Fishing Has No Boundaries, Inc. 1.
http://www.fhnbinc.org/
(Hayward, WI) has as its goal “to open the great outdoors for people with
disabilities through the world of fishing.” Phone: 800-243-3462 Phone:
715-634-3185.
2.
Grown-Up Camps lists twelve camps for grown-ups with visual impairments in
the United States and Canada.
http://www.grownupcamps.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?page=Special+Needs
6421 N. Congress Ave., Suite 200
Boca Raton, FL 33487
PHONE (561) 443-2924
FAX (561) 443-2904
3. Christian Record Services runs
National Camps for Blind Children every summer in 26 locations.
http://www.christianrecord.org/
Description: Description: Christian Record Services’ headquarters
Mission
Christian Record Services for the Blind improves the quality of life for
children, teens, and adults with visual impairments by providing them with
free programs and services focused on their needs.
Goal
The goal of the many volunteers, employees, and directors of Christian
Record Services for the Blind is to reach every blind or visually impaired
person in North America with our free Christian publications and services.
Christian Record provides new opportunities for persons who are blind or
visually impaired. Each year thousands of lives are changed by the services
provided to them without cost. All who are blind, legally blind (20/200 with
corrective lenses), or have physical impairments that prevent them from
holding reading material are eligible for the following free services:
* Subscription Magazines are available in braille, large print, and
audio cassette.
* Full-Vision Books combine braille and print, enabling blind parents
to read to their sighted children and sighted parents help their blind
children learn to read braille.
* The Lending Library lends more than 1,400 volumes in braille and NLS
digital cartridge.
* Gift Bibles and Study Guides are available in braille, large print,
solar player, and NLS digital cartridge.
* National Camps for Blind Children are operated throughout North
America.
* College Scholarship Assistance is given on a limited basis to young
people who are visually impaired and trying to obtain a college education.
* inSight4Vets Player is a gift offered to United States military
veterans who are blind or visually impaired.
Christian Record is an international organization serving blind and visually
impaired individuals in approximately 80 countries worldwide and employs
about 100 people throughout the United States and Canada.
4. Kids’ Camps: “the Internet’s most
comprehensive directory of camps and summer experiences,” lists 65 camps for
visually handicapped children in the United States and Canada. It also lists
camps for children having two dozen other sorts of special needs.
Summer Camps, Day Camps, Overnight Camps, Sports Camps, Camp Directory –
KidsCamps.com
· Kidscamps.com c/o Internet Brands – 909 N. Sepulveda Blvd., 11th
Floor – El Segundo, CA 90245
Toll Free: (877) 242-9330 – Fax: (310) 280-5177
* http://www.kidscamps.com/
*II. Fishing
“There are many people who have fished all of their lives, then they incur a
disability and kind of give up,” said Pat, a volunteer for FHNB in Hayward,
Wisconsin. “They see their disabilities as insurmountable. Then, their
families urge them to get back into the stream of life and they find it’s
not impossible. We had one man who hadn’t fished for years. He came just
once to one of our events, and now he takes his son fishing in Canada every
year. It opens doors.”
For people with limited mobility who want to head out onto the water, one of
the first challenges is finding the appropriate vessel to go on, according
to Dr. Robert Weber, E.E.D, who teaches adaptive physical education at the
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and heads UW-Oshkosh’s FHNB chapter.
If a wheelchair-user is able to transfer to a boat, he or she can sit in a
regular seat, with or without a lap belt for support. And many of the newer
boats have fairly flat front decks that may help with the transition from
pier to boat.
“But most wheelchair users are most comfortable on a pontoon boat where they
have the use of their regular wheelchair when they’re on the water” Weber
said. Getting a wheelchair onto a pontoon boat is quite easy. Most resorts,
disabled fishing events, and professional guide services have pontoon boats
available.
For those who don’t have ready access to a boat or just want to head out for
a few hours of fishing, a public access pier may provide the answer.
“Most communities that put out a pier have to be in compliance with ADA
requirements, which means they have to be wheelchair accessible,” Weber
said. “But I’m sure there’s a variance in piers. In some places the
requirements aren’t enforced or might be interpreted differently.”
Optimally, piers should be 8’ wide – wide enough to allow a wheelchair user
to stop and maneuver safely. Most state governments have Web sites that list
outdoor resources, including public access piers. Check your state
government’s Web pages.
Safety
Most, if not all, states require that boaters have enough personal flotation
devices for all on board. All participants in FHNB events are required to
wear life jackets, which is a good idea for anyone fishing from a boat or a
pier. Brakes can let loose, and wheelchairs can roll, so special care should
be taken when a wheelchair is used around water.
“But a life preserver won’t support the weight of the wheelchair,” Dr. Weber
said. “A power chair can weigh 400 lbs. Unless the person needs a lap belt
for support, we recommend they keep their belt free.”
Adaptive Equipment
Fortunately, however, if you can get to where the fish are, adaptive fishing
equipment exists to make fishing accessible to just about everyone.
* Clamp for fishing pole
* Fishing pole clamp on wheelchair
Description: Description:
http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fishing-1.jpgDescription:
Description:
http://www.disabledsportsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fishing-2.jpg
The clamp on fishing pole holder keeps a good grip on the pole while it
makes the reel available for one-handed operation.
“There are all sorts of ways to get people fishing,” said Pat of FHNB.
“There are ergonomic rods that are much easier for people with limited
strength, rod holders, wrist straps – sometimes the volunteers design
something all on their own for individual fishermen.”
All types of rod holders exist – ones that fasten to a boat or wheelchair,
straps to the user’s chest, or which the user sits on – to hold the rod
comfortably for those who have limited or no use of their hands. For
instance, the One-Armed Fishing Bandit (www.howellstackle.com) was designed
by a stroke survivor for people who can only use one arm.
The Strong Arm (www. accesstr.com) is a versatile fishing rod holder that
straps to the user’s arm, making it suitable for anyone with limited or no
grip.
There are also numerous reels available to make casting and reeling in
accessible to everyone. Companies such as Elec-Tra-Mate
(www.elec-tra-mate.com) and John’s Reels have a variety of electric reels
that are designed to reel in even the biggest catch at the touch of a
button. However, the John’s Reel, for instance, is not a simple “fishing
winch…You still set the drag, play the fish, and experience the feel of the
fight,” according to the manufacturer. It is available in several options,
including a remote push-button or remote joystick operation for high-level
quadriplegics.
Some reels, such as Van’s Easy Cast, can even cast for you and, Dr. Weber
said, work is progressing on puff control reels that can cast and retrieve.
And, while many commercial types of rod holders exist, some pvc pipe and a
bit of ingenuity may be all you need to hold the rod steady.
Dr. Weber advises that there are many Rotary Club International groups
around the country that have tackle-loaning programs for people who don’t
fish on a regular basis.
There are many groups that exist to open the world of fishing to people with
disabilities. FHNB can help you find those organizations, answer questions
on adaptive fishing equipment, events, how others have adapted to a specific
disability, and how to start your own chapter.
For many of the participants, one event is all it takes to get them hooked
on fishing.
“We’ve had people between 6 and 91,” Dr. Weber said. “It’s something you can
do for a lifetime, something you can do with family and friends, something
that you can readily adapt to a variety of different situations or
abilities.”
“You get out on a boat and have the light rocking of the waves soothe and
relax you. You experience the joy of just being outside, the camaraderie,
the excitement of catching a fish, getting the fresh air, and the sunshine.”
Organizations
Fishing Has No Boundaries
http://www.fhnbinc.org/
Equipment
Access to Recreation
http://www.accesstr.com/index.asp
Elec-Tra-Mate
http://elec-tra-mate.com/
Electric Fishing Reel Systems Inc.
