WILDERNESS THERAPY ADVENTURES FOR VETERANS
Join us on our next outing for impactful hikes, paddling, and healing in nature.
WILDERNESS THERAPY ADVENTURES FOR VETERANS
Join us on our next outing for impactful hikes, paddling, and healing in nature.
Join us on our next outing for impactful hikes, paddling, and healing in nature.
Join us on our next outing for impactful hikes, paddling, and healing in nature.

Our outdoor recreation-based adventures include guided hikes, paddling trips, forest bathing, yoga, group discussions, and community building. We support veterans on their healing journey and provide tools to help them build personal resiliency.

Our unique nature-based approach promotes resiliency and further empowers participants to positively cope with stress, strengthen connections, and renew their sense of purpose.

Veteran participants must be physically able to perform activities such hiking and paddling a watercraft for up to 3 hours at a time. A typical day starts off with a gentle yoga session and a healthy breakfast. From there we will move to our main activity of the day like paddling along the Hiwassee River for a few hours. While this paddling trip takes place we will most likely enjoy a shoreside picnic and a wilderness therapy/forest bathing session. Then we make our way back to camp to enjoy a campfire, dinner, mindfulness exercises or a group discussion about a pre-selected reading.

At Resilient Veteran Adventures (RVA), we offer free unique transformative backcountry adventures for veterans. Our trips take place in the mountains of Southern Appalachia within the stunning trails and rivers of the Cherokee National Forest. This natural setting fosters a unique opportunity for self-discovery, reflection, healing, and connection with fellow veterans. Each journey is designed to support mental wellness and foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. The participant will need to fund their own travel to Delano, TN. From this location, we will take care of the rest.

To help veterans discover and enjoy the countless benefits of outdoor recreation-based therapy while being immersed in a backcountry setting, ultimately building resiliency, self-confidence, self-discovery, team camaraderie, aiding in the whole health of the veteran and reducing veteran suicide.

The mission of Resilient Veteran Adventures is to develop resilient veterans by helping them become stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through wilderness therapy.
At RVA, we believe that intentional exposure to nature and camaraderie can transform veterans’ mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual health. Our 5-day program, set in the Cherokee National Forest near Chattanooga, Tennessee, includes:
By the end of the program, veterans will emerge with a stronger sense of resiliency, teamwork, deepened bonds with fellow participants, and a renewed outlook on life. RVA is committed to helping our nation’s heroes experience the profound benefits of nature, camaraderie, and positive health outcomes as they transition to a more resilient approach to life.
The date is approaching fast and we’re making preparations. Don’t miss out!
(Men's) First Trip 8/23/2026-8/29/2026
(Men's) Second Trip 9/27/2026-10/3/2026
We are actively searching for female leadership so we can offer a future Women's Trip.
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Participant pays own travel cost to and from Delano, TN.
RVA covers all other costs, including your entire adventure/retreat experience, lodging (tents), on-site transportation, meals, activity costs, and all gear and outfitting. All to and from travel cost will not be covered at this time.

RVA programming and itineraries are not designed for “Vacationists,” but rather, thoughtfully constructed for veterans that embrace challenges with positivity, are open to new experiences, and possess the willingness to explore themselves on a deeper level. Participants will be required to sleep in tents or hammocks and will also be exposed to possible fowl weather and insects.
Send us an email and we will guide you through the application process. You will receive a follow-up email from our admissions staff.
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