Ready for Adventure? Sign Up For a Veterans Expedition

Almost a decade ago, Marine Corps veteran Nate Perrault was looking for meaning in his life. He decided to travel to Alaska to climb Denali and go on a week-long remote fly-fishing trip.

The experience was so invigorating that he went on to volunteer with Veterans Expeditions, which had arranged the trip, then joined its staff and is now its field director. He sees organized outdoor adventure as an ideal way for veterans to find healing, courage, camaraderie and fitness.

“It’s rewarding to see people conquer fears, try something new, and push their comfort zones,” he told AARP Experience Counts. “If we’re able to do this in these extreme environments, we can translate that back to our personal lives. Where can we lean into fear? Where and how can we push our comfort zones?” 

The motivation to get in shape and maintain physical fitness is a core advantage. An ancillary benefit is that outdoor organizations give veterans access to networks that can be trusted sources of advice and assistance.

“If you need advice on how to get a home loan, we know people that can help you with that,” he said. “If you need advice on how to navigate the VA, we have people that can help you. If you need a therapist, physical therapist, doctor etc. we know all those people and can help get you the help you need.” 

Various organizations focus on giving veterans a taste of adventure to help them overcome challenges, find joy, get fit, build community and reintegrate into civilian life.

Here are some of the best:

Veterans Expeditions

A non-profit organization run by veterans who help other veterans overcome challenges associated with military service through outdoor programs. It takes participants rock climbing, ice climbing, white water rafting and mountaineering, among other things, in many U.S. regions.

Outward Bound for Veterans

The veteran-focused arm of this venerable outdoors-adventure organization helps returning service members and recent veterans readjust to civilian life through wilderness courses focused on teamwork and challenge. 

Warrior Expeditions

Warrior Expeditions is a veteran-focused nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans grapple with the impacts of their service via long-distance hiking, biking and paddling expeditions.