In it’s eighth season, Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities continued to develop and implement recreational and wellness programming for active duty and retired military personnel injured while serving their country.
Winter Programs
CAMO programs take place mostly in Snowmass, CO. Why do people come to Snowmass? The SNOW! The 2013/2014 saw some fabulous snow and our CAMO programs took advantage of every ski/snowboard day available! As always, CAMO lived up to our reputation of providing a relaxing atmosphere where military service men and women are able to break down barriers, expand their perspective through snow sports and build relationships with their brothers and sisters in similar situations. CAMO snow sports activities, interspersed with wellness programming like breathing, yoga and nutrition, allow our injured military personnel a chance to get away from the stresses of rehabilitation centers, hospitals and everyday life. There’s nothing like the thrill of the crisp wind in your face as you zip down the mountain or the relaxation of a yoga studio or the deliciousness of a home cooked meal to reinforce the importance of the synergy of body and mind.
Moving forward, we anticipate another incredible upcoming winter season! We continue to learn new adaptive approaches. We’re excited to expand into new avenues of programming and opportunities to impact those also effected by a soldier’s injuries – the spouses, partners and families.
CAMO couldn’t do what we do without the support from our incredible sponsors and partners: The Aspen Skiing Company, Mountain Chalet Snowmass, David LaSalle, Project Welcome Home Troops, The Limelight Hotel, Jimmy’s An American Restaurant and Bar, Glenwood Springs Subaru, The Aspen Jewish Community, The Aspen Rotary and the Snowmass Rotary.
Summer Programs
During the summer months CAMO programming expands to include the entire Roaring Fork Valley: Fly fishing in Basalt and Carbondale, rafting the rapids of the Colorado River, the Adventure Park and Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, the grottos and ghost towns up Independence Pass, hiking the Maroon Bells, biking and Thursday night concerts in Snowmass, sailing on Ruedi Reservoir and teepee campouts at Challenge Aspen’s new Whispering Winds Ranch – these are a sampling of the activities CAMO participants experienced this summer.
All of these activities provide an outstanding opportunity for our injured military personnel to bond, share, grow and learn in the wondrous setting of the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
Sponsor A Veteran
Help us give back to our men and women who have given so much! There are many ways to show your gratitude: Write a check, donate travel miles, pay for a group’s meals at a local restaurant or simply volunteer your time during a CAMO camp.
Contact John Klonowski – Director, Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities for direction on how you can help! John@Challengeaspen.org or 970-923-0578 x 217
