About Trailblazers
Join our virtual movement club, created for people with IDD to lead the way into living healthier lives. Members will make personal goals, socialize, and learn all about hiking, nature, & fitness. Choose your own path and how to follow it, and join us each week to talk about it!
The "Trailblazers" club is a part of The Healthy Lifestyles Project (HLP). HLP is a program of The Arc of New Jersey and receives funding through a grant awarded by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.
Testimonials
“I have enjoyed participating in Trailblazers. I have enjoyed learning about the various topics. The Conqueror challenges have really motivated me to exercise more and get my steps in to reach my daily step target of 5,000 (or more). Somedays I hit my target, or even pass it, and some days, not so much. Receiving a medal when I finish each challenge has made me feel proud of the work that I did during each challenge.... I would like to participate again in the future.”
-Steven K.
“This is a very motivating activity for [my son]. We appreciate the opportunity very much!”
-Deborah K.
"I be extreme excite about more Trailblazers thank you much may please let no how appreciates to the [Horizon] to allow program us."
-Ginamarie
How To Join
Join us each Tuesday in June - September
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
More information on all of our programming can be found below
June 3rd: Introductory Meeting on Zoom - Register here
September 30th: Final Meeting and Dance Party on Zoom - Register here
Your choice of activity:
Virtual Fitness Session with IHT on Zoom - Register here
In-person hike with the NJSAP Team - RSVP here
Music League: All Summer - Join the League here
Trail Tuesdays
Every Tuesday: June 10th - Sept. 23rd
RSVP here
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Union County's Watchung Reservation
Trailside Nature & Science Center Parking Lot
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ
All participants must wear clothing and footwear appropriate for walking trails. Bathrooms and water are available and there are picnic areas if you wish to eat lunch after the hike. A short stretch and training will take place before we begin walking. Please be timely and make sure to RSVP!
There are paved and unpaved trail options as well as a an indoor Nature Center. All abilities and skill levels are welcome! We will send reminders to those who RSVP with updates regarding any inclement weather. Make to sure to let us know if you are coming!
Please call Frankie (732-749-8514) if you have any questions or issues.
Training Tuesdays
Every Tuesday: June 10th - Sept. 23rd
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtually on Zoom: Register Here!
This event will explore ways to stay in shape at home for students and adults with IDD. A personal fitness trainer from IHT (In-Home Training LLC) will lead virtual trainings sessions showing how to stretch, perform body weight exercises, and practice self-care. Goal setting will also be discussed.
"My goal of the training sessions are to help people understand that they can improve their quality of life by focusing on overall wellness. Physical well-being is an excellent starting point towards living a healthier lifestyle." - Matt Locascio, Owner of IHT, http://ihtnj.com
Open both to beginners and fitness enthusiasts! If you need an accommodation during the session, the trainer will be happy to assist you in finding a way that works for you safely.
Music League
Come jam with us! Submit a song that fits the weekly theme and vote on your favorites in the “Trailblazers” Music League! Join our league here.
Blending music discovery and creative competition, Music League helps you discover new music, share your favorites, and play against your friends.
Here’s how it works:
- Our league is made up of a 15 rounds.
- Each round has a musical theme, like ‘Movie Soundtrack’ or ‘Duets.'
- When the round opens, league players are notified to submit a song that fits the theme.
- When everyone has submitted (or the submission deadline of Tuesday morning arrives), everyone receives a link to the playlist to listen, consider, and then return to Music League to assign points and add comments to reminisce, toast and comment.
- Once the votes are in, everyone will be able to see the results, including who submitted what, how everyone voted, and all the comments.
- Points are earned from round to round and accumulate through the entire league until a winner is crowned.
- If you miss a song submission deadline, you can’t vote on the other songs (but you still get to listen).
- A Spotify account is required (no paid subscription necessary) to log in. You can use the Music League app or the website to play. Songs will be played during our weekly “Trailblazers” Hikes each Tuesday.
We’ll also be hosting virtual dance party with the top songs from each week on September 30th at 11 AM. Winners will receive a prize!
Past Years
Training Handouts
Every Tuesday
In June, July, August & September
11:00 AM on Zoom
