Today we’re continuing our ongoing series on the different forms of recreational therapy available to veterans by exploring an option that many people may not know even exists: Adventure Therapy, also known as Outdoor Therapy.
What Is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure Therapy is primarily based around the healing properties of interacting with nature in fun, exciting ways, hence why its often referred to as Outdoor Therapy. It can be practiced alone but is often done as a group to utilize the healing power of group therapy through shared activities. Performing Adventure Therapy with others fosters a sense of community among each member involved, leading to many positive benefits down the line in addition to the naturally therapeutic activities each person is performing outside.
These activities can be almost anything, from hiking, fishing, or hunting to ultimate frisbee and horseback riding. Some groups will hike out into the wilderness together and camp for a weekend or more. The sky is quite literally the limit when it comes to Adventure Therapy, so there’s almost certainly an activity out there for everyone.
Does It Really Help?
While there isn’t a lot of data specifically studying Adventure Therapy since its still relatively new, its actually quite easy to see how it could be beneficial for many people. Most of the activities involve some form of exercise, which has many studies supporting it as a form of therapy. Since almost all of the activities take place outside, there are also the benefits of getting fresh sunshine and interacting with nature. When looked at individually, it’s easy to see how the separate therapeutic parts can come together to make Adventure Therapy an effective alternative to more traditional forms of therapy.
Veteran Specific Programs
Knowing the benefits of Adventure Therapy, several organizations have risen up to provide a place where veterans specifically can go through the therapy with other veterans.
The Warrior Bonfire Program is one such program, with an emphasis on providing adventure therapy for Purple Heart medal recipients. They have multiple camping retreats per month and each group is made up of six Purple Heart recipients.
Warriors & Quite Waters provides something similar, allowing their veterans access to a sprawling outdoor ranch located in the heart of Montana for fishing, hunting, and building a sense of community with other veterans. Instead of Purple Heart recipients, this program emphasizes assistance for any combat veterans who served post 9/11.
Outward Bound for Veterans is a program run by the Outward Bound organization and serves over 600 veterans per year. Much like the other programs, the emphasis here is on a camping retreat with other veterans. Outward Bound takes a unique approach however, incorporating certain aspects of military life into the camping retreat in order to recontexualize those experiences in a positive, supportive environment.
These are but three of the many options available to veterans seeking Adventure/Outdoor therapy. Several other such programs exist in a smaller, more local capacity, so it never hurts to search online for similar programs near you!
Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.