Recreational Therapy: The Science & Medical Support

How purposeful movement and recreation help rewire the brain, calm the nervous system, and restore real-world independence.

Voices of Recovery

Real stories and reflections from veterans, service members, and participants discovering the power of Recreational Therapy.

For me, traditional therapy, just didn't work. All it did was create more anger issues from what society today calls normal, and when I did my time in service. I have found that Cermanic Painting, using creative colors, brings me peace, at least for a little while. In addition to other forms of Rec Therapy, such as Camping or Outings with Veterans, I have found balances me out with the camaraderie I miss so much.

Rec Therapy didn't just give me an activity. it gave me a safe way to recalibrate my nervous system and build camaraderie again.

Chris U.S. Navy Veteran

Adaptive cycling was the first time in six years my mind went quiet and I felt like myself again.

Sarah T. U.S. Air Force

The fly-fishing outings taught me patience and breathing techniques that I now use every single day at work.

James R. U.S. Marine Corps

ORVH allowed me to distance/pause problems so that I could focus on the issues and solutions to them.

Name Withheld U.S. Military Veteran

Connecting with other veterans over archery gave me a community I didn't realize I was starving for.

Derek K. U.S. Coast Guard

Rec Therapy gave our family our weekends back. We now hike together every Saturday.

Robert & Linda M. Military Family