Retreats, seminars, camps and programs for military veterans with PTSD or TBI
Return to PTSD Resource Directory - LINK
Return to Wounded Warrior Resource Directory - LINK
Military Marriage Retreats & Conferences - LINK
America's Mighty Warriors
http://americasmightywarriors.org/programs/
Our troops are coming home after multiple deployments with emotional and physical needs. America's Mighty Warriors recognizes they are not receiving the best care in a timely manner. We are dedicated to providing therapies that heal. We provide funding for those diagnosed with TBI to receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. We are also working with other providers whose therapies are helping with PTSD. We also host retreats for our wounded warriors and their families to provide recreation and resiliency.
As our troops continue the fight on multiple fronts, many are experiencing Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and associated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from combat-related blasts. More than 750,000 of our troops and families are affected and sadly, many are not getting access to the treatment they need to heal the actual brain injury! Instead, symptoms are being addressed with medication while source of the problem goes untreated. The result, our troops are on medication for depression, anxiety, concentration, sleeplessness and pain.
Individuals and families are being torn apart. Treatments are available to treat the brain injury but they are not prescribed by military doctors because they are not covered by insurance!
America’s Mighty Warriors is collaborating with HBOT treatment centers around the country, HBOT stands for hyperbaric oxygen treatment. This evidence-based protocol for oxygen treatment that has been helping vets heal but it is difficult to access and is not covered by insurance.
America’s Mighty Warriors is raising awareness and money to get our warriors access to this beneficial treatment and help our troops, vets and their families get their lives back after Traumatic Brain Injury.
Association of Amputee Surfers (Pismo Beach, CA)
AmpSurf™ is a non-profit organization established to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate all people with disabilities and their families through adaptive surfing and other outdoor activities.
One in five Americans struggle with a life-long disability. Nearly two million men and women have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are coming home looking for ways to feel whole again and to fit back in to normal life. Whether they are an amputee, visually impaired, suffer from PTS (post traumatic stress), or have quadriplegia. Whether they served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf war, Iraq or Afghanistan. Whether they are a child with autism, or a young woman who has lost a limb to cancer, AmpSurf™ offers a unique program to bring the healing power of the ocean and adaptive surfing together for an experience that is both mentally and physically one of the best forms of rehabilitation on the planet. Our goal is simple, we want to help our disabled veterans, adults and children focus on their abilities not their disabilities. To do this we strive to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate (PIER™) these great Americans and the public by providing a quality program and the opportunity for the participants and volunteers to come together and feel the joy and healing of the ocean and surfing. AmpSurf™ has provided our Learn to Surf Clinics to hundreds of our disabled veterans, adults and children who probably never would have had this experience if it hadn’t been for our program.
Base Camp Hope (St. Paul, MN)
Base Camp Hope is a faith-based 501(c)3 multi-functional therapeutic facility that helps veterans, service members and their families cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other re-integration issues.
Black Dagger Military Hunt Club (Florida)
http://www.blackdaggermhc.org/
Black Dagger Military Hunt Club Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides shooting, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor opportunities for veterans and active duty military (wounded and well). We are located in the greater Tampa Bay, Florida area but operate around the state. Many of our volunteers are retired or active duty military with a great deal of tactical and hunting experience. We co-labor with other veteran groups and nonprofits to support those who give their all for our nation!
We serve veterans from all eras without limitation to when or where they served. We work with the James A. Haley VA Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program in Tampa, Florida, the USSOCOM Care Coalition, and active duty military members on MacDill AFB. In addition, on a case-by-case basis, we will work with veterans supported by other agencies to meet a specific need that our team can satisfy. We serve veterans recovering from and learning to adjust to life with spinal cord injuries (SCI), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), loss of sight, and post-traumatic stress (PTS). We have specialized equipment to accommodate some of the most injured military heroes thus helping our honored veterans find their “new normal”.
Blum's Landing (Millersburg, MI)
Blum's Landing is a place for military personnel who have endured physical and/or mental wounds from serving the country.
We are a non-profit bed and breakfast for military personnel and their families to relax, to recoup, and to re-energize from the stress of their current rehab and duties.
Boulder Crest Retreat (Bluemont, VA)
http://bouldercrestretreat.org/
Located just 50 miles outside of Washington, D.C. in Bluemont,Virginia, Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness is a rural sanctuary for wounded military warriors and their families to enjoy non-clinical, recreational therapeutic activities aimed at assisting with their physical, mental, financial and spiritual recovery. The retreat is being developed on 37 acres of land, with funding and volunteer contributions coming from local and national corporations, non-profit organizations, and private citizens.
Branches of Valor (Eugene, OR)
Branches of Valor seeks to rekindle the hope of military members, veterans and their families--whose lives have been touched by war--by facilitating:
supportive connections
healing insights
Christ-centered solutions
Branches of Valor offers resiliency groups, peer mentors, retreats, conferences and events.
Brattleboro Retreat's Uniformed Services Program (Brattleboro, Vermont)
http://www.brattlebororetreat.org/military
As a professional in uniform, chances are you've witnessed your share of disasters, life-threatening events, and human tragedy.
The duty you perform with such courage can also lead to serious problems involving:
stress
alcohol abuse
drug addiction
anxiety
depression
In fact, whether active or retired, all men and women who answer the call of duty are at higher risk for for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a serious but treatable condition.
Now, you don't have to put your career, your department, your family or your life at further risk. And if problems in these areas have already taken their toll, we'll help you find your way back to the person you know you can be. The Brattleboro Retreat's Uniformed Service Program (USP) will show you how.
We'll help you find the strength to address your challenges.
You will work with your peers in supportive groups while focusing on your individual challenges.
You will do it with the support, understanding, and expertise of others who have been there.
Brian Bill Foundation Warrior Strengthening Retreat (open to NSW/SOF) (Tampa, FL)
http://www.brianbillfoundation.org/brians-retreats/
Theraputic retreats for NSW/SOF warriors struggling with combat Post Traumatic Stress, mTBI and chronic pain. Please join us for an incredible weekend of outdoor activities and therapeutic support designed to combine our strengths to overcome our burdens.
Camp C.O.P.E. - Children
Our mission is to:
help the children of service members cope with the transitions and/or trauma they are facing in response to the deployment or injuries sustained by their soldiers.
provide children age-appropriate therapeutic interventions in small groups of their peers, who have had similar experiences.
provide fun, therapeutic interventions for the children as well as information for parents about how to help their children at home.
allow the child to tell their story and help put a voice to their feelings and concerns, while providing new ways to handle their experiences.
Camp Hope - (Northwest Harris County, Texas)
Camp Hope provides interim housing for our Wounded Warriors, veterans and their families suffering from combat related PTSD in a caring and positive environment.
The facility opened in 2012 and is located in a quiet and safe setting in Houston, Texas whereby veterans and their immediate family members can find healing, help and hope while benefiting from an intensive peer support and mentoring program for Post Traumatic Stress. In addition to temporary housing, Camp Hope offers a 30 day PTSD recovery program in which residents: attend group lessons and support sessions with other combat veterans; conduct individual mentoring sessions with certified combat trauma mentors; participate in off-site small group interaction activities (fishing, hiking, local activities and events); and get involved with local churches, businesses and volunteer organizations to assist in their personal healing and educating the community on the invisible wounds of war.
The Camp Hope staff is a unique team of combat veterans and civilian pastoral staff trained in working with victims of trauma and post-traumatic stress. They understand that those who have served this nation continue to struggle with the invisible wounds of combat and are working to assist our troops in putting the pieces of their lives back together. The Camp Hope staff uses the necessary traditional counseling tools and incorporates a faith based approach to help combat the effects of Post Traumatic Stress. In addition, the staff assists veterans with a myriad of issues including job placement, coordination with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and reputable veteran service organizations to assist with claims and benefits, transportation to appointments and peer support groups integration. The Camp Hope community embraces our troops, veterans and their families as they seek the rewarding and fulfilling lives they so richly deserve.
While we are continuing to expand, resident rooms at Camp Hope are currently limited and assigned based on first come first serve and need.
Camp Liberty, Inc. (Michigan)
Camp Liberty provides inclusive outdoor recreation programs that aid in the reintegration of U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families, with an emphasis on assisting those with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.
Camp Southern Ground - Veteran Programs (Fayetteville, GA)
https://www.campsouthernground.org/
Camp Southern Ground is committed to serving the men and women who have fought to protect our country. Warrior Week and Warrior PATHH specifically care for the health and wellbeing of post-9/11 veterans while providing the necessary support in their transition to life after military service. Both are provided at no cost to veterans. If you or someone you know is a warrior struggling to find your new mission, we can help.
Canyon Heroes - Colorado River
Canyon Heroes--an adventure in hope and healing. We serve veterans by providing an adventure therapy experience--hiking and rafting the Colorado River to help heal the psychological wounds of war. Trip participants are supported on their journeys by professional counselors with experience with the military community.
Adaptive outdoor recreation, combined with professional counseling, can help veterans adjust, decompress and shed the complex responses that are related to everyday events.
CenterPoint Retreats
https://www.centerpointretreats.org/
Veteran’s PATH CenterPoint Retreats for Women Veterans serve the numbers of women veterans who are committed to their full recovery from stressful and/or traumatic experience. CenterPoint Retreats are nourishing, educational, and healing, and provide a peaceful and supportive natural environment for women veterans to learn tools for holistic recovery from PTSD, MST, and chronic stress, and to re-orient towards a fulfilling life of ease and satisfaction.
CenterPoint Retreats are six-day retreats, based on a model of experiential, body-centered, relationship-based healing. Over 300 women veterans have been served since 2011, with the vast majority reporting increases in general well-being and a reduction in stress symptoms as a result of participation in a retreat. These retreats are funded by the DOVA, and are entirely free of charge for eligible veterans, including airfare
Combat Veterans Sports Foundation
http://combatvetsports.wordpress.com/
We are an organization that is based on allowing recovering combat injured soldiers the opportunity to work with professional sports franchises. Whats better than sports and Soldiers?
Combat Veteran Sports Foundation, provides wounded combat veterans with a positive outlet by volunteering through professional sports organizations, seeks to enhance the warriors recovery process through a community awareness platform and to provide recognition of their sacrifice.
Coming Home Project - California
http://www.cominghomeproject.net/retreats
The Coming Home Project offers free, confidential group support and stress management retreats for OIF and OEF veterans, service members and their families and professional service providers.
A multidisciplinary team of veterans, family members, psychotherapists and interfaith leaders, we are devoted to providing innovative, compassionate care to address the mental, emotional, spiritual and relationship problems veterans and service members face.
Coming Home Retreats for Veterans - Illinois
http://www.jesuitretreat.org/cominghome/
A comprehensive spiritual outreach and renewal program for our military men and women.
CORE Veterans (Coastal and Offshore Recalibration Experience) (San Francisco, CA and Honolulu, HI)
The Coastal and Offshore Recalibration Experience (CORE) is a San Francisco based non-profit organization which aims to help reduce veteran suicide by assisting in the continual and holistic healing process of our nation’s combat-wounded veterans. Through therapeutic activities including sailing, surfing, yoga, art, music, nature retreats and more, the program serves to re-inspire and re-engage the warrior spirit. Sailing and the other activities within CORE allow participating veterans to look beyond their newfound challenges to once again achieve their full potential while also re-establishing the camaraderie and sense of community that has been lost by many since leaving the battlefield. Utilizing both adaptive and conventional sailing vessels and other equipment, CORE is accessible to any veteran, regardless of the nature of their injury. Both peaceful and exhilarating in nature, CORE represents a unique medium which allows veterans to become fully adrenalized in a positive and sustainable setting. Opening participants’ eyes to the endless opportunity that exists in this world, we aim to equip attending veterans with tools that will help them continue to transition into the next stage of their lives, post-injury.
Courage Beyond Retreats
http://couragebeyond.org/services/
Courage Beyond offers numerous therapeutic rehabilitative events and coping skills retreats throughout the year. These events and retreats foster healing and support for both family members and warriors. A typical event lasts from two to four days and involves counseling, assessment, coping skills training, rehabilitative efforts and group support.
CT Veteran Resource Page
https://www.ctveteranresourcepage.org/
We are a small Connecticut based organization focused on connecting active duty, veterans, and their families with the help they need.
Dare to Dream Ranch, Inc. (Foster, RI)
http://www.daretodreamranch.org/
Dare to Dream Ranch, Inc. is a holistic and alternative military retreat for service members, veterans and their families. The programs will include equine therapy, yoga, reflexology/massage, hypnotherapy/group therapy, horticulture therapy, nutrition education, healthy cooking and exercise for our US military veterans experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression and loss of job security. The produce from the garden will also be used to help feed Rhode Island's homeless and at risk veterans.
