Inclusive recreation opportunities with Eagle Mount

Established in 1982 by the late Robert and Greta Mathis of Bozeman, Eagle Mount has been providing adaptive recreational opportunities to the local community for almost 40 years. 

“We’ve focused on celebrating abilities and removing barriers to recreation. We serve individuals with disabilities of all ages, as well as people with cancer. Whether horseback riding, skiing, swimming, gardening, cycling, climbing, or enjoying a variety of other activities, our participants and their families expand their horizons in a multitude of ways through each of Montana’s four seasons,” the Eagle Mount website states.

It’s located in Bozeman with a 19-acre campus just a mile or two past Kagy Blvd. on 19th. Ave. Eagle Mount’s program primarily focuses on providing recreational opportunities to individuals who may not be able to regularly do so otherwise. 

“Following its founders’ wishes, Eagle Mount never turns anyone away if they cannot pay, and is funded entirely through private dollars. These days, we offer about 2,000 experiences a year, serving close to 1,000 people, with the help of an equal number of volunteers. Recognized by the Today Show as one of five small U.S. charities that make a big difference, we continue to find joy in the human spirit and embrace opportunities to remove barriers to recreation,” the website states. 

Eagle Mount’s program is 100% fueled with volunteers and continuing to get more people to help out is essential to their program. After speaking to sophomore Aidan McCabe, it is clear that Eagle Mount benefits both those who are participating as athletes and volunteering.  

“I volunteered for Eagle Mount last winter at Bridger Bowl. My job was working with another volunteer to help the participants — what we call the people in the program — work on their skiing confidence and skill,” McCabe said. “Seeing the participants’ families react to the joy and resolve they received was the most rewarding part from Eagle Mount.”

“Everyone involved is so invested in the betterment of every person around them it makes it a great experience,” McCabe said. 

For more information about how to volunteer, donate or to learn about the program, visit eaglemount.org.