About Baerekracht
Making nature accessible. For everyone.
People who use a wheelchair, have a prosthesis or have reduced mobility dream, just like everyone else, of places in the countryside where they can enjoy themselves with their loved ones. It’s just that this dream is often harder to realise. Accessible accommodation, adapted walking trails, assistive devices — each time, it requires an intensive search.
Bear Power wants to make that journey easier and lower the barriers to access. We believe that experiencing nature is not a luxury, but a fundamental right.
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Our Story
A passion for nature and life
Baerekracht was founded by Els De Geyter, Wouter Fovel and their son Mathis. Mathis has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. As a family, we spent years travelling the world, from the US and Canada to Australia and New Zealand — always close to nature. In Scandinavia, and particularly in Norway, we found our second home.
Our experiences — the many challenges, but above all the joy of travelling without limits — inspired others.
This is how Baerekracht grew: from a personal story to a centre of expertise in accessible nature experiences — and into a place where we inspire families and couples to explore nature together.
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Our Vision
Nature has a fundamental impact on well-being and growth. We believe that everyone has the right to genuine experiences of nature, regardless of physical limitations.
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Our Mission
Baerekracht is committed to raising the profile of accessible nature experiences — in Flanders and far beyond. We inspire people with mobility impairments and their loved ones, share our expertise with partners and organisations, and offer carers and their partners a unique experiential trip to recharge together in nature.
Support for couples in the care sector
From our experience as carers, we know that couples also need time to recover and reconnect. That is why I, Els De Geyter, offer relationship coaching for parents who are caring for a child with a disability or special care needs.
Our team of founders
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Els
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Mathis
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Wouter
Els De Geyter
Founder and driving force
“My dream is a world in which no one is excluded from nature.”
Els is the strategic mastermind behind Baerekracht. With her experience in communications and her passion for inclusion and experiencing nature, she works tirelessly every day to develop the centre of expertise.
Wouter Fovel
Co-founder and expert by experience
“Practical solutions and creative thinking help us overcome obstacles.”
As Mathis’s father and a keen nature lover, Wouter knows better than anyone how important accessibility is.
His technical and organisational skills help to break down barriers, both literally and figuratively.
Mathis Fovel
Inspirator
“Travelling is freedom. Nature gives you strength.”
Mathis is the driving force and source of inspiration behind Baerekracht. His openness and zest for life are at the heart of our story. His experiences at home and abroad show what is possible — when nature is made accessible.