Deep Sea Valkyries (Arizona and National)
https://www.deepseavalkyries.com/
Deep Sea Valkyries is dedicated to the mission of preventing veteran suicide by reducing the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the treatment of other combat-related injuries, while assisting each veteran in his/her transition from service member to civilian. Our retreats provide alternative forms of therapy to injured veterans as a method to combat veteran suicide and enhance lives post-service. Our unique week-long intensive counseling retreats provide veterans with more than 25 hours of group- and individual counseling sessions, helping them to define trauma, identify and recognize it in their lives, and discover tools to manage its effects.
Disabled Veterans Scuba Project (Long Beach and West Los Angeles, CA)
Our mission is to serve disabled veterans by helping them experience the comaraderie of SCUBA diving and the wonders of the underwater world.
The all volunteer staff of the Disabled Veterans SCUBA Project currently has approval to teach SCUBA diving to the disabled Veterans at Long Beach and West Los Angeles VA hospitals. We are providing SCUBA instruction to disabled veterans (paraplegic, quadriplegic, PTSD, TBI, poly-trauma, blind, or amputee).
The Disabled Veterans SCUBA Project is currently conducting class for veterans of both the Long Beach and Greater West Los Angeles VA hospitals.
Dragonfly Retreats (Colorado Springs, CO)
Dragonfly Retreats offers five day holistic retreats for veterans with PTSD and MST. Our mission: making a positive impact in the lives of veterans of all ages by providing hope, healing and empowerment over traumatic events.
Embrace a Vet's Healing and Wellness Retreats (East Harpswell, ME)
http://embraceavet.org/retreats/
Our retreats offer Maine veterans and their significant others an opportunity to learn about alternative healing modalities. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity for recreation and relaxation in a beautiful, natural setting. Retreats begin at 4 pm on Thursday afternoon and end before noon on Monday. There is no cost to the veteran. Applications must be accompanied by DD214, verification of diagnosis by medical doctor or case manager and a $100.00 fee which “holds your space.” Money is returned at the end of the retreat.
Fairways for Warriors
http://fairwaysforwarriors.org/
We provide golf equipment, instruction, and outings to wounded warriors and their family members. Golf has proved to be an excellent tool for mental and physical rehabilitation. Fairways for Warriors has given these brave men and women the opportunity to heal from their most significant injuries – the injuries that we can’t see such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and others. Fairways for Warriors is a non-profit charity and is dependent on tax-deductible financial donations with 96% of the monies going toward the program!
Focus Marines Foundation - FOCUS Program (Augusta, MS)
https://focusmarines.org/focus-program/
The FOCUS program serves wounded warriors in various stages of transition and recovery. Participants suffer visible and invisible injuries and, now faced with these challenges, are working to find a new reality.
FOCUS Marines Foundation conducts four, multi-faceted, seven-day, workshops each year in rural Augusta, Missouri. The course includes a host of motivational speakers that encourage participants to rise above challenges, reject victimization, and adopt positive habits. Participants realize they are not alone in their challenges while building a vast support network. Participants, who attend from throughout the U.S. at no expense to themselves, are encouraged to leave their comfort zone and set/realize the goals to which they aspire. They are also coached in practical life skills such as networking, resume writing, and other important abilities. Participants find renewed hope and direction, develop positive characteristics, experience enhanced self-worth, and commit to continuing self-improvement.
Freedom Waters Foundation (Naples, FL - south Florida)
http://www.freedomwatersfoundation.org/veterans-programs/
The Freedom Waters Foundation veterans program, which began in 2012, provides boat outings and marine activities for veterans and their family members, offering the opportunity to relax, leaving their concerns on the dock as they cruise away to enjoy camaraderie with other veterans in a safe, enriching environment.
Garrison Retreats
http://www.garrisonretreats.org/
Garrison Retreats is dedicated to reducing the number of daily veteran suicides through team building and counseling in a retreat atmosphere.
Gratitude America - Warrior PATHH (Fernandina Beach, FL)
http://www.gratitudeamerica.org/warrior-pathh/
Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes) is the nation’s first non-clinical program designed to cultivate and facilitate Posttraumatic Growth amongst those struggling with PTSD and/or combat stress. Warrior PATHH enables these remarkable men and women to transform times of deep struggle into profound strength and growth. All Warrior PATHH instructors have walked this road from struggle to strength, and the blended team of trained combat veterans and civilians leverage their own experiences to guide attendees. This 18-month program begins with a 7-day retreat, initiating students into the Warrior PATHH.
Healing Warrior Hearts Annual Retreat Week (Milwaukee, WI)
http://starfishfound.org/veterans/
Every fall, Healing Warrior Hearts offers a week-long retreat for veterans.
Veterans who attend this week-long retreat have an opportunity to do emotional healing work and to get some R&R. In the beautiful environment of a Camp, nature and a community of friends will help veterans heal their hearts, minds and souls.
Veterans can attend this week at no cost. We are not however able to provide air transportation. If a veteran is from Wisconsin, we will do all we can to help find transportation to Camp. We will also help coordinate transportation from Milwaukee or Madison airports to the Camp.
Healing Warrior Hearts Warrior Family Heart (Milwaukee, WI)
http://starfishfound.org/veterans/
This special version of the Healing Warrior Hearts program is designed for couples. One partner must be a veteran to qualify to attend the retreat.
Participants will learn about the effects of PTSD and better understand the role that Post Traumatic Stress can play in behaviors and communications that strain the relationship. They will leave with tools to compassionately manage within the relationship, build more intimacy and create a deeper bond. Partners experience relief that they are not alone in their challenges and find caring friends who support them in navigating the sometimes rough waters of their relationship.
Couples often form deep connections with other couples and continue their friendships long past the weekend of the retreat. Many also come back to staff future retreats and share their successes and challenges to encourage the new participants.
Hearts of Valor Retreats
http://www.heartsofvalor.org/Retreats
Those close to service members are all too familiar with both the invisible and visible wounds that come with war. With those injuries come a host of circumstances that may feel unbearable. At our Hearts of ValorTM Retreats, you don't have to feel that burden alone.
