Strengthening Bonds and Building Resilience: National Park Trust’s 2024 Outdoor Adventures for the Military Community
In 2024, National Park Trust has continued its commitment to support the military community, including active military and Gold Star Families, military family survivors, National Guard and Reserve, veterans, their families, and caregivers. Through our partnerships, participants have had the opportunity to experience the great outdoors together, form bonds, build resilience, and find peace in nature. Below is a look back at some of our 2024 highlights:
Building Community with USAA
Partnering for the first time in 2024, USAA and National Park Trust are working together to engage Texas and Colorado-based active duty families in meaningful outdoor experiences that work to improve overall health & wellness, with a special focus on mental health.
Trip Highlight: Great Sand Dunes National Park Family Weekend
On October 12th, we partnered with Buckley Space Force Base’s Office of Outdoor Recreation to bring service members and their families on an overnight camping trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park. The adventure began with a warm welcome from park staff and the distribution of military annual passes, granting participants access to hundreds of federal public lands and waters. The group enjoyed a day of sand sledding, hiking, and exploring the dunes, followed by a campfire, s’mores, and stargazing.
This was one of six outdoor recreation events funded by our new partner, USAA! Through these trips, military service members and their families are able to enjoy the great outdoors, learn new skills, and create lasting memories, reinforcing the invaluable role national parks play in promoting recreation, education, and family well-being.
Fishing, Fun, and Conservation with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation provided funds to the National Park Trust to offer fishing opportunities to elementary-aged students, military service members, and their families in national marine sanctuaries nationwide. These events aim to combine education and recreation, encouraging a greater appreciation for marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
Trip Highlight: Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Adventure
In October, elementary-aged students and their families gathered for an exciting day of exploration and marine conservation at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Organized by National Park Trust, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and NOAA Fisheries, the event combined outdoor adventure with education about the sanctuary’s rich ecosystem.
With perfect weather on our side, we spent an unforgettable day fishing with kids and their families, reeling in memories and making some great catches. We even spotted a few sea lions and dolphins to add to the excitement! By the end of the day, everyone went home with big smiles, plenty of fish tales, and their fresh catches.
This event at Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was one of five fishing events at national marine sanctuaries nationwide in 2024. The other event locations include Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FL), Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (TX), Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary (MD), and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (CA).
Supporting Veterans Through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
For many veterans, fly fishing is more than just a sport; it’s a chance to find peace, connect with fellow veterans, and enjoy the healing powers of nature. In 2024, National Park Trust is deepening our collaboration with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) to engage disabled veterans around the country in national park fly fishing experiences.
Trip Highlight: Fly-Fishing Retreat at Olympic National Park
In August, we hosted a fly-fishing clinic and camping experience at Olympic National Park for veterans from Project Healing Waters chapters across the Northwest. Veterans gathered at Kalaloch Campground, where they enjoyed three days of fee-free camping, scenic fishing, and educational talks on park history and conservation from park staff. After receiving lifetime passes to federal recreational sites, participants explored various rivers and streams, with groups divided by skill level for a customized fly-fishing experience. The serene setting of the Olympic Peninsula provided the perfect backdrop for veterans to connect with nature and each other, making it a memorable weekend of reflection and camaraderie.
This event at Olympic National Park was one of five outdoor recreation events planned for 2024 at national park sites nationwide. Other locations include Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (PA), Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (MT), Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL), and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN).
Outdoor Adventures with Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids partnership brought outdoor education and recreation to children of deployed and fallen military personnel. Through engaging, adventure-filled programs, we aim to help children gain confidence, have fun, and find a sense of belonging.
Trip Highlight: Stewardship in Zion – Connecting Families with Nature and Service
In October, military families were treated to an exciting day at Zion National Park. This partnership provided National Guard, Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members and their families with access to outdoor recreation opportunities in national park sites across the country. The day kicked off with an engaging introduction to the park led by knowledgeable park rangers. Families then set out on a hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Zion, where they immersed themselves in the beauty of the park while actively participating in stewardship. Together, they collected over five pounds of trash along the trails, helping to keep the park pristine, and worked to clean graffiti from the rocks, restoring the natural beauty of this iconic location.
This event at Zion National Park was one of four outdoor recreation-focused events in 2024 hosted by this partnership. Other event locations include Indiana Dunes National Park (IN), Mammoth Cave National Park (KY), and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (CA).
Building Resilience in Young Survivors with TAPS
Through our partnership with TAPS, National Park Trust brings outdoor education and recreation to children who have lost a family member in military service. These engaging, adventure-filled programs help young survivors build confidence, create lasting memories, and find a sense of belonging in nature.
Trip Highlight: Healing in Rocky Mountain National Park
In July, the National Park Trust, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), National Park Service, and USAA hosted a healing weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park for 26 survivors. This program supports families grieving a military loss by providing a supportive outdoor experience for connection and reflection.
Campers stayed at Glacier Basin Campground, where evenings around the campfire encouraged sharing and connection. Saturday featured a guided bus tour with stops for hikes at Hidden Valley and Alpine Meadows, culminating in a Junior Ranger ceremony. A peaceful, meditative hike to Sprague Lake allowed for moments of remembrance, and participants were treated to a special sighting of moose by the lake—an unforgettable weekend of solace and camaraderie in nature.
This event at Rocky Mountain National Park was one of five events at national park sites, taking place in 2024. The four other event locations were Sequoia National Park (CA), New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (WV), Mammoth Cave National Park (KY) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN).