Mailing Address:
P.O Box 20411
Greensboro, NC 27420
Physical Address:
1700 Sullivan Street
Greensboro, NC 27405
Phone Numbers:
Voice: 336-273-9101
Fax: 336-370-9411
Rotary Club International Groups (contact your
local Rotary Club to find out if they offer the tackle-loaning program)
·
You can visit the web address below to look for a club in your area.
https://www.rotary.org/
Rotary Club International Groups (contact your
local Rotary Club to find out if they offer the tackle-loaning program)
·
*III. DNR – Information for Hunters with Disabilities and Permits
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10366_41825_51108-197553–,00.html
Crossbow Permit
Crossbows can be used in all archery seasons except for the late archery
deer season in the Upper Peninsula unless the person has a crossbow permit.
A person with a disability may apply for a crossbow permit. A physician can
automatically certify a hunter as eligible for a crossbow permit if the
hunter has an amputation involving body extremities required for stable
function to use conventional archery equipment, or has a spinal cord injury
resulting in permanent disability to the lower extremities, leaving the
applicant permanently non-ambulatory, or has a permanent wheelchair
restriction.
If none of the above criteria apply, physicians, physical therapists or
occupational therapists can certify hunters who fail a functional draw test
that equals 35 pounds of resistance and involves holding it for four
seconds, or a manual muscle test involving the grading of shoulder and elbow
flexion and extension, or an impaired range-of-motion test involving the
shoulder or elbow. In addition, a physician can recommend a crossbow permit
for other temporary or permanent disabilities, such as neuromuscular
conditions. For more information and an application, call 517-373-1204.
Modified Crossbow Permit
A person with a temporary or permanent disability who has the full use of
only one arm may apply for a modified bow permit. This permit allows
modifications to a compound bow, including the addition of an overdraw lock
device allowing the bow to be held and shot with one arm. This modification
may not convert a compound bow into a crossbow. For more information, go to
http://www.pcba-inc.org.
Using Laser Sights
Legally blind hunters may use laser sighting devices to take game, subject
to all other regulations, with a firearm or crossbow if all the following
conditions are met.
* The person is accompanied by a sighted person who is at least 18 years
of age and possesses proof of a current or previous hunting license (other
than an apprentice license) or proof of successful completion of a hunter
safety class;
* The legally blind person possesses the appropriate hunting license and
proof of impairment in the form of a Secretary of State ID card. No permit
is necessary for this accommodation.
Hunters with other permanent disabilities may apply to the DNR Law
Enforcement Division for a permit to use a laser sighting device with a
firearm or crossbow to take game. Subject to all other regulations, a
permittee may take game with use of a laser sighting device only if
accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is licenses to
hunt the same game (other than an apprentice license). For application
information, please call 517-373-1230.
Related Content
·
Hunting on Game Bird Preserves for People with Disabilities
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billanalysis/Senate/htm/2011-SFA-1045-N.htm
·
·
Where Can I Hunt?
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10363_10913—,00.html
·
State Game Areas with Universally Accessible Features
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10366_41825_51108-56750–,00.html
·
Laser Sighting Devices for Hunters with Disabilities
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10366_41825_51108-31956–,00.html
Resident Veterans with Disabilities
*IV. recreation guides
1. CSB recreation guide – CAPVI.ORG
http://www.capvi.org/11.html
Recreation Opportunity Directory For people who are blind and visually
impaired in California
compiled by the California School for the Blind in 2010
This directory is divided into sections according to activity to make it
easier to access. Here you will find:
Agencies that offer recreational activities for people who are blind or
visually impaired
sources for Arts and Crafts activities
adapted Board Games
both day Camps and residential Camps that are designed for people who are
blind or visually impaired
Competitive Sports for aspiring athletes who are blind and visually
impaired,
adapted Entertainment resources
Museums in California that have specific accessibility for visitors who are
blind or visually impaired
resources for Music lessons and events
opportunities for Physical Activities, such as swimming, kayaking and
archery,
Reading Options
places where you can purchase adapted Sporting Goods.
You may discover that a favorite agency, activity or event that you know of
is missing from the directory. If so, please let us know so that we can
include it in future editions.
Coordinator, Low Vision Services
California School for the Blind, Fremont CA 94536
2.
Recreation Opportunities for Wounded Warriors and Families
http://www.operationwearehere.com/VeteransFamiliesRecreationWoundedWarriors.html
Also be sure to visit this
LINK
which lists additional opportunities to include: baseball, cycling, golf,
horses, hunting and fishing, ice hockey, kayak fishing, kayaking, outdoor
opportunities, sailing, cruising, diving, scuba, sports, surfing and more.
Adaptive Adventures
http://adaptiveadventures.org/
The mission of Adaptive Adventures is to provide progressive outdoor sports
opportunities to improve quality of life for children, adults and veterans
with physical disabilities and their families.
Alaska Healing Hearts
http://alaskashealinghearts.com/
Alaska’s Healing Hearts year round nationwide outdoor programs include
hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational programs for our nations
brave wounded warriors, these activities are termed “social reintegration”
by therapists. They are not just the clinical rehabilitation programs which
injured military personnel usually participate in; they also provide
disabled Veterans with hope that they can live active and productive lives.
Based on our own experiences these programs help bolster confidence and self
esteem, while serving as a venue for them to assimilate with the public.
American Wanderer Summer Camp – RV Camp for Kids
www.rvcampforkids.com
The next generation of a traditional summer camp for boys and girls ages
11-17. Our Cabins roll and our Camp moves. Our Campers and Guides explore
some of the most magnificent parks in the world – all right here in America.
We offer 4 distinct 2 week sessions exploring over 34 Parks in Arizona,
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
Scholarships – Children of Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Retired and
Former Service members are all eligible to apply. Children of Wounded
Warriors must annotate their applications as such due to multiple categories
of funding sources. National Guard, Military Reserve and Wounded Warriors
should also see
www.ourmilitatarykids.org for additional funding.
BAADS Veteran Sunday Sailing Program (San Francisco, CA)
www.baads.org
The Veterans Sunday Sailing Program with the Bay Area Association of
Disabled Sailors (BAADS) provides veterans the opportunity to sail in Access
303 and Access Liberty boats with other veterans every Sunday.
BAADS is offering this program to ALL veterans, not just disabled. This is
intended as a thank you for service. Feel free to come this week and each
week following with no obligations besides RSVP’ing to keep accurate count
of our resources.
Blum’s Landing (Millersburg, MI)
www.blumslanding.org
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 for Wounded Warriors (Bluemont, VA)
http://bouldercrestretreat.org/
Boulder Crest Retreat intends to offer the following facilities and services
to wounded warriors and their families who come to rest and heal:
· ADA handicap accessible “greentech” cabins, available for 2-7 days
for approx. 250-500 families per annum.
· An ADA handicap accessible “greentech” barn/meeting house with
organic farm-to-table meals.
· A walled organic Victorian garden, plus a field of organic
produce.
· A bird sanctuary and fishing pond.
· Nature walks, foraging, photography, bird and wildlife watching,
as well as therapeutic dogs, archery and other onsite adaptive sporting
activities.
· Off-site activities including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing
and fishing in the Shenandoah River; hiking the Appalachian Trail; trail
rides; biking; antiquing; winery tours; golf; tennis; a therapeutic horse
farm; and a country farm and petting farm.
Camp C.O.P.E.
www.campcope.org
Our camp is designed to help our young heroes to better cope with the
effects of war, deployments and the sacrifices they are asked to make every
day.
Children of deployed and injured service members are more likely to struggle
emotionally. Some common reactions observed in children in these
circumstances include, but are not limited to: depression, anxiety,
withdrawal, anger, hyper-vigilance and somatic illness.
At Camp C.O.P.E. children are provided age-appropriate therapeutic
interventions in small groups of their peers, who have had similar
experiences. The interventions are both direct and indirect, according to
their comfort level, and are tailored to help them cope better emotionally.
Camp Corral
www.campcorral.org
Camp Corral is an amazing week of non-stop fun and excitement in the great
outdoors for children (ages 8 to 15) of our military heroes. It’s for the
children of brave soldiers who have been injured or fallen protecting our
freedom, our way of life. Camp Corral is a wonderful chance for kids to
share amazing adventures through boating, swimming, hiking, archery and
doing just about everything you can do enjoying fresh air and nature.
