Therapists'Testimonials “I was surprised at how quickly they (the participants) showed so much trust, both in the physical exercises, as well as the honesty and emotion in sharing together as a group .I can see strong effects in various participants that will be enduring.”
“What an adventure this program was! I witnessed amazing transformations in the vets over the course of just 5 days!”
“The thread I see is a much needed affirmation of self and an awakening of the sense of possibility that one can, in fact, change his life; he can do things he thought impossible. There is a liveliness and a reawakening of a capacity to genuinely struggle…As a staff, we consider the contribution from Outward Bound to be the single most powerful tool in the program.”
“Overall this is a great course. These guys are doing some incredible work on being alive and growing as people. I have seen this course carry these guys through the year. Some of them will think back and remember the successes and friendship they have had here when the going gets tough. I am sure this course will help keep some of these guys alive and on a productive path for the coming year. Some of them talk about how they barely make it and how important this course is to them.”
Veterans and Participants Testimonials “I did more than I’ve ever done, or thought I could ever do”
“The natural beauty, healthy air and physical activities renew our friendship, attitude, teamwork, approach to accomplishing worthy goals, brings loads of laughter and smiles... It is spiritually and emotionally a rejuvenation, and brings a rare sense of freedom.”
“I appreciate your funding this course because it helps me to revive the basic values of life and freedom that gets lost in the PTSD ‘fog of war’.”
“I will be more willing to try things outside of my comfort zone and be more willing to be of service to others.”
“The whole course was a lot of ‘I think I can!’, and I did it!.”
Re: Highlights of the course “Being with my Viet-Nam Brothers again. We started laughing in the parking lot and never stopped. During each activity, we encouraged each other.” “My awareness and confidence has been rejuvenated.”
“Enthusiasm for life…”
“… I believe that I’m a better person.”
“It brought me to realize that I could do a lot more than I ever thought I could do.”
“I can truly be more myself, I feel good and confident.”
“I will take home a renewed zest for life and faith in my ability to face challenges with optimism and humor.”
“I will spread the word to my fellow vets how much difference a 5-day course can influence the other 360 days in the year.”
“I have confidence and pride about what I accomplished and what I can accomplish. My ‘can do’ attitude has been re-awakened.”
“…in all the programs, sessions, and events I have participated, Outward Bound’s program has done the most in restoring my ability to function independently and to think positively… The unique mix of physical and mental challenges, teambuilding, and retrospective exercise has helped me to think of myself not as a victim, but as a rescuer of myself.”
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing all the good parts out of me that have been lost for years.”
“I re-experienced the compassion, care, humor, and spirit of the band of brothers once again. I learned I can accomplish more in everyday life when I return to Denver.”
“We all got to know each other by sharing increasingly stressful physical and emotional experiences and helping each other get through them. I never imagined that the bonding we experienced could have happened, but it did and was totally sincere and genuine.”
“Being around (the other vets) helped me open up my innermost thoughts and feelings and now it will be easier to discuss these with my PTSD therapist and make it easier to get the help I need.”
“I depart the Outward Bound course stronger in every way.”
“I was able to learn how to get out and have fun and meet new people. I learned how to help others but most of all… help myself.”
“Thank you for your support – support that I believe will help me to once again be an independent, contributing citizen.”
In terms of impact to their community post course, a large percentage of course participants responded that they are planning to be of service to others and more involved with their communities as a result of this course. Some of the responses to the question, ‘ When you return home, how will what you learned impact you and your community?’ were as follows:
“The project at Leadville, the teamwork involved, and everyone’s involvement will give me confidence to get involved and help my community when volunteer work is needed.”
“I hope to be most involved in me community and take responsibility in help each person I come in contact with.”
“I am motivated to give even more for vets, who deserve it.”
“I will re-affirm my community volunteerism. I will also lead others towards volunteerism locally, and realize my dreams of making everyone feel goodwill towards others, especially my neighbors.”
“What I learned about giving of one’s self to the betterment of your surroundings and community is what I’ll bring home.”
“I rediscovered the traits and principles that made me an effective Marine Corps leader. I am returning home with new confidence that I can have a beneficial impact in my community on other veterans.”
“I have had substantial experience with the resources of the VA and military health system in regards to disabled veterans. Nothing else I have done, to include individual and group therapy, has had such a dramatic and immediate beneficial impact on my motivation, self-confidence, and overall state of mind. As I return to my community, I do so with greater confidence and determination to continue and overcome my combat related disabilities, and to contribute to the recovery of my fellow veterans.”
