About Will's Hope​
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Will's Hope is a Program based on Will Squire's Vision. Will was afflicted with multiple disabilities (emotional, cognitive, mental health & physical). Despite disabilities, he had a heart of gold and could never do enough to help a person with significant disabilities or someone less fortunate than he. In many cases, he would help individuals less disabled than he. He was shy and consistently placed his needs below those he wanted to help.
He always wanted to know what he could do - to give people "Hope" & opportunities for a better life. This Program implements Will's Vision. In the photo below Will is standing at a stock bridge in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) that crosses the Yellowstone River. The second photo is Will pointing out black bear claw marks on a tree.
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Will's Hope is designed to be an anti-suicide program for a wide range of individuals that may be struggling; or where the world's deafening noise interferes with or overwhelms the sense of purpose, self-value and belonging. In reality, every human being has a disability or weakness. This program recognizes uniqueness and disabilities as strengths. Through gaining a connection to nature and spending a week plus in an immersion environment participants are empowered to not only help themselves but help others who may not have the opportunity to experience what this unique program offers. The program empowers participants so that they can return or venture into new natural areas with friends and family and continue to thrive. Will's Hope offers numerous opportunities for self-healing and self-development for participants that are willing to actively participate in all activities and help themselves by staying engaged and being in the moment. Will's Hope is much more than a tour or trip. Participants have to make a commitment and execute that commitment in order to realize the potential many benefits. Pre-Applications, Interviews, complete a Physical and other activities are required in advance of acceptance. During program execution in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem participants must help with typical tasks such as helping prepare dinner, cleanup after dinner, clean common facilities, maintain equipment, participate in all activities and other essential tasks.
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​Young Adults with Disabilities outdoor immersion programs were started in 2013. Programs for veterans started in 2021 and in 2024 programs were opened up to active duty, first responders, public safety, healthcare workers and others.
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"Nature is not a place to visit, it is home." - Gary Snyder​
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