Camp Corral kids tell us they have made friendships and memories that will
last a lifetime!
The folks at Golden Corral restaurants are proud to continue their tradition
of supporting our veterans and military families by making Camp Corral
possible. Golden Corral wanted to find a way to support the families of
disabled veterans and those injured in the line of duty and Camp Corral was
the perfect opportunity.
Camp Hope (Farmington, MO)
www.chrisnealfarm.com
Camp Hope is dedicated to honoring the fallen by helping the wounded.
Created by Gold Star parents, William “Mike” and Galia White, the 170-acre
farm located 70 miles southeast of Lambert-St. Louis Airport in Missouri,
was created to honor the memory of their son. Pfc Christopher Neal White, a
23-year-old Marine, was tragically killed in action in Al Anbar, Iraq on
June 20, 2006.
Camp Hope provides FREE outdoor adventures to combat wounded veterans of the
War on Terror and active-duty combat-wounded Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and
Sailors.
The mission of Camp Hope is to allow wounded warriors the opportunity to
participate in outdoor activities with dignity – to not think about what
they “can’t” do, only to think what they want to do. Soldiers can shoot
skeet, hunt turkey and deer, fish, hike, explore the country, or relax
around the ever-burning firepit.
Camp Patriot (Libby, MT)
www.camppatriot.org
Camp Patriot empowers disabled U.S. veterans through Christian values and
relationships created by way of our unique outdoor programs. Our programs
challenge veterans to learn new ways to overcome their wounds in order to
accomplish amazing goals. These challenges represent a crucible of change
that proves to each participant that they can overcome any obstacle. Camp
Patriot Alumni have gone on to become great leaders in their communities.
Today there are over 2.3 million disabled veterans in the U.S. and the
number grows each day as the war on terror continues. These brave veterans
have made great sacrifices in order to ensure our safety and freedom. All of
these veterans had dreams about the future, many felt that their dreams were
lost due to injuries suffered in the line of duty. We thank veterans by
showing them that with the right relationships and support they can
accomplish anything.
Champion Kids Camp (Houston, TX)
http://championskidscamp.org/
Champions Kids Camp is dedicated to the nurturing of children who have
survived a traumatic injury, illness, or personal loss, such as the loss of
a parent or sibling. This also includes separation from a parent who is
serving abroad in the military or who have now returned home. Through a
week-long camp, children between the ages of 8 and 12 are able to heal from
the “emotional scarring” they have experienced in their young lives.
Camp consists of music, art, sports, recreation and special guests. Children
are nurtured physically, mentally and emotionally. We teach them at camp
that they are over-comers. Camp is free of charge to those who are accepted;
we do fill up by our deadline so apply soon.
Chappy’s Outdoors
www.chappysoutdoorendeavors.com
The mission of Chappy’s Outdoors is to conduct hunting and fishing trips for
our nation’s wounded veterans by providing training, equipment and
excursions across America in order to facilitate physical, emotional and
spiritual healing by sharing in God’s natural creation and faithfully
proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ through word and deed.
We have connected land owners, ranchers, outdoor guides and organizations,
charter/ commercial fishermen, and professional fishermen with wounded
veterans to provide a chance to enjoy hunting and fishing opportunities.
We have edited and recorded these trips in order to allow our veterans to
commemorate their trip forever…recent upgrades allow us to now record in
HD quality with wireless microphones on vets.
Disabled Veterans Rest Camp (Washington County, MN)
www.vetscampmn.org
The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp provides facilities and opportunities for
recreation, rest, and well being for all women and men who have served or
are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, along with their
families. The campground is open to all military personnel in good standing:
Active duty, Reservists/Guard, veterans, disabled, retirees, families and
friends.
Divide Camp (Oregon)
http://www.dividecamp.org/index.htm
Divide Camp honors the service of our combat veterans by giving back through
outdoor adventures including hunting, fishing and other sporting and
recreational activities. We seek to aid healing and build hope for our
service members wounded in action.
Eagle Summit Ranch (Roever Foundation)
http://www.roeverfoundation.org/projects.php
Conducts motivational retreats and seminars for wounded warriors in
wilderness setting.
English River Outfitters
(Washington County, IA, adjacent Sockum Ridge)
www.englishriveroutfitters.org
English River Outfitters, is a non-profit charitable organization. We offer
our veterans a variety of activities were we help our veterans adjust after
a deployment. We provide a peer on peer approach (Veterans Helping
Veterans). We were established in 2008 to enrich the lives of all of America’s
returning war veterans.
The average stay for a recovering veteran at a Recovery Medical Center is
two years. That is a long time to be bedridden or confined to a hospital
facility, especially for the athletic, adventurous, and outgoing
individuals, such as those who serve in the military. We are helping
veterans by getting them outside with nature.
English River Outfitters (ERO) honor’s all of our veterans, past, present
and future; with our priorities on our veteran’s with physical disabilities
as well as invisible injuries. ERO provides programs through a Life Skills
Program and Peer on Peer Mentorship that helps foster a healthy readjustment
back to civilian life through a positive outdoor experience, fishing,
hunting, hiking and a campfire.
ERO provides the family a place where they can reintegrate after a
separation and the soldier can realize their strengths and their
independence.
Fly Fishing for Vets
www.flyfishingforvets.com
Fly-Fishing for Vets has joined with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing a
non-profit organization created to provide wounded warriors and their
families
with a bit of relief from the many stressful aspects of recovering from an
injury
or being permanently disabled.
For the vets, the foundation teaches the basics of fly fishing to include
fly tying,
casting, and rod building. We offer one or two-day trips with guided
fly-fishing
instruction and excursions as a means to get away from it all. The trips are
therapeutic, in that they can restore confidence, feelings of independence
and self-
esteem for the wounded warrior. Trip options include the lakes at Callaway
Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga, the “Hooch” in Atlanta, the Toccoa River and
any
other locations the Wounded Warrior feels comfortable fishing.
Spouses and children of the veterans are also provided with activities to
help
them relax, enjoy themselves and get away from the hectic pace often
associated
with recovery and being at times the main caregiver.
Naturally, if spouses and older children would like to fish too, they are
more than
welcome to.
Freedom Hunters
www.freedomhunters.org
Saluting the noble work of our courageous men and women of the Armed Forces
is our mission. Freedom Hunters reflects the outdoor community’s
appreciation to the troops by taking select active duty and combat veterans
on outdoor adventures. With help from conservation groups, outfitters,
corporations, state agencies and land owners, Freedom Hunters will honor
individuals from all branches of the military. It is with immense pride and
enthusiasm that Freedom Hunters will carry on the American tradition of
hunting and fishing with active military personnel across the United States.
We are proud to show our gratitude to Purple Heart recipients. Many may not
have the same physical abilities as when they joined the service, but heart
and determination is something that still drives these men forward.
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.
Helping Hands for Wounded Veterans (Latrobe, PA)
www.hhwv.org
Helping Hands for Wounded Veterans was approved in December 2007 by the IRS
as a non-profit. The purpose of the organization is to give disabled
soldiers that have sacrificed so much to keep our country free a chance to
enjoy the sport of hunting and fishing once again. Hence, the program called
“All-American Dream Hunts” was established by the non-profit.
Heroes on the Water
www.heroesonthewater.org
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)
www.highergroundsv.org
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 Traumatice Brain Injuries (TBIs), Post
Traumatic Stress Discorder (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.
Hunts for Healing Foundation
www.huntsforhealing.org
The Hunts for Healing Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to
the emotion, physical and spiritual healing of wounded warriors.
Our purpose in creating this fund is to establish ongoing opportunities for
our wounded veterans to experience authentic upland hunting in the beautiful
Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to create an
atmosphere that promotes challenge in the outdoors and healing from within.
We offer clay bird shooting, hunting safety, and the experience and
excitement of pheasant hunting with guides, mentors and dogs. This
experience aides in their physical, emotional and spiritual recovery, as
well as, providing social interaction that allows the warriors to transition
back into their daily lives.
