Ascendigo Autism Services, Inc.

Ascendigo is a nonprofit organization based in the Roaring Fork Valley that provides programs and services to youth, teen and adults with autism. Our participants and families depend on your generosity!

Fund A Future.

To celebrate Youth Sports Giving Day (Sept. 3-17), we’re excited to launch the Adventure for All campaign in support of the Bil Rieger Scholarship Fund—a meaningful initiative to ensure individuals on the autism spectrum can experience the joy and impact of Ascendigo’s Adventure Programs in 2026 and beyond.

Before passing away in September 2011, Bil Rieger held a fundraiser at Kenichi to launch the Bil Rieger camp scholarship fund. Rieger was a generous supporter of Extreme Sports Camp (now Ascendigo Autism Services), which helps people with autism nationwide. 

He also ensured that the money he raised stayed in the valley to help with scholarships, therapies, and other needs.

Year-Round Scholarships

From Summer Camp to fall and winter adventures, Ascendigo provides outdoor therapeutic recreation in a supportive, inclusive environment where participants grow, connect, and thrive.

Each year, Ascendigo awards $70,000-$90,000 in scholarships to break down financial barriers, help close the tuition funding gap, and make these life-changing experiences accessible to ALL.

Every dollar makes a difference & each contribution counts in providing everyone with the opportunity for adventure as we work towards our $100K scholarship goal.

Meet Our Fundraisers!

Wyatt Tedeschi: Supporting Ascendigo can be so SweetE!  

Phil and I were first introduced to Ascendigo in 2021 by dear friends—a remarkable camp nestled in the beautiful Colorado mountains, where Wyatt would have the chance to try incredible adventures like rock climbing, wakesurfing, and more. I still remember that very first day, nearly five years ago, when we dropped him off and met his kind and caring counselor, Nicole. We left feeling excited, but also a little nervous—it was his first real camp experience.  

The team at Ascendigo is uniquely trained to support a wide range of abilities and behaviors, providing individualized care and guidance to every participant. These counselors—affectionately known as “coaches”—dedicate their entire summer to working one-on-one with children and young adults with autism and other special needs. They take them on unforgettable adventures in some of the most beautiful settings—activities that might be typical of sleepaway camps, summer vacations, or weekends at the lake, but aren’t always accessible for every child.

Not everyone (parents included!) has the superpowers these Ascendigo coaches bring. But thanks to them, families can drop off their child each day knowing they’ll be safe, supported, and smiling—gaining confidence, having fun, and making memories. It’s hard to believe we’re just three weeks away from Wyatt’s fifth summer with Ascendigo. We can’t wait to see what new adventures he takes on and what fears he leaves behind.  

We are helping to fundraise for Ascendigo Autism Services Adventure for All campaign, in support of the Bil Rieger Scholarship Fund. For some families, the cost of these opportunities can make participation out of reach.  100% of your donation will help provide scholarships—so more kids and adults with special needs can benefit from this one-of-a-kind incredible program that is Ascendigo.

- Eve and Phil Tedeschi



Maia Waissar: Help me share the adventure! 

Ascendigo has been a huge part of our lives. Maia has attended Ascendigo’s summer adventure camp since she was 11 years old. She’s now 24, and every summer, camp remains the highlight of her year. During her very first week, we noticed something amazing—along with all the fun and physical challenges, her verbal skills blossomed. She came home talking about her counselor, stringing together full sentences, something we hadn’t seen outside of speech therapy.

At home, Maia rarely chooses to participate in outdoor activities. But at camp? She’s wakeboarding, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking—and loving every minute of it. The incredible coaches and staff motivate her to try things we never imagined she’d want to do. And when she returns, she is eager to share stories about her adventures (and of course, the dogs and horses she met).

When Maia was a child, we were amazed that a place like Ascendigo existed—a safe, supportive sleepaway camp where she could experience the joys of summer and make lasting friendships. We’re beyond grateful that this community continues to be part of her life.

But not every family can afford this kind of opportunity. That’s why we are raising money for scholarships—to help other kids and adults on the autism spectrum access these life-changing programs, whether in summer or winter, and make unforgettable memories. 

Even a small donation can help open the door for someone else to discover their potential through adventure. 

Thank you for supporting this cause that means so much to us.

-Maia, Linda and Mark Waissar