At the HOV retreats, you will be able to share your story with other people that have found themselves in similar situations as you and learn how to cope in your role as a caregiver, learn more about:
Invisible wounds such as PTSD and TBI
How to cope with your role as a caregiver
Deep relaxation techniques
Solutions unique to your needs
The retreats are within driving distance and are of no cost to you. The registration fees, meals, and hotel room are all free.
Heroes on the Water
Heroes on the Water helps wounded warriors relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.
For thousands of wounded warriors, kayak fishing has become a powerful and liberating source of rehabilitation. It shatters the perceived limits of their injuries and creates an openness to interact, learn new skills, and focus on the bright future ahead.
We offer injured military personnel and veterans an outdoor recreational experience where they are taught kayaking and kayak fishing basics and participate in kayak fishing excursions – a new sport despite their injuries that provides camaraderie and a lifetime of enjoyment that they can do with family and friends.
As a national organization based in Allen, TX, we have chapters across the country led by volunteers that take wounded veterans out kayak fishing on an ongoing basis, at no cost to them or their families.
Higher Ground Sun Valley (Ketchum, ID)
Higher Ground Military uses therapeutic recreation to facilitate a change in perspective, giving injured service members the physical skills, confidence, and coping strategies necessary for a successful reintegration into their families and home communities. Higher Ground is recognized as one of the premier rehabilitation programs in the country by the Department of Defense, military medical centers, and veteran service organizations. We serve military personnel and veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other polytrauma.
Higher Ground hosts eight week-long sports camps annually, each completely free of charge to veterans and their supporters. Our camps serve 8-10 participants and are designed for specific populations—couples, men, and women. We create an intimate atmosphere where participants connect and share struggles related to battle trauma and injuries, while supporters share challenges about health care, parenting, and their role as caregivers.
Our highly trained staff of certified recreational therapists strategically implements activities that highlight individual abilities, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life.
Higher Ground commits to three years of follow-up care for each participant, helping to connect participants to their local resources and dedicating a reintegration budget for each participant to help them achieve their individual goals.
Honoring our Veterans - Jackson Hole, WY
Honoring Our Veterans' mission is to improve the quality of life for combat wounded veterans by offering them activities that strengthen their physical, cognitive, emotional,and social functioning.
Currently, we offer six week-long sessions each year. Honoring Our Veterans covers the cost of airfare, transportation, lodging, meals, activities and equipment, so there is no cost to the wounded veteran. During our sessions we maximize the healing potential of nature. We are fortunate to have an amazing staff of expert instructors and guides who are constantly willing to help with this mission.
All activities are designed to build trust, increase confidence, and improve memory, concentration, and fine and gross motor skills. Honoring Our Veterans allows disabled veterans to interact with others in a safe and welcoming environment. The reintegration process can be a slow and painful one. Housing our veterans in the same unit promotes sharing and understanding and can lead to lifelong friendships and support. We have found that the brotherhood bond is one of the most significant factors in helping combat wounded veterans heal.
Lone Survivor Foundation Therapeutic Retreats
http://lonesurvivorfoundation.org/healing-retreats/
Lone Survivor Foundation is committed to providing support to service members and veterans struggling with invisible injuries such as combat trauma stress, mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain management and military sexual trauma. These painful injuries have devastating effects on the individual as well as their family. LSF’s goal is to support both the individual and the family through education, coping skills and reducing their symptoms of stress.
To that end, LSF conducts retreats throughout the year with a focus on wellness and therapeutic support. Retreats are conducted over a five day weekend (Thursday fly in, Monday fly out) at scenic facilities, allowing ample opportunity for the healing effect of nature and relaxation. We serve all military branches and backgrounds; Our focus is toward combat stress, mTBI and chronic pain issues, with an emphasis on service members and veterans from Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We conduct individual service member retreats, couples retreats and family retreats, with the goal of taking the individual and family out of their normal environment, open the mind and emotions and provide tools for moving forward successfully. LSF also conducts separate retreats for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma.
Our retreats provide support for invisible injuries through psycho educational groups, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) using the EAGALA method, as well as individual sessions focused on brief stress reduction exercises to reduce symptoms of traumatic stress and pain.
Lz-Grace Veterans Retreat
http://lz-grace.com/index.html
Landing Zone Grace (LZ-Grace) Veterans Retreat is founded to provide a place for newly transitioning Special Forces personnel to rest, renew and find individual focus for life after war. Our goal is to heal the wounds you don't see: PTSD, TBI and those emotional wounds not assigned an acronym. Brother to brother – around the dinner table, or fireplace, at the climbing wall or catching fish, if individuals can talk with those they trust, the need to isolate will lessen, the hurt will start to dissipate and healing can begin.
Our program is designed to provide a safe place for Warriors to decompress with support so they can reenter family and civilian life with purpose. Through peer mentoring, recreation-based therapies, life skills instruction and post transition planning, healing and a solid new beginning will be found through and with each other.
Individuals, couples and families of Special Forces, as well as all transitioning military personnel will be invited to attend at separate times. Our one to two week programs will be offered at no cost to the participants and personalized for the group in attendance. We are currently reviewing existing sites across the United States and hope to secure funding to open our doors by end of summer, 2014.
Manpower to Horsepower
Veteran's Rehabilitation, Racing Style - As many veterans and their families know all too well, the transition from service to civilian life has many obstacles. A large amount of combat veterans have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and tasks like sitting in a classroom that civilians take for granted are difficult.
Manpower to Horsepower is a hands-on program that teaches veterans motorsport management. Students study and build cars in the shop. They also accompany the cars they've worked on to dirt races and other sporting events.
The classes and events restore the veterans confidence in themselves and allow them to acclimate back into civilian life.
The shop is a non-judgemental arena where they feel safe and have others who understand them.
Mayslake Ministries Veterans' Retreat
http://www.mayslakeministries.org/programs/retreats
http://mayslakeministries.org/images/pdfs/Veteransretreatflyer2015.pdf
Coming Home: A Free Christian retreat program designed to help military men and women come to spiritual healing and reconciliation with God, themselves and with one another. There is NO charge for this retreat for our vets.
Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs
http://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/programs/
Mighty Oaks Foundation is committed to serving the brokenhearted by providing intensive peer-based discipleship through a series of programs, outpost meetings, and speaking events. Our Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs host such programs as Fight Club and Marriage Advance Programs and take place at multiple locations from four to seven days. The Warriors who attend are fully sponsored with travel arrangements, meals, and lodging needs to ensure that upon arrival to the ranch, each Warrior is focused solely on his recovery and identifying purpose moving forward.
