The Beginning of The Guided Tour, Inc.
So much has happened in the field of developmental challenges since 1965, which is when Irv Segal began directing the Ronald B. Nipon Association, one of our country’s first recreation and socialization programs for adults with developmental challenges. It was when Irv was in that position that he discovered how growth-producing it is for adults with developmental challenges to socialize and travel independent of their families. Irv became convinced that it provided a sense of belonging, an opportunity to say aloud “these are my friends” and to be able, many for the first time in their lives, to share their own travel and vacation experiences with their families, their supervisor and co-workers, or their friends. After a trip ends we often receive phone calls and emails telling us how happy and motivated to work our travelers are so that they can join us on more Guided Tour vacations in the future.
The Early Days
While it was very difficult to “sell” the positive byproducts of travel for adults with developmental challenges in those early days, Irv, nevertheless, left the Nipon Association and in 1972 The Guided Tour became a full-time, year-round program. However, professionals in the field of developmental challenges (MR/DD at that time) as well as family members, were not yet convinced of the merits and the appropriateness of more independent travel experiences. It took several years for The Guided Tour to become a national program, with people traveling with us from every state in the country, as well as Canada, England, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Please see the Rates & Dates for upcoming encampments also known as The Adult Resort and Fall and Spring Weekends in the Pocono Mountains.
