Veteran-owned organizations are creating recreational and wellness outlets for the veteran community with something for everyone. A recent estimate based on the U.S. Census Bureau Annual Business Survey and statistics for reference years 2022-2023 reflect that there are approximately 75,000 veteran-owned organizations dedicated to arts, recreation, and entertainment.
What matters is that the veteran community can support one another and share awareness about these gems located nationwide.
The National Veterans Outdoor Resource HUB is a fantastic place to start for those looking for adventure. Here is a curated list that encompasses a variety of activities for veterans and their families.
List of Noteworthy Veteran-Owned Organizations
- ForVets, Inc. Camp Valor Project (Otter Springs Park & Campground, Florida) – Amenities include an indoor pool, natural spring, trails, cabins, and more. The Project aims to focus on rehabilitation, education, enterprise, and recreation, and hosting skills programs. Veterans receive a 15 percent discount.
- Project Healing Waters (nationwide) – Serving more than 68,000 veterans since 2005, their focus is on restoration, resilience, and community via fly fishing at no cost to veterans.
- Beaver Hollow (Java Center, New York) – Focuses on holistic wellness, with indoor and outdoor recreation, for the military community at reduced discount or complimentary rates. Located on 300 acres of woodland property and includes additional complementary offerings such as art and music therapies, spa services, and more.
- VETSports (nationwide) – Focusing on courage, resilience, and teamwork, they aim to help veterans improve their mental and physical health. Membership is free for veterans. VETSports University offers internships, scholarships, and assistance for veterans pursuing sports careers.
- Healing Hometown Heroes, Inc. (various Florida locations) – Expands access to mental well-being services while also fostering community and provides outdoor therapeutic adventures, which includes marathon runs, fishing, and gator hunts.
- Veterans Adventure Group (nationwide) – Offered at low cost or free depending on the program, this organization focuses on extreme outdoor activities like mountaineering, scuba diving, sky diving, kiteboarding, and rock climbing, and includes an adaptive program.
- Armed Services Arts Partnership (locations in select states and online) – Provides free art and comedy to the military-connected community, which includes storytelling, writing, visual arts, and acting. Focuses on resilience, confidence, and connection.
Your Next Move
Veteran-owned organizations are providing opportunities for getaways that offer diverse recreational, wellness, and creative outlets for the military community. These organizations commonly aim to build community connections, resilience, and well-being often at no or low cost to veterans. Whether the focus is on sports and teamwork, the arts, or finding Zen in the great outdoors, there is something for everyone.
It is impractical to try to find and list all the veteran-owned and led organizations that are making these opportunities nationwide. However, share the word on any noteworthy ones you have encountered, and we will continue to do the same.
