Veteran Retreat
Homeward Bound Adirondacks is excited to announce a special retreat for veterans and their spouses, taking place February 7-9, 2025, at the serene Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. While we have hosted many retreats exclusively for veterans, this retreat is designed to include their spouses, recognizing the vital role they play in supporting our heroes. This unique experience, tailored for couples navigating challenges in their relationships due to the impact of military service, offers an opportunity to reconnect, heal, and grow together. Military trauma and service-related experiences can take a toll on relationships, and this retreat provides a safe, supportive environment to address these challenges. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, 8 couples will engage in guided activities, shared experiences, and moments of reflection, all designed to foster resilience, strengthen bonds, and encourage mutual understanding. Join us for a weekend of healing, renewal, and togetherness as we explore the path to deeper connections and enduring love amidst the tranquility of nature.
Cozy Accommodations for Connection and Comfort
At Minnowbrook Conference Center, your retreat experience will include rustic yet charming accommodations that perfectly reflect the serene Adirondack setting. Each room features twin beds close to each other, adorned with cozy, nature-inspired bedding, and surrounded by warm wood-paneled interiors that evoke a sense of tranquility. While the beds are separate, the intimate and peaceful atmosphere of the space encourages rest, relaxation, and quality time together as a couple. This unique setup is ideal for fostering connection and comfort as you recharge in the beauty of nature."
Our retreats, deeply rooted in our peer-to-peer model, emphasize camaraderie and personal growth through nature therapy, peer-to-peer mentoring, and team-building exercises, tailored to accommodate all participants' needs, regardless of physical ability. Activities are thoughtfully crafted to ensure inclusivity, allowing veterans to engage in both vigorous and gentle, accessible recreational options. From relaxing fireside chats to nature-based therapy and indoor workshops, we strive to ensure that each veteran feels supported, included, and empowered. Veterans are advised to consult with their physicians before attending to ensure their safety and well-being.

Screening Process: 
Our new screening process involves direct contact from a HBA Case Manager for all registered veterans to assess eligibility and prioritize attendance. We're focusing first on veterans who haven't yet experienced a retreat, particularly those facing service-related challenges. If a retreat reaches capacity under these criteria, we may need to schedule you for a later date. We understand this might be inconvenient and appreciate your understanding. Our goal is to support as many veterans as possible, prioritizing those dealing with service-related trauma or difficulties. A member of our HBA team will be in touch shortly for a pre-screening discussion about your specific situation. If you have not heard from a HBA Staff member before the week of the event, please reach out to [email protected]

Note: Retreats are free (housing, food, etc) once people arrive - however we are not in a position to pay for transportation to get to and from the retreat venue.
Vets Helping Vets
Veterans build resilience and support networks through peer to peer discussions and activities. Retreats offer an opportunity to build comradery with other Vets while relaxing in a wilderness environment.  

Our 3-day retreats are designed as a structured process that begins the moment you arrive on Friday and continues until we conclude on Sunday afternoon. During this time, you’ll engage in activities centered around a peer-to-peer model of support. This approach relies on the shared experiences, trust, and understanding built over the full weekend, allowing each of you to connect, reflect, and support one another in a meaningful way.
To fully benefit from this process, we ask that all veterans attend for the entire duration of the retreat. By being present from start to finish, you enable the full peer-to-peer experience and immerse yourself in the therapeutic journey that unfolds over the weekend.
We understand that life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges our way. In the event that an emergency or unforeseen situation arises, we understand that flexibility may be necessary, and exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. However, we kindly ask that everyone do their best to plan ahead and minimize any disruptions. Your commitment to this process allows us to maintain a safe, peaceful, and supportive setting for all participants.
Waiting List
If you are unable to RSVP, then this retreat has reached its maximum capacity of veteran participants. There will be a waiting list. If there are any cancellations, those first on the waiting list, will be offered these on first come basis. Feel free to contact Homeward Bound Adirondacks to get on the waiting list

Cancelations
If you need to cancel, please cancel with HBA as soon as possible. Please do not wait until the day before the retreat. An empty RSVP is one veteran who misses out.
Date & Time
Feb 07, 2025 5:00 PM
Feb 09, 2025 1:30 PM
 All amenities provided at no cost to the veteran and spouse! 

Retreats are free once people arrive - however we are not in a position to pay for transportation to get to and from the retreat venue.

Location
Minnowbrook Conference Center
Maple Lodge Road, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
Friday's Schedule
3:00 PM
Meet & Greet
Friday afternoon arrival allows veterans and spouses time to unwind, adjust to the retreat surroundings, and meet and talk with other Veterans and Spouses before the activities begin.
5:00 PM
Dinner & Conversation
Enjoy a wonderful dinner in a group environment with other veterans, spouses, and HBA staff
6:30PM
Activity
TBD
8:00 PM
Fireside Chat
Friday evening fireside chats are informal and are another way to help veterans and spouses  continue to unwind, adjust to the retreat surroundings, and meet and talk with other veterans and spouses before the formal fireside chat on Saturday evening.
Saturday's Schedule
8:00 AM
Breakfast and Conversation
Enjoy a wonderful breakfast in a group environment with other Veterans,  staff, and guests.
10:00 AM
Activities
TBD
1:00 PM
Lunch and Conversation
Enjoy a wonderful lunch in a group environment with other veterans, spouses, and staff.
2:00 PM
Activities
TBD
5:00 PM
Dinner and Conversation
Enjoy a wonderful dinner in a group environment with other veterans, spouses, and staff
6:30 PM
Team Activity
TBD
8:00 PM
Fireside Chat
Our Saturday evening fireside chats provide a formal setting designed to deepen the connections formed during the retreat. By this time, we hope veterans and spouses have built trust and possibly formed bonds, making them more comfortable to step out of their comfort zones and share their experiences by the fire. These chats are a pivotal moment for personal expression and mutual support in a trusted circle of peers.
Sunday's Schedule
8:00 AM
Breakfast and Conversation
Enjoy a wonderful breakfast in a group environment with other veterans, spouses, and staff.
10:00 AM
Activities
TBD
12:00 PM
Lunch and Conversation
Enjoy a wonderful lunch in a group environment with other veterans, spouses, and staff.
1:00 PM
Wrap-Up, Exit Surveys, & Goodbyes
A debrief with the staff and a chance for veterans, spouses, and staff to say goodbye.
 Join us on Feb 07
We look forward to hosting you!

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