C.A.M.O. - Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities

Mission
C.A.M.O. provides recreational and cultural experiences for wounded warriors with cognitive or physical disabilities. We encourage family and friends to share in these experiences. Wounded warriors are able to realize their life potential, bridging the gap between injuries and moving forward with life's challenges despite adversity.

History
Challenge Aspen has offered recreational and cultural opportunities to veterans with disabilities since the organization's inception in 1995. In 2005, as a result of funding through an anonymous grant, specialized programming was introduced to serve the increasing number of newly injured soldiers returning from war.

In 2005, Challenge Aspen introduced two programs, one in the winter and one in the summer. In 2006, the veteran’s program was expanded to three, with the addition of a wildly successful program called The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure, which brought 16 newly injured veterans to the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon, where they covered 226 miles in motorized boats and maneuvered their prosthetics on day hikes through creek beds and waterfalls. The unique needs of a growing population of veterans experiencing traumatic brain injury (TBI) led to the creation of two more camps, one of which was specifically designed for this population of TBI veterans, the very first camp of its kind in the world. In 2008, Challenge Aspen offered four winter camps (two for TBI) and four summer programs. 

The undeniable growth of Challenge Aspen's veterans programs and the designation of C.A.M.O. are the direct result of compelling results and impact on veterans and their families. The number of newly injured soldiers and need unfortunately continues to grow exponentially.

C.A.M.O. is dedicated specifically to our veterans, who face a multitude of physical, emotional and professional challenges, and who are committed to the hard work required to overcome these challenges extending far beyond their hospital stay. Currently, there is no government funding for these types of programs, and Challenge Aspen is one of only a few organizations offering this type of recreational therapy. It is the goal of Challenge Aspen for C.A.M.O. to become the model program in the United States.

Challenge Aspen remains committed to veterans, and through Challenge Aspen and C.A.M.O., veterans and their family will experience ongoing support and life-long possibilities.

For more information, contact Sarah W. Volf, director of C.A.M.O. programs, at 970-923-0578, ext 205, or sarah@challengeaspen.com.