Our instructors have the unique ability to connect with the Warriors and their families. Since all instructors are program alumni, they each have experienced tragedy and hardships through their service to America. Having endured deployments, family separations, learning to handle the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress (both in war and at home), the instructors are able to connect to the students on a peer level, opening a forum that is not found in clinical environments.
MARRIAGE ADVANCE: LOVE NEVER GIVES UP - Our three day Marriage Advance Program is designed for couples to gain a better understanding of the struggles they each face from dealing with PTS. We structure conversations around needs, expectations, goals and forgiveness to help couples move forward. Provided with the necessary support to regain the strength that is required of a healthy unit, each couple learns to engage successfully with the recovery process in order to have a successful marriage.
My Warrior's Place - Forever a Warrior Retreat (Ruskin, FL)
https://www.mywarriorsplace.org/forever-a-warrior.html
National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center (Angel Fire, NM)
http://veteranswellnessandhealing.org/
National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center is providing week long retreats for Veterans, Active Duty Military, Reservists, and their significant others who have been diagnosed with PTS (post traumatic stress). The retreats offer traditional and non-traditional healing methods. Included throughout the week are a mix of Native American healing ceremonies, equine reintegration training, massage, yoga, aroma therapy, acupuncture, art therapy, reiki, along with couples and group counseling sessions. The natural setting of Angel Fire in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is the perfect location to bring couples to a place where nature can assist with the healing process. The number of retreat participant couples are kept small thus making each and every experience and tool which you are provided much more intimate.
All retreats are a total of seven and a half (7 1/2) days. All attendees must commit to the full seven and a half days.
All lodging, meals and meetings are paid by National Veterans Wellness and Healing. Transportation to and from the Retreats is the responsibility of the attendees.
NorthWest Fishing Partner Registry (based in Everett WA and serving WA, OR, ID and Western Montana)
NorthWest Fishing Partner Registry (NWFPR) is a 501(c)3 Foundation that facilitates piscatorial therapy for those that serve or have served our country that may suffer from PTSD, TBI and other stress-related illnesses.
Many of those we serve see tragedy on a daily basis. Our group allows our members to get the relaxation needed.
Fishing or piscatorial therapy is one of the few non evasive, non drug therapies that actually get the brain working on both sides. This is such an important avenue for many.
Operation Alpha (Birmingham, Alabama) - TBI
http://www.lakeshore.org/lima-foxtrot/
Operation Alpha is designed to appeal to recently severely injured servicemen and women who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. This is event held on the Lakeshore Foundation Campus and offers multiple sports and recreation activities.
Operation Heal Our Patriots (Alaska)
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/about-operation-heal-our-patriots/
Operation Heal Our Patriots, a ministry project of Samaritan’s Purse, focuses on bringing spiritual refreshment, physical renewal, and marriage enrichment to wounded and injured U.S. military service members and their spouses. To thank these brave men and women for their service and sacrifice, we offer programs uniquely developed to strengthen the marriage relationship and build hope for the future through the transforming power of God’s Word.
Samaritan Lodge Alaska stands peacefully within the great wilderness of America’s last frontier. It is here, among mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife that we minister to the needs of America’s own victims of war. Military service members and their spouses have the opportunity to stay for one week, including travel time.
Each day, our on-site staff chaplain leads devotions and our Marriage Resiliency Workshop. This weeklong course offers couples time away from daily pressures and distractions to study the primary dynamics that have the greatest impact on a marriage. The workshop concludes with a worship service, which affirms and celebrates couples’ relationship with God and one another, amid the marvels of His creation.
Operation Never Forgotten Sports, Afield & Stream (S.A.S.) Outdoor Retreats
http://operationneverforgotten.org/programs/outdoor-retreats/
Sports, Afield & Stream (S.A.S.) outdoor retreats use adaptive sports, hunting, fishing and exploration of wilderness to help redefine who veterans are after injury. The retreats are about veterans experiencing epic moments and tranquil times along with their caregivers, family members and other injured veterans.
S.A.S. Retreats are free for OEF/OIF men and women veterans who have been physically and/or invisibly injured with life-altering conditions. They need not be Purple Heart recipients to attend. Only one caregiver, family member or friend will also be paid for to attend (any others will need to pay for their own expenses).
Operation Never Forgotten Weekend PTS Workshops
http://operationneverforgotten.org/programs/pts-workshops/
Operation Never Forgotten helps veterans and families strive for happier, healthier, peaceful and productive lives after war. Caregivers are welcome to attend with or without their veteran. Accommodations, food, speakers and activities are FREE for pre-approved veterans and caregivers. Travel to an ONF event is not included however paid airfare will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ONF events are alcohol-free.
Each transition workshop may promote physical, psychological and spiritual wellness; and decompression through relaxing or thrilling outdoor recreational therapy; and mentorship. Each event will vary depending on location, time of year, guest speakers, activities and budget. Most events are held in Montana. Caregivers are equally supported and some workshops include programs for children.
These events are managed by veterans and caregivers… for veterans and caregivers.
Operation Open Arms (SW Florida, Eastern Maryland)
http://www.operationopenarms.com/
Operation Open Arms connects active-duty US Servicemen/women who are battling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with the mental help they need.
Operation Restored Warrior
http://operationrestoredwarrior.org/
The cost of sustaining the freedoms we so cherish as a people and a nation are increasingly carried upon the shoulders of the men and women of our Armed Forces.
Their immense personal cost is only just now being recognized in our nation through catchwords like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Combat Related Stress (CRS), as well as physically wounded warriors, suicide and other classifications. Their battles are real, the life wounds often deep, and never has a clear path to restoration been more needed yet found so scarce.
Operation Restored Warrior is open to all faiths and brings together mission, healing and ministry to places and memories within the warrior’s heart that need the hope, the healing and the power of God through our experiential, multiple day, wilderness setting “counterattacks”.
Our cornerstone 5 day program is called the “Drop Zone” and for over 5 years has proven to help service members from all branches of our military. From intelligence analysts to Navy SEALs and Delta Force, and from Chaplains to Surgeons and everyone in between – healing knows no boundaries. Participants have experienced the freedom, restoration and healing their hearts and lives have longed for and so desperately needed. We don’t renovate, we restore the warrior to what was intended.
