SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. — An eye-catching sign for drivers off Highway 29 between Green Bay and Shawano, near the small town of Angelica, often brings questions to Challenge the Outdoors Director Keith Pamperin.
They want to know: what’s up with Peter’s Pond?
“Our first, foremost goal is to get people with disabilities outdoors. This is a place where they can do so,” said Pamperin.
Established in 1998, Challenge the Outdoors offers outdoor adventures for people with disabilities.
“I think of when I was younger and when I first had my disability, I thought that there were things that I would never be able to do again,” said Pamperin.
He lives with injuries from a motor scooter accident he had when he was in college.
“Through persistence and perseverance and often with the help of my friends, I have been able to accomplish those things and still do,” he said.
Peter’s Pond, named after a former Challenge the Outdoors member Peter Lathrop, sits on 13 acres and includes a new clubhouse. The land and building were donated by Steve and Kristi Nooyen.
Challenge the Outdoors President Carl Geirke became involved by volunteering at the group’s annual sporting clays fundraiser.
“I almost think I have more fun seeing somebody else catch a fish or get out hunting than I did myself,” said Geirke. “It’s really fun to see people that don’t have those opportunities all that much to get out to be able to do that. It’s a lot of fun.”
The group typically organizes around 30 events each year for its members around northeast Wisconsin.
“The thrill, for example, of seeing a blind lady actually, who had never fired a shotgun before, harvest a turkey just brings smiles to everybody’s face,” said Pamperin.
The group helps members hunt deer, turkey, pheasant, and more, plus it arranges fishing trips on Lake Michigan, Shawano Lake and trout ponds.
“One of the things that I enjoy is seeing the disabled volunteers lead those events. I think it gives them a great deal of purpose and responsibility,” said Pamperin.
Now, in addition to their outdoor events, members will have a home base to fish, gather and more.
“We expect to eventually be putting in a trail that will have a 3D archery range, possibly trails where people in wheelchairs can exercise,” said Pamperin.
It’s working to have the trails around the pond paved to allow easier access for wheelchairs.
Pamperin envisions groups like Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, Boy Scouts and hunter’s education classes utilizing their clubhouse space.
It’s a work in progress they hope to also share with able-bodied members of the community.
“Being outdoors refreshes the soul. You know, if you spend all of your time inside, you forget what nature has provided us. And I would encourage all of us to seek the opportunities to do that,” said Pamperin.
Thanks to the Challenge the Outdoors volunteers, Peter’s Pond will help many Wisconsinites get outdoors and experience an adventure.