Hunters for Warriors (Warriors for Freedom Foundation)
http://warriorsforfreedom.org/events/hunting/warriors-hunt-2013/
Every year in November, Warriors for Freedom Foundation hosts a Quail Hunt
near El Reno, OK for service men and women. Guns, ammo, safety equipment for
eyes and ears, transportation in the field (if needed), food and a great
time is provided for both our local hunters and our local heroes!
Hunters Helping Soldiers
www.huntershelpingsoldiers.org
The mission of Hunters Helping Soldiers is simple…to assist our U.S.
veterans (combat and combat wounded) by providing high quality hunting and
fishing experiences in the great outdoors. This serves two purposes…as a
means of rehabilitation and also as a way of showing our sincere thanks for
all they have done for us.
As you will see, Hunters Helping Soldiers is diverse through our various
programs. Both
nationally and locally through our many chapters, HHS serves the outdoor
community as
well as our Veterans. Furthermore, in order to maintain and continue our
hunting
heritage, HHS also has an “Open” children’s program called “Camo Kids.”
LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve (Oswayo, PA)
http://leekpreserve.org/#
LEEK Hunting, and Mountain Preserve is dedicated to providing outdoor
experiences to our disabled veterans through hunting, fishing and other
outdoor recreation activities.
LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve offers disabled veterans opportunities to
participate in outdoor recreational activities in a completely accessible
and supportive environment.
Hunting and fishing facilities located on this 140-acre property are
designed for wheelchair and vehicle access. Lodging and trail vehicles
provide our veterans maximum comfort and enjoyment. During their stay,
visitors of LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve are pampered with home-cooked
meals and partnered with experienced local outdoorsmen, many of whom are
also veterans.
Located in scenic north central Pennsylvania, LEEK Hunting and Mountain
Preserve is part of a community that recognizes and values the sacrifices of
our disabled service members.
Lima Foxtrot Programs for Injured Military (Birmingham, AL)
http://www.lakeshore.org/lima-foxtrot/
“Lima Foxtrot” is the brand name adopted by Lakeshore to describe what has
become one of this country’s premier, comprehensive, year round, sport,
fitness, and recreation programs for severely injured members of our Armed
Forces who were injured post 9/11. Initiated in 2006 in response to the
significant numbers of injuries from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Lima
Foxtrot has served over 1,800 injured servicemen and women and their
families, from thirty-six states and territories. Through Lima Foxtrot these
young men and women use lessons from sport and recreation to learn how to
pursue life after injury.
Mount Olivet Rolling Acres (Victoria, MN)
http://www.mtolivetrollingacres.org/news_events/whats_new.html
Mt. Olivet Vacations for Wounded Warriors ~ Mount Olivet Rolling Acres is
honoring wounded Servicemembers by reserving blocks of time at their
McGregor cabins in northern Minnesota for their free use.
Moonlight Fund (Bandera, TX)
www.moonlightfund.org
Retreats for burn survivors and their spouses – Our spring and fall retreats
are held at Bridlegate Ranch in Beautiful Bandera, nestled in the Texas Hill
Country. Offering an opportunity for those with recent injuries to spend the
weekend with fellow long term survivors. The retreat provides educational
information regarding ongoing care, emotional support to the patient and
their caregiver, including guest speakers who have overcome their accidents
and have gone on to lead productive lives. The weekend is low key, and a
relaxed get away from the medical world. The retreat is open to all who have
suffered a burn injury, or an amputation due to a burn or blast accident.
Operation Black Hills Cabin (Custer, SD)
www.operationblackhillscabin.org
Founded in 2011 by a retired military couple, Operation Black Hills Cabin is
located just outside of Custer, SD, in the beautiful Black Hills. Its
purpose is to offer a week’s vacation to qualifying wounded veterans and
their families, from the Iraq/Afghanistan campaign, at little or no expense
to them, with the exception of transportation.
It is to provide a therapeutic environment in assisting qualifying veterans
who were combat injured in their rehabilitation from their traumatic and
stressful experiences, while serving the interest of our nation. And also to
provide a constructive opportunity to the disabled veterans to reacquaint
themselves with their family in a quiet and leisurely environment.
Operation Down Home (Birmingham, AL)
http://www.lakeshore.org/lima-foxtrot/operation-down-home/
Operation Down Home is designed to introduce severely injured military
personnel and their families to recreational sports opportunities. This camp
is open to servicemen and women, and their family members, who have been
severely injured in recent conflicts and have suffered an injury such as
spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation or visual impairment.
There is no cost to military personnel with severe service-related injuries
and up to three family members. The weekend includes all meals, lodging, air
and ground transportation, and all sports and recreation activities.
Operation Endurance (Birmingham, AL)
http://www.lakeshore.org/lima-foxtrot/operation-endurance/
Operation Endurance enables local servicemen and women who have sustained a
severe injury during active duty ongoing access to Lakeshore’s membership
programs at no cost. This Lima Foxtrot program is available for all injured
who have sustained a service-related injury, regardless of when they served.
Operation Heal Our Patriots
?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 Injured Soldiers
www.injuredsoldiers.org
The goal of Operation Injured Soldiers is to help our wounded heroes get
back to doing the sports and hobbies they enjoyed before being deployed. The
funds we raise provide hunting, fishing, and camping trips, along with many
other outdoor recreational activities, to our disabled heroes to help with
their physical and mental rehabilitation. Through corporate sponsorships and
individual donations, these trips are provided at no cost to our injured
heroes.
Operation Night Vision (Birmingham, AL)
http://www.lakeshore.org/lima-foxtrot/operation-night-vision/
Operation Night Vision brings sport and recreation to servicemen and women
who have suffered significant eye injuries or blindness while recently
serving our country. Activities will include water skiing, rock climbing,
paddling lessons for canoeing and kayaking, cycling, track & field, judo,
goalball and scuba diving.
Operation Night Vision will be held at the Lakeshore Foundation facility and
at locations around the greater Birmingham community. There is no cost to
military personnel with severe service-related injuries and one guest. The
weekend includes all meals, lodging, air and ground transportation, and all
sports and recreation activities.
Operation Proper Exit
www.troopsfirstfoundation.org
For those wounded warriors who are thriving in recovery and are capable of
returning to theater, this program itinerary stages a meet-and-greet tour to
forward operating bases with a group of recovered soldiers. Four specific
objectives have been identified:
· The sense of brotherhood inherent in today’s military leaves a
number of injured soldiers with the desire to return to theater after
injury. By having a chance to visit, not only is their desire addressed but
they can bring stories from home to deployed troops when they arrive.
· Soldiers who have witnessed the injuring of a battle buddy are
often times left wondering how the situation turned out both short and long
term. Upon the return of fully recovered soldiers, the minds of deployed
troops are put to ease when they witness the results firsthand and hear
about the journey and outstanding care being afforded to our wounded
warriors.
· The wounded warriors will have a most important as well as unique
opportunity to see the progress in Iraq that they, through their tremendous
sacrifice, helped bring about.
· For troops that have been injured in battle, this initiative
provides them the opportunity to make a “proper exit” on their own terms as
they walk to the aircraft and climb the ramp rather than being medically
evacuated. This component has a positively resounding effect in offering
closure to that chapter of their lives.
Operation Purple Healing Adventures (NMFA)
www.nmfa.org
Due to the popularity of our Operation Purple Family Retreat program, we’ve
tailored a special retreat program that is designed to support wounded
service members and their families. The Operation Purple Healing Adventures
program celebrates rediscovering family-fun and togetherness after an
injury. We combine family-focused activities with outdoor exploration to
encourage each family’s growth. Specially adapted communication activities
developed by FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress™), ensure families
return home stronger. Families are able to enjoy a ‘purple’ environment that
brings families from all ranks and services, to include National Guard and
Reserve components, together. We are climbing, hiking, canoeing, bonding,
eating s’mores, and more!
Operation Rise and Conquer (Lake Martin, AL)
http://www.lakeshore.org/lima-foxtrot/operation-rise-conquer/
Operation Rise & Conquer is an extended outdoor adventure weekend that
involves service members and their families in a variety of challenging
activities that include team and individual competitive sports, water
skiing, scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking, ropes course and zip line, bass
fishing and shooting sports.