Operation: Tohidu (Upper Marlboro, MD)
https://www.melwood.org/community-services/operation-tohidu
Operation: Tohidu is a 5-day retreat. The retreat is designed around eight pillars of treatment with the goal of enabling participants to gain or begin to gain mastery of their post-deployment situation through education, experiential learning, peer support, group therapy, spiritual experiences and other alternative therapies and interventions.
Over the last fourteen years, America's Global War on Terror has produced more than a half million veterans with service-related injuries. Thousands more are coping with invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These valiant warriors struggle to recover not only their health, but also their civilian lives finding jobs, rebuilding family relationships, and figuring out their new place in our communities. Their path is far from easy and many need our support. Melwood's Operation: Tohidu program is a series of retreats designed for wounded veterans and active duty military to help them overcome obstacles to their recovery and support their successful reintegration into their homes and communities.
“Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit. Operation: Tohidu's experiential rehabilitation program focuses on confidence-building, outdoor activities, and group discussion in a relaxed, positive environment using proven techniques for the self-management of symptoms, stressors, and responses. Our highly trained staff of certified recreational support professionals strategically implement activities that highlight individual abilities, leading to an overall improvement in quality of life. By many accounts, it is one of the most intensive programs for veterans and active duty personnel with PTSD that is currently available in the eastern United States.
Our Military Kids' Wounded Warrior Program
http://ourmilitarykids.org/how-we-help/
Children of wounded warriors face similar financial difficulties along with the challenges of learning to adapt to the physical, mental, and emotional changes in a loved one.
Our Military Kids provides grants to children of ALL wounded warriors (Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty) for sports, fine arts, camps, and academic tutoring programs. Such activities help nurture and sustain the children during a parent’s lengthy recovery and/or rehabilitation.
Painted Paws Rescue Ranch (Peyton, CO)
https://paintedpawsforveterans.org/programs/veteran-retreats/
Painted Paws Rescue Ranch offers visitation for disabled veterans who are unable to take on the responsibility of canine ownership. This program is limited to veterans who have received a disability rating of 50% or more from the Veteran’s Administration.
There are many reasons that a disabled veteran may feel that they are unable to take on the responsibility of dog ownership. They include, but are not limited to, mental or physical disabilities, limited financial means or an inadequate home environment; no yard, or the landlord does not allow pets. While a veteran may not be able to adopt a permanent companion, they can still receive great benefit and emotional support, by spending time with a companion animal in a safe environment.
During the warm weather months, Painted Paws Rescue Ranch offers veteran retreats on a forty-acre ranch in Peyton, Colorado. Attendance is limited in order to maintain a calm, safe environment in which veterans feel comfortable.
While on the ranch, veterans are encouraged to take part in the care of companion dogs, including feeding, socialization, bathing and cleanup.
Patriots Cove (Noxen, PA)
Patriots Cove is a native brook trout sanctuary nestled in the mountains of northeast Pennsylvania. We were established in 2017 to protect a threatened fish species, and provide a place for veterans, first responders, and their caregivers to enjoy a therapeutic fishing outdoors experience. Our organization gives injured veterans and first responders a place to reconnect with nature and heal within.
Fishing retreats are held year-round, and private group events are also encouraged, to give much-deserved individuals a tranquil outdoors experience. Regardless of injuries or illnesses incurred from the line of duty, our guests can enjoy easy access to stream-side trout fishing. Patriots Cove is designed to accommodate any injury- our trails, docks, fishing areas, and lodging are wheelchair friendly.
To enjoy a free fishing event where your fishing clothing, equipment, and meals are provided, please sign-up at patriotscove.org. We look forward to having you at our next event!
Project New Hope Inc. (Worcester, Massachusetts)
https://www.projectnewhopema.org/veterans-support-programs/pnh22/
Project New Hope Inc. mission is to assist veterans and their families with PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma, Marital Issues, Chronic Pain Issues and Suicidal thoughts, and other issues that might arise. We are an organization that helps U.S. veterans and their families with addressing the challenges, fears and stigma that they face during and after they have served in our Armed Services. Project New Hope is committed to aiding our service members and their families by providing them the opportunity to get away and reconnect by attending one of our retreats. The organization offers tools for recognizing the symptoms and triggers of military-related occupational stress and injuries, as well as assist in developing coping mechanisms through holistic approaches to healing. All our staff and volunteers are committed to assisting our service members in their pursuit of New Hope and success in all they do.
Restoring the Warriors Heart (Dickson, TN)
http://restoringthewarriorsheart.com/
Restoring the Warrior’s Heart, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides weekend retreats for combat-experienced soldiers and their families. The purpose of these retreats is to help soldiers and their spouses connect with God, each other, and with fellow soldiers as they deal with the moral wounds and relational stresses associated with war. Through this ministry God has been faithful to draw people to Himself for redemption and healing. Wounds have been healed, chains broken, sins confessed, relationships with God established, marriages strengthened, and lives changed.
Because this is a volunteer effort we can offer a first class event for minimal expense, all of which is covered by donations from churches, businesses, civic clubs and individuals.
Rivers of Recovery (Jackson, WY)
Rivers of Recovery provides rehabilitation to physically and psychologically injured U.S. combat veterans using innovative, outdoor-based therapies and pioneering research.
Rivers of Recovery works to help heal U.S. combat veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), minor Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), stress, anxiety and depression.
Salmon for Soldiers (Union, WA)
http://www.salmonforsoldiers.com/
The mission of Salmon for Soldiers is to offer a sense of normalcy and relaxation to our returning veterans by providing them with opportunities to engage with other sports fishermen. Salmon for Soldiers’ fishing events and opportunities are designed to help reduce stress and to open participants up to new relationships; while they learn a skill that can bring them many hours of fun and relaxation. Our events are designed to accommodate veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and other physical challenges.
Scuba Warriors (Heartbeat for Warriors) (Washington state)
Scuba Warriors is therapeutic scuba diving for wounded warriors. Heartbeat—Serving Wounded Warriors pays for therapeutic scuba diving for wounded service members of GWOT, the Global War on Terrorism. We call this program Scuba Warriors. Warriors with physical or psychological injuries, or both, can benefit from this healing activity.
Soldier's Heart
http://www.soldiersheart.net/services/warrior-retreats/ (Warrior Retreats)
At Soldier’s Heart retreats, you have an opportunity to face the dark times in your military service in the company of the community in whose name you acted. Looking straight at the past may help restore your hope in the future.
