Get to Know Us!
Our History
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures (CGOA) was founded in 1993 as an AmeriCorps*VISTA project at OPTIONS for Independence in partnership with Utah State University’s Outdoor Program and Bridgerland Audubon Society. In 1997, the organization incorporated as a private non-profit and has grown to serve well over 3,600 people with disabilities annually. CGOA seeks to increase the accessibility of outdoor recreation and discover creative new ways to access wild places. The organization provides adaptive equipment and support which enables individuals with disabilities to participate in recreation and outdoor adventures. By crossing perceived limitations individuals gain self-confidence, which carries over into the quest for meaningful employment, the pursuit of relationships, and active participation in community life. All outdoor activities include discussions, activities or presentations that foster appreciation and respect of the natural environment.
Recent major accomplishments include:
- Completion of facility slopeside at Beaver Mountain.
- Increased ski lessons by 70% to approximately 700 lessons.
- Implementation of the wildly successful Youth Adventure Leadership Program (YALP) and Jr. Adventurers
- Successful expansion of warfighter programming, serving US military personnel and veterans with disabilities.
Our mission
Common Ground Outdoor Adventure’s mission is to provide life-enhancing outdoor recreation for youths and adults with disabilities.
Our promise
Our vision
To obtain the resources, equipment, facilities, and staff to provide quality physically and financially accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for every youth and adult with a disability that has the desire to participate. We want to do all we can to remove barriers and enhance people’s lives through recreational experiences, while reducing the stereotypes society has about people with disabilities.
Our Team
Our staff come from a variety of professional backgrounds and experiences in adaptive outdoor recreation, and are passionate about helping others get outside!
Open Position
We are looking to fill a full-time AmeriCorps position. To learn more, and/or to apply, please see the following link.
Samantha (Sammie) Macfarlane
Executive Director
Sammie has been with the organization since 1999. Under her leadership, CGOA has seen monumental growth in all areas and continues to be a tremendous asset to the community. Sammie is passionate about progressing the organization. During her free time she enjoys skiing, river rafting, paddle boarding, and mountain biking with her family.
Heidi Prestwich
AmeriCorps VISTA
Heidi grew up in Murray Utah. She graduated from Utah State University with an undergraduate in Human Development and Family Studies and plans on getting a graduate degree in Extension Studies. She loves the outdoors. Nature never ceases to amaze her and feeds her passion for going kayaking, hiking, photography and pickleball with family and friends. Heidi also loves big band swing dancing and looks forward to working with Common Ground.
Alex Ristorcelli
Program Director
Alex has been working in the outdoor industry for almost 10 years. After getting his Bachelor’s in Outdoor Leadership, he worked for the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center where he discovered his passion for Adaptive Recreation. Since then he has been focusing on working with people of all abilities in a myriad of recreational activities. After spending 2 years in Oregon, Alex found Common Ground and is really excited about being back in the snow and the sun. He is really excited to be exploring the Cache Valley and the rest of the State of Utah with his family and with Common Ground.
Kyle Andrew
Activity Lead and Assistant Ski Program Manager
Kyle Andrew Graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation. He will be receiving his Certification to be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist this summer. He is also is looking forward to continuing his education and receive his master’s in Occupational Therapy. Kyle loves spending time outside rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing! He is excited to be with the amazing Logan community and the Common Ground family!
Victoria Thompson
BSW Intern
Victoria is our BSW Intern. She is studying at Utah State and plans on getting her masters in social work. Victoria is from Bountiful, Utah and enjoys rock climbing, hiking and skiing. Victoria's favorite thing about Common Ground is that she gets to enjoy the outdoors while getting to know different participants on a personal level.
Mike Jarrett
Volunteer
Mike is a Logan, UT native who has been involved with Common Ground for many years. Many of the day to day functions around the office would be impossible without Mike's continued assistance. Thanks Mike!
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures is very committed to provide a safe experience for our participants.
GOT A QUESTION?
Give us a call:
Phone: 435-713-0288 (Logan Office)
435-946-3205 (Beaver Mt. Office)
Fax: 435-713-2108
Mailing address:
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures
335 N 100 East, Logan UT 84321
Email: info@cgadventures.org
