A girl enjoys a ride on the zip-line at The Woodlands in Wexford, where persons with disabilities will get to compete in various activities on Saturday.

WEXFORD — In an effort to give children and adults with disabilities a chance to experience the outdoors in a safe environment, The Woodlands will host a community event this weekend.

The annual Backyard Bash is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at The Woodlands, 134 Shenot Road.

The free event will feature archery, field games, zip line rides, indoor swimming, crafts and sensory-friendly activities.

A scavenger hunt across the 32-acre campus will be held and is being coordinated by doctoral candidate volunteers from The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Center of Pittsburgh.

Food and drinks will be provided, and live music will be presented by The Chiodi Trio, Spectrum and Notes from the Heart Music Ensemble, comprised of Woodlands participants.

“Our adapted activities during The Woodlands' Backyard Bash offer everyone the opportunity to try new activities, develop attitudes and beliefs that support inclusion, and are helpful in forming social relationships and friendships with others,” said Jesse Solomon, Woodlands' director of programs and marketing.

Solomon said the inclusive environment at the event is helpful to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and their peers.

“When recreation programs are truly inclusive, it only benefits the entire community and gives our community an opportunity to directly reduce or end the isolation and exclusion that many people still face in their daily lives,” she said.

The organization's mission is to help those impacted by disability and chronic illness through therapeutic programs. Those programs are aimed at the development of skills in socialization, creative expression, environmental awareness, recreation and spirituality.

According to Heidi Matthews, Woodlands marketing coordinator, programs also include weekend retreats during the school year for various age groups, as well as various clubs. A 10-week summer camp also is offered with participants organized by age group.

While there is a fee to attend those programs, Matthews said the organization's WonderFund provides assistance to those in need.

“It's there to ensure that anyone can participate, no matter their financial situation,” she said.

For more information, call 724-935-6533.