How intense are the hikes?
~The goal is to have options for all fitness levels, as these events are designed to build community and have a respite in nature. Some may be looking for a stroll through the woods, while others may be looking for lengthier, more challenging hikes.
~Attendees will have an opportunity to review possible options and share their interests; however, how firm the groupings and schedules will be will vary by event. In both the Adirondacks and Gatlinburg, there will be an opportunity for the group to talk and coordinate on the first night. In Glacier, however, with the awareness that we will need to design a shuttle schedule and secure timed passes, more coordination will occur in advance and the schedule will be posted for reference.
What should I expect for meals?
~All meals are included in the registration cost. Attendees will be surveyed regarding preferences as a specific event approaches to help me develop a grocery list.
~Dinner is the only scheduled meal, with the plan being to eat as a group. I work hard to coordinate with attendees to ensure that there are options for varied dietary needs.
~Community supplies are available for attendees to make or pack breakfast and lunch. However, if anyone wishes to bring any of their own supplies, there is room in the kitchen for everything.
Is it possible to coordinate plans and travel with other attendees?
I would absolutely encourage this! Once the attendee list is firmed up for each weekend, an event specific page will be created as part of the PWS Moms’ Hiking group on Facebook, with the intent of having attendees share a little about themselves, make suggestions about activities/ hikes, and hopefully coordinate travel plans. We could also consider starting a WhatsApp group in advance of the event. We used WhatsApp at the 2025 weekend (as there are often issues with large text groups of mixed Apple and Android users) and it seemed to work quite well.
When can I arrive?
The check-in time for each of the rental homes is 4:00; however, I will be arriving early for the weekends in Glacier and the Smoky Mountains. As a result, you could arrive any time during the day on Friday for those weekends. I would, however, encourage you to try to arrive before 5:00 pm, as we will have dinner as a group and time to start learning new names and faces (think of it as team building or ice breakers).
What is the story with the spots being held in reserve for the Old Forge, ADK weekend?
The Prader-Willi Alliance of New York is currently attempting to conduct a census of individuals with PWS in state, so we are trying to incentivize people updating their information with the organization. Any NY family that updates their information prior to the end of December is entered into a drawing for an event package (either registration for the ADK weekend OR registration/one night at the hotel for our conference in April). How many spots will be available in January will be contingent upon the choices of the drawing winners. While it is unlikely that all five winners will choose the hiking weekend, I also don't want to promise that there will definitely be available spots at that time.