This camp is open to men and women who have been severely injured in the
global war on terror and have suffered an injury such as spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, amputation or visual impairment. There is no cost to
military personnel with severe service related injuries and one guest. The
weekend includes all meals, lodging, air and ground transportation, and all
sports and recreation activities.
Operation Seas the Day (Bethany Beach, DE) – September 2-7, 2014
www.operationseastheday.org
Our mission is to organize and facilitate a “beach week” event for our
wounded soldiers and their families as a means of showing appreciation for
their service and sacrifice. it is our hope that such a community based
gesture of support will be comforting and help ease their transition back
into civilian life.”
We are working with the USO Metropolitan Washington to select 25 wounded
veterans who are currently recovering from injuries, both visible and
non-visible, sustained while serving our country, and their families who
would be interested in vacationing to Bethany Beach, Delaware from September
2-7.
Outdoor Adventures Program (Hope for the Warriors)
http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/story/18727106/outdoor-adventures
Hope For The Warriors® Outdoor Adventures Program provides adaptive
opportunities for wounded heroes to participate in sporting activities in
the great outdoors. Service members, who previously embraced an outdoorsman
lifestyle, as well as those new to wilderness sports, are introduced to
recreational opportunities on the road to recovery.
Hope For The Warriors® created the Outdoor Adventures Program in 2010 to
provide adaptive opportunities for wounded heroes to participate in sporting
activities in the great outdoors. In 2012, the organization recognized the
therapeutic benefits for the family members and expanded the program to
include spouses and children of wounded and fallen service members.
Patriots and Heroes Outdoors
www.patriotsandheroesoutdoors.com
Patriots and Heroes Outdoors (formerly Hunts for Heroes)
· will promote morale by providing hunting, fishing, and other
outdoor recreational activities with a primary focus on military with
service-related injuries and their families. Description: Description:
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· will help to accommodate the needs of service families by
networking with other like-minded organizations and individuals.
· ?will offer educational support to service families by pursuing
grants, endowments, scholarships, and other financial contributions.
· will help with the emotional needs of service families in whatever
way possible through our professional contacts and personal relationships.
Patriot Warrior Foundation (Weatherford, TX)
www.patriot-warrior-foundation.org
The Patriot Warrior Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides
morale boosting events for America’s wounded and injured veterans and their
families.
The Patriot Warrior Foundation honors those who served by organizing outdoor
activities, such as hunting, fishing, and target shooting events. The PWF
provides all food and lodging for these events to participating military
personnel and their families.
Purple Heart Anglers (California)
www.purpleheartanglers.org
Purple Heart Anglers is committed to providing safe, fun, hunting, fishing
and other outdoor opportunities to disabled Veterans.
The Purple Heart Anglers have one purpose, to serve the needs of the
community and by serving those needs produce a program that aids in the
healing of the wounded warriors of the United States military and their
families. It is our intention that their service and performance of their
commitment be honored for what it is; placing the wellbeing and security of
this nation before themselves, even their own lives. It is truly beyond
words and is deserving of all that we can give in return.
We are connecting individuals, private companies, non-profit organizations
and government agencies so there is a community in place to serve the past,
present and future wounded warriors. It is our goal they have mental,
emotional and physical access to the community they served and are honored
for their commitment and service to our country. We are producing safe, fun
outdoor experiences. There are numerous events planned in California at this
time.
Reel American Heroes
www.reelamericanheroes.org
The Reel American Heroes Foundation is a non-profit organization that
provides recreational therapy for wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines
and disabled Veterans as well as active duty servicemen and servicewomen.
Our organization works with military bases and military hospitals to host
bass fishing tournaments throughout the year. We provide each service member
with an event t-shirt, free fishing equipment and tackle, that they get to
keep to further pursue fishing as a recreational outlet. All service members
are paired up with volunteer anglers and taken out to fish an actual bass
tournament. During the day, games, food, drinks and entertainment are all
provided free of charge from launch to weigh-in. After the weigh-in trophies
and prizes are awarded to the top five teams.
Reel Thanx (Midland, TX)
www.reelthanx.org
Reel Thanx was created in 2007 to honor and show thanks and support to
service members who have been injured in the line of duty. Through the
combined efforts of nationally recognized sponsors and generous private and
corporate donors, Reel Thanx is able to give back to the heroes of
“Operation Enduring Freedom” and “Operation Iraqi Freedom” by taking these
selfless individuals on an amazing fishing getaway.
Reel Wives (Midland, TX)
www.reelwives.org
Reel Wives is an expansion of the Reel Thanx program which reaches out to
the wives and children of the men that come into the Reel Thanx program. We
believe these wives are true heroes too.
Reel Wives began in 2010 as a way to reach out to the Reel Thanx soldier’s
wife and family. While he was away for the weekend on his fishing trip, Reel
Wives would send a gift basket loaded with goodies to his wife back home.
Those involved with Reel Wives dreamed of the day that enough support could
be generated to bring those women in for their own weekend retreat.
With the gracious help and support from the great people of West Texas and
surrounding areas, those who were already involved and those who began to
hear about Reel Wives helped make that dream a reality. In October 2011,
Reel Wives brought their first group of wives in for an all expense paid
weekend of pampering and fun. We also strive to provide them with love and
nurturing, and emotional support as we share their laughter and their tears.
We recognize that it is not only their husbands who are wounded by the
effects of war. It takes time for wounds to heal, especially those that
can’t be seen on the outside. We want these wives to have a weekend where
they can focus just on themselves; a little down time that they rarely get
at home. Along with their husbands, they have sacrificed much for our
country and this is our way of trying to give a little back to them.
Rivers of Recovery (Jackson, WY)
www.riversofrecovery.org
Rivers of Recovery is dedicated to providing rehabilitation to physically
and psychologically injured combat veterans through innovative,
outdoor-based therapies and pioneering research. We strive to provide our
participants with therapeutic programs which result in measurable and
sustainable improvement.
Our programs are designed to re-enable and re-energize participants and
provide the support and self-confidence necessary to maximize long-term
recovery.
Road to Recovery Conference (Salute America’s Heroes)
http://saluteheroes.org/get-help/r2r-conference/
The Road to Recovery (R2R) Conference and Tribute is a four-day educational
and motivational event for wounded veterans and their families designed to
prepare them for the challenges in their lives that lie ahead.
This all-expense paid event features seminars, workshops, and panel
discussions with experts from government, the private sector and other
veterans service organizations providing advice and guidance on topics such
as career counseling, housing, VA benefits, healthcare and personal
development.
Salmon for Soldiers
http://www.theoutdoorline.com/blog/2013/04/08/salmon-for-soldiers-fishing-event/
The Outdoor Line on 710 ESPN Seattle and the Take a Warrior Fishing
foundation are presenting the 1st Annual “Salmon for Soldiers” fishing event
in Everett, Washington on Saturday, August 10th, 2013. What better way to
say THANK YOU to our young wounded veterans than to spend a great day
fishing with them on the Puget Sound.
Salute America’s Heroes
www.saluteheroes.org
Disabled American veterans of the War on Terror must struggle every day to
overcome life-changing sacrifices such as the loss of a limb, significant
burns, and the reality of being in a wheel chair.
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes was created to provide a way for
individuals, corporations and others to support our troops by helping
severely wounded and disabled Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom veterans and their families rebuild their lives.
The mission of The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes is to help the
people who have given so much on our behalf overcome these obstacles and
resume a productive and fulfilling life through programs targeted to their
specific needs.
One of their programs: Road to Recovery Conference – An all-expense paid
educational and service event for wounded heroes and their families
Show of Support, Military Hunt, Inc. (Midland, TX)
www.showofsupport.org
The purpose of Show of Support is to demonstrate public support for the men
and women of our military by providing outdoor opportunities to those
injured in service to our country.
Started by Terry Johnson in 2004, the program also seeks to bring public
awareness to the outdoor sports of hunting and fishing, respect for our
resources and the care and preservation of those assets in addition to
simply saying thanks.
