The Outward Bound Canada’s Veterans’ Program is designed to help Canadian military veterans face the challeng
es they often encounter post-deployment, through inspiring journeys of healing and self-discovery in the Canadian wilderness.
Many military men and women struggle with lingering physical and mental impacts of their experiences, including depression, anxiety, isolation, family difficulties, and, in general, with the challenges that often accompany reintegration into civilian life.
These specially designed programs take veterans on week-long expeditions, incorporating activities such as rock-climbing, ski mountaineering, ice-climbing and hiking. Participants are given an opportunity to reflect on and share their experiences and transition challenges in a supportive and restorative environment.
“It was nice to be in an environment where you can just go, ‘Here’s everything.’ And not worry about being judged. It’s giving your mind the time to actually address what has happened and file it away properly.”
Cpl. (Ret’d) Sean Loucks
“The VTN is very important for me, it gives me a purpose, other than family. I value other people’s service. I don’t want people to go through the years of danger, frustration, and anger that I did, because there are always alternatives if they want them.”
Bob Sutherland, Retired Paratrooper
“The VTN gave me a venue that I could not, and will not get anywhere else. It gave me the confidence, motivation, and hope that I need to start taking my life back. I now understand that I never was, nor ever will be –alone.”
– Sgt. (Ret’d) Greg Butler
The PPCLI Foundation has supported the Outward Bound Program with a grant of $10,000.
For more about the program click here Outward Bound
