Testimonials & Resources
“Awesome experience! All of the guides were personable and knowledgeable. Their skill set never left a doubt with regards to safety with all the mountaineering activities that we did (climbing/rappelling/camping). Conversations around the fire were enlightening and hilarious, the group fused within the first 24 hours! OWG will provide absolutely everything you need to have the best experience possible. Can’t wait to go out on another trip!”
-Jason Chrisanthon, Scout Sniper Platoon Sergeant, USMC
I was very hesitant to go because of some injuries to my arm, shoulder, and my back. I am a better person for having made the decision to go. Thank GOD Idid not pass this opportunity to be challenged by myself and thought perceived limitations. It was a week of bonding with my Tribe, OWG and vets from other Special Operations Forces (SOF) outside of the Army; trusting my brother in front of me or behind me, on belay, or climbing; ensuring that safety was the pinnacle, as in all operations. Just like Airborne Operations, you were inspected by one of the OWG teammates to catch any deficiencies in the wearing or usage of the gear before having a seriously awesome time knowing that your gear is fully functional, and your instructors have provided the block of instruction for that day’s climb to include safety procedures if something unfortunate happens on the mountain. That is when the fun and encouragement starts, and each climber’s personal challenge starts. I knew my gear was good, I knew what to do and somewhat my plan, but I was still afraid of my performance until I stepped upon the first foothold and accepted the challenge to be more confident in myself and my fears drifted. I felt the mountain, being meticulous and challenging where your feet needed to be, and where the next handhold was located. Because none of us were the same size or thought the same, each route was a little different in the way it challenged that climber. I was also able to help other climbers with their gear, which would be followed by a final inspection by one of the OWG leaders. I had a purpose, a mission, and people trusted and depended upon me. I have not had that feeling since I left active duty. My adventure fuel tank was being filled. I was focused mentally, I was physically challenged every day, and around the campfire the emotional piece was able to be addressed without reservation. Having gone through four combat tours, one peacekeeping, and all the other things that SOF soldiers experience, OWG has made a deep impact on my life as I see it now. It’s like seeing a better way forward from the top of the climbs above the trees, not just looking down at your feet aimlessly wandering. This has been a unique experience for me as it will be for every Soldier/Veteran that attends. This is like no other.
TJ Reed, LTC (ret), CA, USA
“As an active duty military member who has led men and women in combat and garrison for 20 years, I was impressed by how they created a personal growth experience utilizing the outdoors and principles of safe operation in the backcountry as a classroom medium. In particular, they took men and women from various backgrounds, fitness levels, outdoor expertise and levelled the group in order to conduct a safe expedition in the mountains. They used challenging physical activities such as rock climbing and rappelling to break down resistance to change. With barriers removed, they artfully harnessed challenging activities as backdrop analogies for life. Each day was beautifully culminated in a fireside chat focused on building passion and direction in life.”
-Ross Campbell, P.E. Commander, US Navy
“After spending a week in the wilderness, rock climbing, eating by a campfire and communing with other veterans, it is clear that there is an undeniable spiritual link that becomes established among the participants. In this type of environment, surrounded by vets, its one of the only places where a lot of things can be said comfortably.”
-LT Tyler Hopkins, US Navy
Ecotherapy – A Forgotten Ecosystem Service: A Review -NIH
“For many veterans, being in nature is emotionally calming and helps them manage negative mental health symptoms through immersion in novel, natural environments. As a result of ecotherapy, many veterans can see beyond their past military experiences and injuries and establish a greater sense of purpose beyond themselves.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6085576/
Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health
“These studies have shown that time in nature — as long as people feel safe — is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.”
https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health
Theoretical and Empirical Foundations for Ecotherapy