In an effort to show support to the men and women of our military forces a
reception is held. Each year, U.S. Service Men and Women from different
branches of our armed forces will be honored for their service to this
country. The banquet will be held prior to their departure to participate in
an all expense paid whitetail deer hunt. This is our way of saying “Thanks”
West Texas style!
Men and women from any branch of service who were injured and are discharged
or will be discharged prior the scheduled hunt, are eligible for
consideration to participate in the outdoor adventures that we offer.
These individuals have selflessly given their service to our nation to
guarantee our safety and to protect our freedoms. There is not a more noble
cause than what these individuals have taken upon themselves to do. Their
sense of honor, dignity, pride and sacrifice is what allows us to live in a
nation that others clamor to our borders to be a part of. They have
volunteered to put their lives on the line for their beliefs, a free
America. Free from the threat of a segment of those who would want to see us
living in fear. This mighty nation will and is standing up to this terror
threat thanks to these individuals.
Skills 4 Life (Military Warriors Support Foundation)
http://militarywarriors.org/skills4life
Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) provides recreational outings
and family mentoring in the Skills 4 Life program with hunting, fishing,
golf, sporting events, family outings & vacations. The goal is to provide
combat wounded military and their families with the opportunity to enjoy the
outdoors and thank them for their service with these opportunities. We want
our wounded heroes enjoying the activities they did before their injuries.
Sling & Stone Outfitters (Glenmont, OH)
www.slingandstone.org
Sling & Stone Outfitters is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to
helping disabled veterans experience the outdoors. They help provide hunting
gear, fishing tackle, and other equipment to disabled vets. Additionally
they assist them in acquiring guided hunts and fishing trips.
Special Operations Bayside (Solomon’s Island, MD)
www.specopnsbayside.org
Bayside Operations was created in 2012 as a non-profit organization located
on the waterfront on Solomon’s Island, Maryland. It is a safe place for
wounded warriors from the military, other federal agencies, and first
responders to get away from the chaos of everyday life.
Sportsmen’s Foundation for Military Families (Lorida, FL)
http://www.huntforvets.com/activities/
The Sportsmen’s Foundation helps our military veterans, many of them
disabled, improve their stress coping skills, and regain the confidence
necessary to live full productive successful lives. Veterans are invited to
participate in outdoor and hunting activities, activities proven to be
extremely therapeutic, beneficial, and long lasting.
The Sportsmen’s Foundation for Military Families (SFMF), a charitable
organization, is established to provide combat veterans a chance to
participate in the hunting sports. Any combat veteran of the United States
Armed Forces, or an immediate family member of a veteran killed in combat,
is eligible to apply. Our hunts have proven to be extremely therapeutic to
those in need. However, participation is not limited to those who have been
wounded in battle or are suffering, any combat veteran may apply. All hunts
are professionally guided. It is our way of saying thank you for your
service.
Tails-A-Waggin’ Acres Hunting Preserve – Annual Free Pheasant Hunt (Marion,
MI) – Last weekend in September
www.preservehunt.com
This is an annual, free Disabled Veterans Hunt which takes place at the
Tails-A-Waggin’ Acres Hunting Preserve.
Take a Soldier Fishing
www.takeasoldierfishing.org
We assist communities at large, by offering them the ability to show their
support for the troops by sponsoring our Take A Soldier Fishing program.
This allows service members to see just how much they are appreciated. For
those that serve to support our fishing program, it gives the individual the
ability to see how their support makes a profound difference in a service
member or veterans life by providing a safe and positive outdoor experience.
We strive to show that there are people out there that care, and want to
help. By providing these events, we have found they give the soldiers
something to look forward to. We have also found that soldiers have also
changed their outlook on life – the way they feel about wearing their
uniform and a new sense of hope.
Take a Warrior Fishing (Cast for Kids)
http://www.castforkids.org/programs/take-a-warrior-fishing/
The Take a Warrior Fishing program was established in 2011 and events are
designed to support military personnel and their families, specifically
targeting persons assigned to Warrior Transition Commands, by creating an
adaptive, community-based outdoor recreation experience through the sport of
fishing. Numerous studies have shown that traumatic events not only affect
the psychological structures of the self, but also the attachment and
meaning that link individuals and community. This program seeks to restore
those disconnects. Each event will have the capacity to accommodate up to
150 families and brings in numerous community partners.
The Link Up
http://thelink-up.ning.com/
A non-profit organization connecting injured veterans with various donors
willing to offer assistance participating in outdoor activities. Our mission
is to empower a Warrior-in-Transition with self-reliance to choose and enjoy
the outdoor sport of their interest. Our vision is to create a network which
links veterans wounded in action or while serving our country with hunting
and fishing partners and opportunities through an online community.
· That all wounded warriors become self-sufficient to enjoy hunting
and fishing through a network of outdoor enthusiasts willing to share their
time and/or resources.
· To build on the camaraderie that service members enjoy by creating
a ‘net’ for wounded veterans to connect with other patriotic persons:
retired, former military, active/reserve soldiers, or the dedicated citizen.
The Welcome Home Initiative Retreat
http://byhiswoundsministry.org/outreach/welcome-home/welcome-home-history/
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: 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
Tight Lines for Troops (Manistee, MI) – May 16-17, 2014
www.tightlinesfortroops.com
5th Annual Tight Lines for Troops Charity Fishing Tournament for Michigan’s
Veterans. This free event helps disabled veterans have fun, and thanks them
for their outstanding service to our country.
Trinity Oaks (San Antonio, TX)
http://trinityoaks.org
Our organization provides hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences to our
nation’s war heroes.
For our heroes, our valiant men and women who have served in the military,
Trinity Oaks hosts an experience of a lifetime! The events are just as much
about the hunting and fishing as it is about showing our humble appreciation
and immense respect for these brave men and women.
Through adaptive methods, such as Trinity Oaks’ Action Trackchair (a
customized, all-terrain wheelchair on tracks), veterans can move beyond
physical limitations to enjoy hunting and fishing with increased mobility
and independence. Trinity Oaks understands that not all injuries are
physical and often host veterans who are dealing with PTSD and other mental
traumas.
For most warriors, simply being outdoors and participating in the great
sports of hunting and fishing is the best form of therapy. At the end of
each trip the harvested fish and game is processed and given to the
participants or distributed to others who are in need of a nutritious meal.
Vacations for Veterans
www.vacationsforveterans.org
Vacations For Veterans is a nonprofit organization created to provide
recently wounded veterans of the United States Armed Forces with a week of
free lodgings donated by a vacation homeowner. Each wounded veteran faces
new challenges: readjusting, rebuilding their lives, and reconnecting with
their families. For many of our wounded veterans, time away to rejuvenate is
a luxury that is often unattainable and unaffordable.
When you make a donation of time at your vacation home, or a donation of
money to sponsor a veteran, you give our wounded veterans a brief respite
when they need it most. You make entire families feel better through your
generosity.
Vail Veterans Program (Vail, CO)
www.vailveteransprogram.com
Since 2004, the Vail Veterans Program has been transforming military injured
and their families through individualized world-class outdoor programs
building confidence and life-long relationships. Through rehabilitative
sports and recreation activities the Vail Veterans Program is helping to
build confidence and give hope for the future.
Veterans Outdoor World Inc.
www.vowusa.org
Whether you are a disabled veteran, non-disabled veteran, or a non-veteran
who loves the outdoors and is willing to help our disabled veterans enjoy
the outdoors, we want to welcome you to the organization.
Our goal is to help as many disabled veterans, who love hunting and fishing,
continue to enjoy their love for the outdoors as much as possible. Keeping
in mind, not all disabilities are physical. To accomplish this, we hope to
make personal connections between our veterans and volunteers to allow as
many opportunities as possible to stay active in their desired activity.
Walleyes for Warriors (Bay City, MI) – June 14-15, 2014
www.walleyesforwarriors.com
Honoring and thanking Michigan veterans for their service with an enjoyable
day on Saginaw Bay.
