Summer initiative encourages outdoor activity and connection
Veterans across the country are invited to take part in the Veterans Outdoor Challenge, a free, nationwide initiative that encourages outdoor recreation, community connection and overall well-being. The challenge runs July 15 to Aug. 8, the 25 days timed to honor America’s 250th anniversary; the challenge is open to all Veterans, regardless of VA healthcare enrollment.
About the challenge
Led by VA and its interagency partners, the Veterans Outdoor Challenge supports the goals of the COMPACT Act and EXPLORE Act, federal legislation designed to expand outdoor recreation access and community engagement opportunities for Veterans.
The challenge is conducted in partnership with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), a Veteran Service Organization dedicated to fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger connections among Veterans, service members and supporters.
Veterans are encouraged to participate in any activity that supports physical, mental and social well-being: walking, hiking, running, cycling, paddling, adaptive recreation and more. Activities can be completed individually, with family and friends, or alongside fellow Veterans in local communities.
An interagency effort
The Veterans Outdoor Challenge brings together VA, federal agencies and community partners to expand Veteran access to public lands and outdoor resources. The interagency task force includes representatives from VA, the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Veteran Service Organizations and community partners.
“Time outdoors and genuine connection with fellow Veterans can be transformative for health and well-being,” said Dr. Leif Nelson, VA’s task force co-chair. “The Veterans Outdoor Challenge opens the door for Veterans to build stronger bonds, discover new outdoor experiences and engage in activities that enrich their overall wellness.”
How to participate
Participation is free, and Veterans and service members can register by visiting Team RWB’s Veterans Outdoor Challenge or downloading the Team RWB app. After completing a brief confidential survey, participants can begin logging activities and tracking their progress.
Team RWB members also receive the organization’s signature red athletic shirt at no cost.
Through the app, participants can:
- Track activities and challenge progress.
- Connect with Veterans, service members and supporters nationwide.
- Join local events and activities.
- Participate in additional fitness challenges and community programs.
Built for every Veteran
The Veterans Outdoor Challenge welcomes Veterans of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to a local park, an adaptive sport or a community event, every activity counts toward better health and stronger connections.
Veterans interested in additional health and wellness resources can explore VA News stories about Whole Health and community based wellness initiatives.
For full registration details, visit Team RWB’s Veterans Outdoor Challenge resources. Veterans, Veteran Service Organizations and community partners are encouraged to share the challenge and help connect more Veterans with outdoor opportunities this summer.
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So glad to hear there is such an activity for US veterans. They are really worthy to be provided with more programs for their wellbeing beyond medical service.
Is that possible for their family to join this outdoor activity with the veterans?
Thank you for organizing this caring program!
Loved it very much educational and helpful information , thanks for sharing with us me .
Outdoor activities looks great. It would be nice if Vets could attend local gyms for free. Might depend on disability status, age etc.
I love the idea of encouraging veterans and their families to get outdoors and MOVE! Getting together with friends and enjoying the outdoors is healthy in so many ways; however, I wonder why they picked the four hottest weeks of the year to run this program? Not the healthiest time for many people, especially older folks to participate in outdoor activities.
That’s sound great activity to do . Can a spouse of a Veteran join in?
I did check out the activities in the Outdoor Challenge and must ask why is it shooting sports are not included?
Certainly you have overlooked the fact that EVERY ACTIVE AND VETERAN had to develop a level of proficiency in the use of one or more firearm. And, as the retired president of a larger GunClub I can honestly say that over 80% of our members were, enlisted to and including the rank of Colonel, male and female. I include veterans as well as those presently serving.
Phone number messed up
VFW Post 3467
River trip
Please call
740 590-9372
Joe
At VFW Post 3467 in Nelsonville, Ohio, we can host an event on the Hocking river. We have enough tubes, canoes, and kayaks for a couple dozen people and we can coordinate with Adventure Pro to support all others. We can also provide a barbecue at our clubhouse after the event. Please call
740 59-9372
Joe
Fuck you!! As a disabled veteran living in Puerto Rico, you offer us nothing!! Zip, zero, nada!!
Until you realize that Puerto Rico, per capita, has more veterans than any state, or the entire US, you’ll continue to disrespect our service, FUCK YOU!!
Dear Dave,
You can complain because it is dark or you can light a candle. If you are not satisfied with the lack of VA support in Puerto Rico (as you so eloquently discribe it as zero-who would be?) We veterans are some of the most resourceful and capable individuals. You could start a VA organization in Puerto Rico. Why not? You stated that there is a multitude of veterans. The VA has many programs that you can use as examples so there doesn’t have to be a lot of problems thinking up what to do and how to accomplish these ideas. I am sure there are numerous veterans that would be interested and enthusiastic to help you. Puerto Rico is a great place for outdoor activities and that would only be the beginning. Or continue to complain.
Really, you take a place that has no population but vets and compare it to even the cities of any , LA, Chicago. Your calculations are off buddy.
Understand the program and stop badmouthing the VA for trying to help all vets,
This is a terrible article. It pats every organizer’s back repeatedly, repeatedly, yet it tells the veteran absolutely nothing about what the program involves.
I like the spirit, though.
How can I sign up to get a free pass to visit all the federal and state National Parks. Will the pass be good to bring in my guests.
I got mine while visiting the national park fort in St. Augustine, Florida. You should be able to go to the National Park Services website to get all the information needed to obtain one. It costs nothing, good for lifetime.
Great thank you all so much. Go Veterans you guys are the best. We are so proud of our incredible team for taking such good care of our hero’s and families. God bless America. We love you all. Bestest team ever. Thanks again ?
Oh, if only the va Gods at pain mgmt could do a simple nerve ablation…or even answer a phone…
I have been waiting since April 24th for an ablation and could not get an appointment any sooner than July 31st.
Appointments get canceled and getting someone to answer the phone would be a huge improvement