Soldier’s Heart retreats create places where you can share your stories safely. Our retreats help society accept its responsibility for your actions. At our retreats, we will
listen to you deeply
tend to you lovingly
honor your truths
share your burdens
Most of our retreats are for both men and women. This provides the opportunity for the whole community to learn from and grow with each other. We sometimes hold separate men’s retreats or women’s retreats.
http://www.soldiersheart.net/services/family-and-loved-ones-support/ (Family Support Program)
Since 2012, Soldier’s Heart has offered retreats for family members and loved ones. Retreat participants have shared deep revelations of the everyday lives and struggles of people who love an active duty service member and/or a veteran who suffers from visible and invisible wounds. They have graciously shared their experiences and feelings as well as the many ways their lives are different from others in the general public.
Sun Valley Adaptive Sports
http://www.highergroundsv.org/
SVAS means fun! We want people with disabilities to experience the thrills of alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing. We want people to enjoy the excitement of hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, martial arts, snowshoeing, and ice skating. And we want people to discover the serenity of fly-fishing, yoga, theater, bowling, swimming, and hot springs.
SVAS has something for everyone. We offer programs for children, teens, adults, as well as service members (active duty and veteran) who have been severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. We offer programs that cover a wide-range of physical and cognitive disabilities including people with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), visual impairment, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our programs offer more than athletic skills and recreational experience. They build confidence and independence and they inspire people to pursue their personal goals and aspirations as it relates to work, school, family, health, and recreation. Our program also help build social skills that helps people of all ages improve their relationships with family, peers, and their community. All programs are free to qualifying participants.
TAMCO Foundation (Tampa Bay, FL)
http://www.tamcofoundation.org/
TAMCO Foundation hosts an Annual Grand Slam Fishing Tournament, where wounded heroes who sustain injuries in the War on Terror (blindness, wheelchair bound, amputees, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other health issues) enjoy a fishing expedition on Tampa Bay.
Team Overland
Team Overland is a veteran led, non-profit organization that uses outdoor expeditions as an outlet to overcome challenges associated with Post-Traumatic Stress.
Overlanding is self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. We offer veterans a chance to go on our overlanding trips at no cost.
The Guardians Foundation Outdoor Sportsmanship (Post Falls, ID)
http://www.theguardiansfoundation.org/outdoor-sportsmanship
The Outdoor Sportsmanship Program offers hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities that have been proven to benefit veterans suffering with PTSD and physical injuries
The Maj. Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program Inc. (Cheshire, CT)
www.fishingoutreachprogram.com
The Maj. Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program Inc. is a non-profit program that was started in 2008 out of a need to help veterans and at risk and needy kids. The purpose of this program is to get veterans and kids hooked on fishing. For veterans it gives them a way to deal with issues from their service, be it mental or physical ones.
Joe Kowalski takes a vet or kid out on the boat for a day of fishing. “It's a lot like a one day fishing lesson. I try and teach them all I know about this great sport.” explains Kowalski. Each vet or kid receives a rod and reel and a tackle box full of the latest baits. This is theirs to keep free of charge. Also included are contacts for local fishing clubs in the area they live so they can continue on if they wish or they can call Joe anytime with questions.
The Pathway Home
The Pathway Home, Inc. provides comprehensive treatment for our nation's military personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. We assist those impacted by Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other post-combat mental health challenges to successfully reintegrate into their families and the community at large.
The Warrior Connection - Warrior Retreat for Men, Warrior Retreat for Women, Warrior's Spouse Retreat
http://www.warriorconnection.org/retreats
If you are a combat veteran ready, willing and wanting to overcome your PTSD, then consider applying to our Warrior Connection Program.
At the core of this program is a residential Warrior Retreat to connect you with yourself. You will discover why you are not your PTSD and how to replace the anger, frustration and loss that frequently raise its ugly head with compassion for yourself and others. You will learn simple yet powerful techniques for creating balance and harmony in your life, so you can be more of the man, father, husband and community contributor you want to be.
You will journey home — that place within you that is always peaceful and always available to you. So become the New Warrior that is your true destiny. These Warriors live by an honorable Code of Conduct, a code that brings them inner peace, joy and renewed self-worth. They honor themselves, others, and the natural world.
Veteran support continues after the retreat with celebration dinners, monthly follow-up meetings, and community-based personal growth classes. All services are offered free to veterans.
The Welcome Home Initiative Retreat
http://byhiswoundsministry.org/event/welcome-home-initiative-retreat/
A free 3-5 day retreat for members of the Armed Forces and their families
Talks by veterans and trauma specialists
Discussion groups
Opportunities for reflection and healing prayer
600 Beautiful acres for recreation and relaxation
Handicapped-accessible facilities
Optional marriage and family counseling
Our goal is to minister practically and prayerfully to members of the Armed Forces and their families, providing support and resources to help them heal and thrive.
Our mission is to show our appreciation for the men, women, and families serving in the Armed Forces. To help those who have suffered trauma in combat, be it physical, psychological, or spiritual, by providing ministry and resources for health and healing.
To preserve the confidentiality of every person. To connect combat veterans with appropriate specialist agencies and resources including:
Combat stress and trauma experts
Critical incident debrief specialists
Marriage and family life counselors
Suicide prevention counselors
Prayer teams
The Wounded Veterans Fishing Program (Olympia, WA)
http://woundedvetsfishing.org/
Our goal is to provide an alternate means of therapy for our wounded returning from combat with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and physical disabilities. Give them a stress free, non medical environment to interact with others returning from combat and those with previous combat experiences to increase their moral. Finally to provide them with a tool to reutilize in the future should relapse occur.
Trauma and Resiliency Resources' (TRR) Warrior Camp (New York, NY)
https://trrhelp.org/warrior-camp/
TRR's Warrior Camp® is for suicide prevention and trauma resolution. It is designed to heal trauma, prevent suicide, support force preservation and enhance resilience. We do this by focusing on Moral Injury as a core component of Combat Trauma. TRR's Warrior Camp® programs are open to active duty, Guard, Reserves and combat veterans of ALL eras without regard to discharge status.
Veterans Alternative (Holiday, FL)
http://www.veteransalternative.org/
The mission of the Veterans Alternative is to serve veterans experiencing difficulties related to transition, combat and/or military sexual trauma and their families through a resiliency & strength-based program utilizing proven alternative therapies.