?Walleyes for Warriors is an organization, working with Operation Injured
Soldiers, conducting the 3rd annual Walleyes for Warriors fishing tournament
free to all veterans and active duty service members.
As a sincere thank you for sacrificing to serve our country, we would like
to welcome you to the 3rd annual Walleyes for Warriors veterans charity
recreational event. It is our pleasure to spend the day fishing with you to
learning the names and faces of the individuals who have protected our
country and provided us with safety and freedom.
Again, ALL veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are encouraged to participate,
especially those who served in overseas conflicts, have service-connected
disabilities, Purple Hearts, or were POWs. We expect to have an excellent
turnout again!
Warrior Beach Retreat (Panama City Beach, FL) – April and Sept. 2014
http://warriorbeachretreat.org/
There are so many heroes in this great nation and so many families we can
encourage. Our vision is to bring wounded warriors and their spouse or
caregiver to Panama City Beach for an extended weekend of rest and
relaxation. This retreat will be a time that can give them hope to carry
on … a feeling that their sacrifice was not in vain… and a knowing that we
as a nation are truly grateful for their service and sacrifice.
Our desire is for the Bay County to be a role model for the nation. Our
community has donated condos/ hotel rooms, restaurant meals, gift baskets,
fishing trips, movies, tours, attraction tickets, car rentals, money and
much more to show honor and appreciation for the sacrifices these soldiers
have made… for us.
Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation (Bozeman, MT)
www.warriorsandquietwaters.org
Our mission is to provide traumatically injured U.S. servicemen and women
from Iraq and Afghanistan with a high quality restorative program, utilizing
the therapeutic experience of fly fishing on Montana waters.
WQW brings wounded warriors to Montana for a six day program of fly fishing
and recreation. Most warriors who come are still in rehab in the military
hospital system. Once here, they have the opportunity to relax and to learn
to fly fish in the quiet and beautiful surroundings of Montana and
neighboring Yellowstone Park.
Warrior Weekend
www.warriorweekend.com
The Warrior Weekend Program provides weekends of rest and relaxation for
America’s Heroes who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and who are
undergoing recovery at our Military Medical Centers. Our focuses is on small
groups of between 8 to 12 personnel and provide them optional events to
participate in at various destination cities. The idea behind the program is
to take these heroes and their family members out of the hospital
environment for a weekend.
Wounded Warrior and Disabled Individuals Weekend Turkey Hunt (Stewartville,
MN)
http://www.ironwoodsprings.com/woundedwarriorweekend.aspx
This Wild Turkey Hunt retreat is for soldiers who have been wounded in
combat. It is an inspiring weekend to give hope, encouragement, and the
promise of a bright future.
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America (9 chapters across the U.S.)
http://www.woundedwarrioranglers.org/
The mission of Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc. is to help
rehabilitate the mind, body, and soul of all service members who have been
injured, wounded or disabled in the line of duty no matter what their era of
service.
The mission is carried out by actively mentoring warriors while fishing. The
fishing trips actively promote a friendly and peaceful environment and helps
warriors heal by being around other veterans and caregivers who understand
their mental & physical issues.
We hope to bring inspiration and confidence to our wounded warrior anglers
through teaching fishing techniques and the development of new friendships
that can be sustained for a lifetime.
Wounded Warrior Outdoors
www.woundedwarrioroutdoors.com
Wounded Warrior Outdoors, Inc. is a non-profit organization exclusively
founded to provide wounded servicemen and women with therapeutic outdoor
adventures across North America. WWO gives deserving active duty warriors in
transition the opportunity of a lifetime in the wilderness location of their
choice. We call them “Adventures Enabled.” Their adventure could take them
bear hunting in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada, on alligator
hunts or fishing excursions in the Gulf Coast region of Florida or deer
hunting in Texas. During their experience, they will participate in
therapeutic activities such as backpacking, trail expeditions and numerous
social interactions.
Wounded Warrior Outdoors provides this all-inclusive adventure at absolutely
no cost to the servicemen and women, their families or the government.
Transportation, lodging, meals and documentation of the adventure is
provided free of charge. It is because of this arrangement that Wounded
Warrior Outdoors relies entirely on private donations. Administration,
general offices and personnel services are donated.
Fifty wounded, but active, members of the military are selected to
participate each year. Our host facilities are of the highest quality and
offer all the comforts of home. WWO also provides complete outfitting
including gear, clothing and field transport. Even taxidermy services are
provided at no charge.
Most important to the program, active duty warriors in transition are
provided with all the accessibility and equipment necessary to make it an
adventure that is truly memorable and one in which they can participate
fully. No matter the individual’s disability, our focus in on ability and
making sure their adventure becomes the memory of a lifetime.
All military branches have participated in our program and we have many
relationships with military hospitals that help us facilitate our programs.
Wounded Warriors Guide Service
www.woundedwarriorsguide.com
Wounded Warriors Guide Service is a cost free guide service founded by
veterans for veterans. We provide waterfowl hunting opportunities for our
vets that have been wounded serving our great nation. We are always
preparing for the waterfowl season and decided that we want to share our
great experiences with those who have sacrificed greatly for our country.
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Vacation, recreation opportunities, retreats and conferences for wounded
warriors, disabled veterans and their families
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3. Summer Outdoor Activities for Students who are Blind or Visually
Impaired
The following article has several pictures of blind or visually impaired
children taking part ini several summer activities. Please do not be afraid
to allow your child with a disability not to enjoy the excitement of
activities because you are worried about their safety or the activity looks
too dangerious. I am not suggesting to be really risky. But giving a child
a chance to try out some activity can change their whole outlook about
themselves and signficiantly enhance self-estem and/or self-confidence.
impiTeaching
Visit the link below to view children in action doing things their parients
or care takers once thought were to dangerous to try.
Pictures referenced after each activity can only be viewed at the link
below.
http://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/blog/summer-outdoor-activities-for-students-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired
Summer Outdoor Activities for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
by: Carmen Willings
June 6 2014
http://www.teachingvisuallyimpaired.com/blog/summer-outdoor-activities-for-students-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired
As you begin to make your summer plans, you may wonder what summer
enrichment activities would be appropriate for the child who is blind or
visually impaired. Summer is a perfect time to go on vacations, day trips,
or simply explore your local area. With some simple adaptations, children
who are blind or visually impaired can participate fully in summer
activities that most children enjoy! These are also excellent ways to
introduce concepts and encourage hands on exploration.
If planning a trip, be sure to plan in advance for your trip. If your
student is learning braille, be sure to expose them to environmental
braille throughout the community. During your outings, consider recording
parts of your trip on an electronic device. Use these recordings to help
the student recall the experience and the order of events. During your
experiences, take advantage of the opportunity to build concepts. Compare
things that the child hears, sees, feels, smells, and tastes. For children
with some useable vision, encourage them to use their vision as they scan
to locate items, buildings and people.
Picture of an icecream truck.
1. Buy a frozen treat from neighborhood ice cream truck. Buying a frozen
treat from the ice cream truck can be so much fun for kids…and grown
ups too! Take advantage of this opportunity to have your child practice
making purchases.
Picture of fireflies in a jar.
2. Catch lightning bugs. This can be more challenging for students who
are visually impaired. If your child is unable to catch the lightning
bugs on their own, catch the bugs for them and let them enjoy watching
them light up the jar.
Picture of seashells on a beach.
3. Collect seashells at the beach. Go for a walk with your child on the
beach and encourage them to visually (or tactually as they walk) scan
to locate seashells. If your child is not mobile, place a variety of
shells within their reach and encourage them to search to locate and
obtain them.
Picture of a metro train.
4. Find a train and go on a train ride. Going on a train ride,
particularly on a scenic route is a fun way to travel and help your
child gain an understanding of various forms of travel. Many areas offer
theme related train rides that can be especially fun for kids!
Picture of the night sky with stars.
5. Find constellations on a starry night. If your child has enough
vision, it can be fun to go to the country and look at the stars at
night and try to find various constellations. Consider purchasing a
constellation book to help you locate different constellations in your
area.k here to edit.
