary that celebrates resilience, bravery, and the power of the human spirit.