The Center was founded in 2014 by Brian Anderson, retired Green Beret who was deployed in direct combat on multiple deployments and is the recipient of 3 bronze stars, one with Valor and Janel Norton, who served five years in the US Air Force and deployed as a photojournalist documenting conflicts in Bosnia, Liberia and Panama.The center activates post traumatic growth, replenishes camaraderie and trains the mind, body and spirit of America’s Warriors through a wide variety of services available to veterans and/or their families.
The services include a military-style confidence course, gym facility, martial arts, yoga and meditation classes, Accelerated Resolution Therapy as well as a pool and weekly Friday evening barbecues which provide a time for camaraderie and networking. The center is also a host site for events, which provide opportunities for fellowship and support. “The Veterans Alternative is our Veterans Rear Operating Base."
Veterans on Deck (Charleston, SC)
https://www.veteransondeck.org/
Veterans on Deck is a non-profit maritime initiative for Veterans with PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, or Serious Mental Illness. VOD uses the forum of sailing as a therapeutic mileu to foster experiences of empowerment, mastery, and successful social interaction. Veterans will work together as a team, under conditions that are often stressful, new and even sometimes frightening, to overcome fear and build relationships to make the boat go… When the boat goes there is a concrete manifestation of success…
Vets Journey Home
http://www.vetsjourneyhome.org/
Vets Journey Home is a unique weekend program for veterans, designed to help heal the emotional wounds of military service. The Journey offers a safe place where veterans and civilians want to hear you, offering empathy for your painful journey and total support for your healing.
Warrior Institute for Rehabilitation and Optimal Conditioning (North Florida)
The Warrior Institute is headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, but we facilitate outdoor recreation programs all over north Florida. We serve military service members and veterans -- including their families -- who have clinical diagnoses of mild to moderate brain injuries and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for military service members, veterans, and their families through therapy and training designed to ameliorate emotional, psychological, cognitive and physical symptoms associated with combat and military services.
We believe that all military personnel and their families have made a significant sacrifice for our country, and deserve an opportunity to rebuild their lives and restore their overall health and well-being with the very best that nature and technology has to offer.
Warrior Plantation
https://www.warriorplantation.org/
Throughout the year, Warrior Plantation offers a variety of wellness retreats for veterans.
Warriors and Quiet Waters (Bozeman, MT)
https://warriorsandquietwaters.org/
The Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation seeks to build resilience in post-9/11 combat veterans and caregivers through the experience of fly fishing in Montana.
The Fishing Experience (FX) is WQW’s core recreational activity and therapeutic program. Each FX brings qualified participants to southwest Montana for a week-long program of fly fishing and relaxation in the peaceful landscape characteristic of the Rocky Mountains. WQW works strategically with partner organizations in order to identify potential participants who meet placement criteria and are committed to positive change. Such partnerships have included Wounded Warrior Battalions and Warrior Transition Units. Warriors come from across the United States and all branches of military service, limited to those who have been combat-wounded and/or are currently struggling socially or professionally due to mental health conditions or traumatic brain injuries acquired during combat operations post-9/11.
At no cost to the participant, WQW provides:
ground and air transportation
comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals
professional instruction and fly fishing equipment, including fly rod and reel, SIMMS waders, SIMMS boots, a Mystery Ranch pack, wading staff, fly fishing tools, tippet, leader, and an assortment of flies. It is our hope that by returning home equipped with gear, warriors are able to continue the sport independently and with confidence.
Warriors for Freedom Foundation
http://www.warriorsforfreedom.org/
Warriors for Freedom Foundation is a resource dedicated to supporting and improving mental, physical and holistic wellness for our nation's active military, veterans and their families. We partner with communities and supporting sponsors to create exciting, empowering events. We salute your service and we’re honored to serve you. Find out more about our programs for: golf, hunting, motocross, fishing, and cycling.
Warriors Heart to Arts (Spokane, WA)
https://www.warriorshearttoart.org/
Warriors Heart to Art is an all-volunteer Spokane-based non-profit organization helping Spokane-area veterans heal from PTSD using creative arts to tell their stories, and helping the public understand military trauma. We help vets reconnect with themselves and their community.
Warriors on Cataract
http://steamboatstars.com/programs/#military
Warriors On Cataract sponsors 4 day whitewater trips on the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park from Moab to Lake Powell for our disabled veterans. We accommodate veterans with very significant levels of disability, such as severe PTSD, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic injuries, multiple amputations, burns, depression, substance abuse, and those with wheel chairs and service dogs.
Wounded Warriors Family Support Programs
The families of our combat wounded suffers greatly — emotionally, psychologically and financially. The overwhelming stress of the recovery process can threaten to tear a family apart.
Wounded Warriors Family Support’s Family Programs provide retreats to wounded veterans and their families free of charge. The family retreats are a chance for wounded veterans to heal and reconnect with their loved ones in a peaceful, non-stress environment.
Our family retreats give wounded veterans and their families a break from the pressures of everyday life to take time to become stronger as individuals and families. Wounded veterans are given the opportunity to decompress and share in positive experiences with their spouses and children, strengthening the bonds of their families and making lasting memories.
Wounded Warrior Project - Project Odyssey
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/combat-stress-recovery-program/project-odyssey
With its name derived from Homer's epic poem about overcoming adversity and finding the way home, Project Odyssey helps you overcome combat stress through outdoor, rehabilitative retreats that encourage a connection with nature, your peers, Project Odyssey staff, and trained counselors.
You have three opportunities to participate:
Project Odyssey: Regional - Take the first steps toward recovery during this 5-day event with fellow warriors in your area.
Couples Project Odyssey - Learn to rebuild trust and relationships affected by your combat experiences during a 5-day couples retreat.
Project Odyssey: International - Start your healing process while still on active duty and recovering at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany. WWP plans to offer this event to Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) throughout Europe as well.
Through outdoor, recreational activities, you will discover inner strength and find the courage to continue your journey to recovery. The experiences gained from Project Odyssey help you work through challenges related to combat stress and improve mental attitudes and outlook. Activities include horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, a high ropes course, fishing, skeet shooting, sled hockey, and skiing at retreats held in various locations across the country. You are encouraged to build new skills, connect with peers, and find support for combat stress among Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) staff and trained counselors.
The program does not end with the retreat. In fact, it is only the beginning as we facilitate continued support through WWP and other local combat stress resources. To participate, you must be approved by a Project Odyssey staff member, and register for our Alumni program.