![]() Many immediately became volunteers or staff members. Matt admits that Camp Freedom founders didn’t know how effective the camp would be until they saw the reactions of their clients. And family members see trauma from an entirely different perspective.” Trauma affects everybody within our sphere of influence. “You can’t unsee the things you have seen. “Veterans and first-responders are true American heroes who run towards danger on a voluntary basis,” said Matt. Instead, once they’re comfortable, they’ll open up about the trauma they experienced and the challenges it creates in their lives. Being outdoors gives them new perspectives and opportunities for important discussions among their peers – that peer-to-peer interaction evolves into camaraderie.Īs Matt put it, Camp Freedom’s programs aren’t designed to confront clients about their struggles. According to Matt, clients are often seen fishing, hunting, hiking or relaxing on the lodge deck overlooking ponds and forests. The national average suicide rate among veterans and first responders, Matt told us, increased from 22 to 48 people per day.Ĭamp Freedom offers outdoor healing adventures on their 1,800-acre property. Pandemic-related shutdowns left too many people alone. ![]() Isolation is the biggest nemesis of men and women fighting PTSD and other mental issues upon returning to civilian life. ![]() The need has never been greater, executive director Matt Guedes recently explained. Looking forward to helping veterans, first-responders, and Gold Star Family members find peace among the wilderness and camaraderie among their peers at Camp Freedom are (from left) wildlife coordinator Ray Cobb, executive director Matt Guedes, operations coordinator Mike John, and property coordinator Kyle Jones. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |