Camp Resilience: Changing The Lives Of Veterans and Their Families In Gilford, NH

The Patriot Resilient Leader Institute (PRLI), a 501-c3 founded in 2014 by a small group of Veterans and local citizens, offers Camp Resilience retreats for Military Service Members, Military Veterans, First Responders and their families.   Retreats include outdoor challenges like rock-climbing and kayaking, counseling sessions and workshops on topics like stress management and life skills.

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Matt Dubois stepped into the role of Executive Director of Camp Resilience just 4 short months ago.  A native of Dover, NH and a retired Navy Captain, Matt served our country for over 30 years, both as a Naval Officer and as a senior U.S. Dept. of Defense civilian.  In addition to bringing exceptionally strong leadership and management capabilities to his role, Matt also has a first-hand perspective on what Veterans have been through when they walk through the Camp Resilience door.

“We offer a variety of 3-4 day retreats for specific groups that are tailored to their needs,” says Dubois.  “Priority is given to those with service-related disabilities.”

For example:  in May, they held the “Armor Up Retreat” for First Responders.  In June and July, they will offer several Wounded Warrior family retreats, and in October, they will offer a 2nd Equine retreat as well as a Women Veteran Creativity Retreat.

“The outdoor activities are what set our retreats apart,” says Dubois.  “People stretch themselves by taking a longer hike, working with our amazing guides on outdoor rock climbing, or participating in an aerial tree-top high ropes course that helps build confidence.”

Dubois himself participated in an Equine retreat and found it incredibly powerful.  “Horses just seem to understand what humans need – and they make you work for it,” he says.

Camp Resilience has partnerships with organizations like Forge VFR, who offer a wide variety of workshops.  “Their mission is to improve the mental health and well-being of Active Duty service members, Veterans, First Responders and their families, so it is a perfect fit,” says Dubois.  VFR - Forge Health

“We have just started a monthly alumni coffee club with our partners at Beans & Greens Farms here in Gilford.” Beans & Greens Farm | Family Fun; Animals, Bakery, Produce, Gardening (beansandgreensfarm.com)

A typical retreat is 3-4 days long and will include a combination of experiences, such as kayaking, yoga, hiking, facilitated peer to peer discussions, life skills classes or sailing.   “We keep the groups small – for a couple’s retreat, we might have 5-7 couples, or for a family retreat, 5-6 families.  Retreats for individuals typically have 8-12 people.”

After the retreat, staff, volunteers, and participants check on each other to see how they are doing – and a peer support system develops.  “We typically send out a survey before the retreat, at the end of the retreat and then again, six months later.   One of the outcomes we measure is a reduction in anxiety levels.”

It is the hope of PRLI that these programs attract Veterans to New England and help them to successfully re-integrate into their communities.  

Camp Resilience relies heavily on volunteer support, with only two full-time staff members and a “very dedicated Board of Directors”.  To learn more about their programs, visit PRLI Home of Camp Resilience - Home (camp-resilience.org). 

The words of the “Hermit Hiker” are perhaps the best way to summarize the Camp Resilience experience: “Camp Resilience is an invitation to shed emotional weight.  To flip the pages of time back in peaceful reflection.  To be able to remember what sets you aside as a leader or survivor.  It’s an invitation to learn.  To let go.  To grow.  To change.  To try something new.  To rekindle the flame to want to live joyously.”