In these unprecedented times, the onus is on CAMO to practice what we preach! We “preach” that veterans with disabilities can overcome obstacles through outdoor activity and mental health practices. Both the physical and cognitive activities foster the release of hormones that create a balanced sense of well being. One, or the other of those activities is great, but the combination of the two, incorporated into something we do often – a “practice” – leads to more self-confidence, better self-esteem, and a healthier life.
In the past 5 years of CAMO programs, supplemental to our summer and winter outdoor adaptive activity instruction we have consistently offered 2 areas of mental health: breath-work and yoga. Additionally, but on a less frequent basis, we have occasionally added “sleep therapy” training for veterans who have difficulties with sleep. A majority of CAMO participants attest these sessions are a very beneficial tool they can take home and use anywhere to assist in coping with stress and to enhance overall wellness.
As a division of Challenge Aspen, we have been offered an opportunity to fine tune our approach to this successful program model. For the near future we will be working on a plan for moving forward with summer and winter retreats, but in the present moment we are exploring how to bring virtual wellness sessions to all of our veterans with disabilities.
We are exploring virtual sessions for: breath-work, yoga, sleep therapy, meditation/visualization, and….wait for it: cooking! We will update this page as we solidify the format for those virtual sessions!
It is our fervent hope that this situation is resolved quickly and we are able to continue to offer outdoor adaptive activities later this summer. We will update this page as developments happen!
If you have any questions regarding participating in a CAMO program, please contact CAMO Director – John Klonowski.
970-300-3396