"Hello my name is Steven Brown, and I am the founder of Camp Brown Bear. Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma have high levels of anxiety, depression and psycho-social problems. We would like to be part of the solution, in part, by immersing Veterans into the wilderness, giving sense of purpose while participating in projects, building camaraderie, introducing the participants to holistic modalities (i.e. Equine Therapy, Restorative Yoga, Meditation, Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Music Therapy, Art Therapy and Guided Journaling)."
In our case, it’s taken about a dozen villages- a close partnership with a second veteran-operated nonprofit, and starting in 2021, a close relationship with two captains based out of Key West AND Marshall County, KY. Let’s show these organizations some love:
As the old saying goes, “It takes a village...”
"Spending 7 days off the grid aboard a 54' sailboat with other combat veterans navigating the open ocean, snorkeling reefs, fishing, visiting a deserted island with a lighthouse, diving a shipwreck, checking out Key West with locals and getting the tattoo to prove it!
Steve and I are taking PTSD veterans on these trips to let them see how much fun life can be and hopefully prevent some of the 22 suicides per day that are happening in the veteran community. I have had several veterans tell me this has changed their lives."
If sailing from the Keys to the Dry Tortugas isn't on your bucket list, it should be! This was an excellent 3-day trip, and I absolutely recommend it to any veteran who still has that adventure spirit within! Jeremy w/ A Soldier's Heart and Cap'n Perry of Ghost Ship are top-notch. They provided an opportunity for several of us veterans to get away from the noises and stressors of day-to-day life and enjoy the Keys. We learned a little bit about sailing and fishing too! Again, 10 of 10 definitely recommend this trip to any and all veterans who enjoy the outdoors!
-Chris, Army Veteran
