Camp Brown Bear is one of the best retreats that I have attended. It challenged me through intellectual and physical tasks that require me to work as a team with the other Veterans, as well as provided a completely relaxed environment for some alone time to fully relax.

It is hard for me to get away and to leave my family, it makes me feel guilty. But the response I get from the changes I’ve made because of Camp Brown Bear is so positive. It helped me to realize that taking care of myself is not only okay, but a necessity.

When I left the service life slowed down a lot, completing “projects” doesn’t happen as fast as it used to. So while helping with work projects, I gain fulfillment by making something with my own hands, and seeing the quick progress is therapeutic and motivational.

Camp Brown Bear introduced me to multiple modalities to deal with my stress, anxiety, trauma and depression. These modalities I’ve personally experienced are yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, art therapy, sound therapy, kayaking and equine therapy. I really gained perspective while trying each of these modalities and have been able to implement some in my daily life. These have helped me breakthrough some barriers that I don’t think would’ve happened otherwise.

The campfire was a great place to enjoy each others company as well as the entertainment provided by local musicians. At the end of camp it was great to sit down with the other Veterans to break bread for a final time.

Thank you Camp Brown Bear for pouring your heart and souls into something that has helped me personally, and also helped countless other Veterans. I hope to encourage other Veterans that have ANY hesitation or apprehension of Veteran Organizations and/or any stigmas that they may hold, You MUST attend one of these retreats.

Jonathan McQuiston