Picture of family camping.
6. Go camping. Weather camping in the backyard, in a tent or in a camper,
camping can be a fun experience to get back to nature. Many states offer
camps for the blind, both in the summer and in the winter. Of course if
you are an outdoor lover, you can set up your own camping trip with your
family! If this isn’t your area of interest, or perhaps to compliment
your own family camping trip, consider signing your child up for a
Lions Camp.
Picture of trail mix
7. Make trail mix and go for a hike. To involve the child in the whole
process, begin by visiting the store to gather ingredients to make a
home made trail mix. Find a trail to go hiking on depending on your
child’s endurance as well as the simplicity or complexity of the trail.
Picture of geocaching.
8. Go geocaching. For the child who enjoys the idea of treasure hunting, go
geocaching. According to the Geocaching website , geocaching is a
real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. You
can work together as a team to navigate to a specific set of GPS
coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at
the location!
Picture of a boat.
9. Go on a boat ride. Whether a sailboat, rowboat, paddle boat, canoe,
or motor boat, summer is a great time to help your child understand
what makes a boat unique. Provide opportunities for your child to feel
and compare the differences in boats. Be sure to provide hands on
experience and teach safety with boating.
Picture of ringtoss game.
10. Play ring toss. This outdoor game can be adapted with glow sticks
turned into rings and see who can get closer to the target.
Alternatively, a sound source can be placed by the targets, or the
targets can be adapted to give them high contrast.
Picture of boy in pool.
11. Go swimming. Swimming is not only a fun activity, but learning to
swim and be safe in the water is essential for most everyone. Seriously
consider arranging for private swimming lessons for your child or teach
him or her yourself.
Picture of a drive in movie theater.
12. Go to a drive in movie…or have your own in the backyard. Sadly,
drive-in movie theaters are harder and harder to find. You can search for
drive in theaters near you by visiting driveinmovie.com . There is
nothing like watching movies under the stars, and if you aren’t able to
find a nearby theater, you can create a similar experience in your
backyard with a projector and a home-made screen.
Picture of an outdoor summer concert.
13. Go to an outdoor summer concert. Summer can be a fantastic time to
listen to a variety of music that children may not otherwise be exposed
to. If your child is sensitive to loud noises, consider providing your
child with earplugs to minimize, but not eliminate the sound.
Picture of a family having a picnic.
14. Have a picnic in the park. Picnics are fun on their own or as part of
a hike or road trip. When planning a picnic, have your child help
prepare the sandwiches and help pack the other picnic foods.
Picture of girl on a water slide.
15. Make a water obstacle course. A water obstacle course can be a fun
activity for a really hot summer day! You can creatively include
various sprinklers, wading pools, squirt bottles, water guns, hula
hoops, and pool noodles to make unique obstacle courses!
Picture of a winding road.
16. Mini-road trip. Summer generally allows you more flexibility in
exploring your area and going on small (or big!) road trips! Make the
planning of what to visit a family experience. Be sure to include
activities from each family members interest. Children need to learn
appreciate and be respectful of different preferences. This is also a
great time to expose your child to activities that your child may not
naturally be inclined to participate in.
Picture of girl picking a peach.
17. Pick berries or peaches at a farm. Depending on the area you live in
and what fruits are available during different seasons, the summer can
be a great time to have your child experience picking berries or tree
grown fruits! Children can visually scan to locate fruits and compare
ripe fruits from those that still need time to grow. This is a great
hands-on experience!
Picture of a man planting a tree.
18. Plant something (a tree, bush, flowers, etc). Planting something,
whether an indoor herb garden or a tree, bush, or flower bed, is an
excellent hands on experience that allows the child who is blind or
visually impaired with the opportunity to explore and better understand
how plants grow. It can also develop into a lifelong hobby or interest
for your child! Consider planting a sensory garden in your backyard with
various scented plants.
Picture of a family playing miniature golf.
19. Play miniature golf. Miniature golf is a fun family activity and
there is no reason your child who is blind or visually impaired can’t
join in on the fun! Mark Riccoobono, Executive Director of the National
Federation of the Blind, has written a great article on Introducing Your
Blind Child to Miniature Golf!
Picture of a campfire.
20. Roast marshmallows over a fire and make s’mores. Although you should
take safety precautions, there is no reason why a child who is blind or
visually impaired can’t enjoy this great outdoor activity! Be sure to
orient the child to the area and provide any assistance.
Picture of a farmers market.
21. Visit a farmers market. A farmers market can be a wonderful hands on
experience for children to touch and sample a variety of vegetables and
fruits they may not otherwise have a chance to taste.
Picture of someone fishing.
22. Go fishing. Whether it’s a fishing pond, stream, lake or ocean,
going fishing can be a fun hands on experience for kids. As much as
possible, have your child be involved in each step of the fishing
experience.
Picture of a festival consession stand.
23. Visit a fair or festival. Visit Fairs and Festivals website to find
fairs and festivals near you! There are so many different types of fairs
and festivals that there is sure to be one in your area that would
interest you. Music, fun foods, rides, and petting zoos are just some of
the many activities at fairs and festivals that may interest your child.
Encourage your child to make their own purchases and interact with the
various activities.
Picture of someone washing a car.
24. Wash the cars and bikes. Washing the cars, trucks and bikes is a
perfect way to have hands on with experience with the different areas
of a vehicle and compare the similarities and differences.
Picture of a marching band.
25. Watch a parade. Many towns and cities have parades during the summer.
Parades can be fun for students who are blind or visually impaired. Your
child may need to be provided with auditory descriptions.
Picture of fireworks.
26. Watch fireworks. Although a fireworks show can be frightening for a
child with no vision or is auditorily defensive, it can be a fun and
enjoyable activity for many children including those with visual
impairments.
Picture of child riding a horse.
27. Go horseback riding. When provided with assistance, horseback riding
is a fun activity for children of all ages. Many areas also offer
therapeutic horseback riding, called hippo-therapy. Riding a horse
allows the child to feel a normal walking gait, particularly if the child
is unable to observe the posture of others.
Picture of a surrey bike.
28. Go for a bike ride on tandem bikes. Although some students with low
vision can still safely ride a bike, it may not be a safe hobby or
sporting activity for students who are blind or have limited vision.
This doesn’t mean that riding a bike can not be accessible. Some parks
offer tandem or surrey rentals. If your child loves the experience, you
may consider purchasing one of your own!
Picture of a ball park.
29. Go to a sporting event. If your child uses a monocular or binocular,
encourage them to bring it along and use it to scan, track and visually
spot and identify the scores on the scoreboard. It can also be used to
view choices on the menus of the concession stands. For children with
limited or no vision, provide audio descriptions of the game and
activities.
Picture of a hiking trail.
30. Go for a walk. Go for a stroll in the park or a walk on a paved
trail. Be sure to keep safety in mind. If your child uses a white cane,
be sure they bring it along and assist with a guide technique when
needed.
Picture of lawn darts.
31. Play outdoor games (cornhole, jarts, etc.) Outdoor games can be fun
and easily adapted for students who are blind or visually impaired. For
students with low vision, adapted the targets to create contrast by
selecting materials with high contrast or place contrasting duct tape
around the target or on the objects to create more contrast. Sound
sources could be used to help the student locate targets.
Picture of polar bears at a zoo.
32. Visit a zoo. Visiting the zoo can present challenges to students who
are blind as they will typically not be able to interact with the
animals unless the zoo features a petting zoo. For students who have
enough vision or are able to use a monocular or binoculars, the zoo can
be a fun place to practice visually scanning to locate animals and
tracking their movements!
Picture of Habitat for Humanity.
33. Do a service project. It can be easy for children to become
accustomed to having others do things for them. Help your child learn
how great it feels to help others. Through service projects, children
can practice problem solving and contributing to the community. There
are many ways children can volunteer their time from church projects to
local projects. Some possible ideas include: picking up litter at a
park, make treats for a senior home or firefighters, volunteer at a pet
shelter, go on a mission trip, help with a food drive or assist with a
housing projects.]]>
