CW HOG can mean a world of things to anyone, but southeast Idaho, particularly Idaho State University, knows very well what CW HOG represents. Conceived in 1979 by Tom Whitaker, an outdoorsman and amputee, the “Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group” (CW HOG), became official in 1981, and is presently comprised of 5 staff and hundreds of volunteers who provide outdoor adventure activities for people with disabilities. They also offer physical education classes at ISU, and they indulge in all-important social events (mostly for fund-raising).
They will literally go anywhere to make sure a person with a disability enjoys an activity he/she is interested in. Anywhere you say! How about Mt. Everest? CW HOG helped the first wheel chairs to base camp, and put the first disabled person on the summit! Yes, anywhere. Other activities that over 800 participate in every year include hang gliding, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, water skiing, sea kayaking, white water rafting, etc., etc., etc.
Another amazing fact about this group is their budget. 70 percent of the $150,000.00 is raised through fundraisers and grants; the remaining 30 percent comes from student fees. CW HOG gets a lot done for almost nothing. What a well kept secret!
You can reach these great people at www.isu.edu/cwhog, or 208-282-3912. These great people are:
- Dave Kriner – CW HOG Director
- Bob Ellis – Outdoor Recreation Coordinator
- Cindy DeRoche – Administrative Assistant
- Dave Trenor – VISTA Volunteer
- Spencer Gilbert – AmeriCor Volunteer
CW HOG is the only organization of its kind and magnitude in Idaho. The organization will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a rafting run the full length of the Salmon River. Its annual SNO-BALL will be held February 25th, and will include dancing and a chili feed. Call for further information.
