Understanding the Outdoor Recreation and Restoration Program Leader as “Caregiver” in the Returning Veteran Context: Identifying Training Needs and Gaps

This webinar introduced the emerging role of outdoor recreation and restoration activities as therapeutic and resilience building for this generation’s returning warriors. Special attention was given to better identifying and understanding the role of “care-giver” in these emergent outdoor recreation and restoration programs for veterans, and then exploration of what training needs might exist for these unique caregivers.

Presentation Slides (PDF)
Presentation Slides (Slideshare)

President George W. Bush Fights to Take ‘Disorder’ Out of PTSD

Interesting story here -- President George W. Bush Fights to Take ‘Disorder’ Out of PTSD - ABC News

A Salute to Outdoor Programs Helping Wounded Veterans

Experts say that outdoor recreation has proved to be especially effective in treating veterans, and a wide variety of programs have emerged, from 6-month treks on the AT to one-day bike rides. In the last couple of years, veterans’ outdoor programs have also become more sophisticated by developing partnerships to broaden their reach and researching how nature and adventure affect war injuries.



Veterans and experts share thoughts on why outdoor recreation is so helpful for veterans with physical and emotional wounds.



A Salute to Outdoor Programs Helping Wounded Veterans « The Adventure Post

Group outdoor activities therapeutic for veterans - The Clinical Advisor

After the outdoor experience, participants reported being more likely to participate in activities that involved exploration and to listen to and help others. Many reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of tranquility. Veterans who initially reported more severe on-going health issues had particularly strong positive changes.



“The positive outcomes associated with these programs can partly be attributed to spending time in restorative natural environments, however there are a number of other aspects of this experience that likely play an important role, such as personal challenge and companionship with other veterans,” the researchers wrote.


See the article here-
Group outdoor activities therapeutic for veterans - The Clinical Advisor

Nothing like “Duck Dynasty”: My life as a female hunter

Here's a very interesting essay with many relevant connections to veterans, male or female, who hunt for a multitude of reasons -- Nothing like “Duck Dynasty”: My life as a female hunter

Outdoor Activities Effective Therapy for Veterans

In response to President Obama's mention of veteran health and wellness in the State of the Union speech recently -- Outdoor Activities Effective Therapy for Veterans

walking sticks honor veterans

Startup man's walking sticks honor veterans | HeraldNet.com - Local news