Free N.H. retreat for vets with mobility impairments

The Patriot Resilient Leader Institute is offering veterans with mobility impairments the chance to learn to scuba dive and rock climb, free of charge.

Scheduled for March 4 through 6 in Gilford, New Hampshire, Camp Resilience will provide lodging, meals and activities for all participants.

“Veterans have a special connection with people that they have served alongside. They don’t always feel that in civilian life,” says program coordinator Alyssa Tetreault-Mosher. “When they come to our retreats, the bond that they form with each other is almost immediate. They are talking, joking and encouraging each other from the first day.

“Participants find out that they can do more than they thought they can do. A lot of people come, participate and say, ‘I never thought I had the strength or courage to do that,’ but they do.”

Tetreault-Mosher added that the self-confidence to try new group activities often follows them back home.

Camp Resilience brings veterans from all branches and different war eras together.

Retired Army Lt. Ed Campbell of Tiverton said that when he attended in 2019, “I was the only Vietnam veteran, but they did such a good job that I went twice last year, in January and in September.”

“It was nice to be around vets,” he added. “I have three brothers, and none were in the service. The common thread there was that all of us are vets.

“It was great listening to others and seeing how they are navigating various situations.”

A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Camp Resilience uses a three-pronged approach to help veterans bounce back in mind, body and spirit using outdoor team-building and experiential learning, life-skills training and facilitated peer-to-peer counseling. There are workshops in wellness, resilience and proactive living. Topics include goal setting, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, meditation, healthy eating and financial management.

According to its website, Camp Resilience has held 58 retreats with more than 560 participants from around New England.

“One common bond our participants have is resilience,” said Tetreault-Mosher. “The veterans share stories with us about their service and experiences they’ve had since they’ve served. What they’ve been through and what they’ve bounced back from.

“The resilience they’ve demonstrated is remarkable. They don’t give up. They are still pushing. They are still moving forward.”

The Patriot Resilient Leader Institute celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2019. Kurt Webber, its president and a retired Army officer, said the group’s board, “our great volunteers and myself have been humbled by the success of our grassroots support organization….

“Camp Resilience is proud to continue to help veterans coping with the visible and invisible wounds of war to move forward.”

Lodging for the March adaptive retreat will be at the four-star Fireside Inn, close to Ellacoya State Park, Gunstock Mountain Resort and Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Gilford. Food, accommodations and program costs are covered, but participants must provide their own transportation to and from Gilford.

A $75 reservation fee is required seven days before the session and is fully refunded after completion. Priority is given to veterans with service-related disabilities. Applicants must complete an online form and submit an application verification form from their treating therapist or physician.

For more information, visit camp-resilience.org.

Do you know a veteran with an interesting story? Do you offer a program or service focused on serving retired military? Are you planning an event aimed at veterans or their families? Email Mary K. Talbot at ThoseWhoServedAmerica@gmail.com.