Camp Resilience Quarterly News - Winter 2026

Where Resilience Grows: Staying Connected, Supporting Healing All Year Long

Moving Forward Together 

Gratitude, growth, and a shared commitment to resilience

By Jeff Ladieu, Executive Director 

Dear Friends and Supporters of Camp Resilience,


As we look toward 2026, we do so with full hearts, deep gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. Camp Resilience continues to grow because of people like you, individuals and organizations who believe that those who serve our communities and our nation deserve unwavering support, compassion, and care.


This past year marked an important chapter in our journey. Through the strength of our mission and the generosity of our supporters, we witnessed powerful moments of connection and impact. One of the most meaningful was the continued success of the Green Beret With a Mission Challenge, which brought in $200,000 in 2025. This achievement would not be possible without our incredible partnership with Swim With a Mission (SWAM). Their leadership, vision, and commitment to honoring service have allowed Camp Resilience to be part of something truly special, creating immersive experiences that educate, inspire, and directly support healing for veterans and first responders. We are deeply thankful for SWAM’s partnership and their continued belief in our work.


We were also profoundly moved by the response to our inaugural Run for Resilience, which raised $100,000 while honoring the lives of veterans lost to suicide and shining a light on the importance of mental health and wellness. This journey across New Hampshire was more than a fundraiserit was a statement of remembrance, hope, and collective responsibility.


As we embrace 2026, our focus turns to the future with excitement and intention. We are expanding opportunities for engagement through new and returning events, including our inaugural WinterFest, the 6th Annual Green Beret With a Mission Challenge, the launch of the Chief’s Wellness Conference & Gala, and the return of Run for Resilience with broader participation options. Each of these efforts is thoughtfully designed to strengthen our programs, expand access to restorative retreats, and deepen the sense of community that is central to healing.


Your support is the foundation of everything we do. Because of you, Veterans, First Responders, and their families find space to rest, reconnect, and regain strength during some of life’s most challenging moments. As we move into 2026, we invite you to continue walking alongside us, helping ensure that those who dedicate their lives to serving others are never left to face their struggles alone.


Together, we are building resilience.

Together, we are honoring service with action.

Together, we are shaping a future filled with hope.


With heartfelt gratitude and optimism for the year ahead,


- Jeff .......

Please Meet Our New Board of Directors President

Fred Henry, President


Retired Brigadier General Fred Henry is a seasoned leader with experience as Chief of Staff at the Defense Information Systems Agency and Director for Strategic Growth and Initiatives for the National Security and Space Sector.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Looking for a speaker for your organization or event? We’d love to help.


We’re always grateful for opportunities to share the retreats and programs we offer in support of Veterans and First Responders.


Helping spread the word allows us to reach those who may need these resources most.


Contact us at info@camp-resilience.org

If you or someone you know is in crisis:


📞 National Suicide Line: Dial 988, then press 1 for Veterans

__________________


 📞 Copline:

1-800-COPLINE

(1-800-267-5463)



This is a confidential, 24-hour hotline staffed by retired law enforcement officers trained in active listening.

SIGN UP: Upcoming Retreats

First Responder

Armor Up Retreat

February 10 - 13, 2026

Gilford, NH

Veteran& First Responder Couples

March 26 - 29, 2026

Franklin, NH

Veterans Family Bushcraft Retreat

May 1 - 3, 2026

Rutland, MA

SHARE: Help us grow our community—share our retreat information with your network

Winter Bushcraft Retreat Builds Strength and Skill: Participants recently braved January’s cold during a two-and-a-half-day Bushcraft Retreat, building resilience through hands-on wilderness survival training at Ladd Farm in Bristol. Led by Dan Badger of Badger Wilderness Guides the retreat was generously sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project.

CURIOUS ABOUT OUR RETREATS?

Here is a typical Schedule:


DAY 1

Arrival & Check in at 11 AM

Welcome Briefing and Lunch

Sports Activity

Facilitated "Rap" Session

Group Dinner

Optional Group Activities


DAY 2

Breakfast (7-8 AM)

Life Skills Workshop #1

Yoga or other exercise activity

Life Skills Workshop #2

Lunch

Sports Activity

Facilitated "Rap" Session

Group Dinner

Optional Group Activities


DAY 3

Breakfast (7-8 am)

Life Skills Workshop #3

Yoga or other exercise activity

Life Skills Workshop #4

Lunch

Sports Activity

Facilitated "Rap" Session

Group Dinner

Optional Group Activities


DAY 4

Breakfast

Life Skills Workshop #5

Life Skills Workshop #6

Lunch

Facilitated Wrap-up

After Action Review w/ Participants

Farewell & Plans for Staying in Touch!


2026 Retreat Schedule

(subject to minor changes)


First Responder Armor Up

February 10–13


First Responder & Veteran Couples 
March 26–29


Veterans & First Responders Fishing

April (Date TBD in Pittsburg NH)


Veteran Family Bushcraft 
May 1–3


First Responder Retiree

May 19–22


Veteran Equine Retreat 
June 5–7


Veteran & First Responder Family June 26–28


Veteran & First Responder Equine July 10–12


Veterans Couples 
July 23–26


Military Family Storytelling

August 7–9


Caregiver Retreat

August 11–14


Stable Connections Equine September 4–6


Chiefs Wellness & Leadership

Sep 17-18


Women’s Veteran Retreat September 28–30


First Responder Peer Support October 13–16


Veteran Couples Retreat

October 20–23


First Responder Armor Up November 17–20


CreatiVets Retreat

December 8-10

JOIN US: Winterfest at Beans & Greens

Saturday, February 21, 10 am - 6 pm

245 Intervale Road, Gilford NH

We are grateful to Beans & Greens and the Gilford Rotary Club for hosting Winterfest, a frosty family fun day benefiting Camp Resilience!


Bring the whole family on February 21st to enjoy:


  • Human sled dog races
  • Children’s games and activities
  • A petting zoo
  • K9 demonstrations
  • Music by Andrea Paquin
  • Chili Cook-Off
  • Silent auction
  • Snow globe photo booth, candy cannon, evening bonfire, and more!


Human Sled Dog Races

10 am - 1 pm


Grab your team of 3, bring your own sled, wear your best team costume, and get ready to pull your rider 50 yards to the finish line.


Great Prizes


Pre-registration required.


Chili Cook Off

12 pm - 3 pm


Entry is FREE (6 qt. minimum)


1st Place Cash prize + trophy and additional prizes for 2nd & 3rd!


Just want to taste?

Unlimited tasting tickets: $15 adults / $5 kids

SWAM: 6th Annual GREEN BERET WITH A MISSION CHALLENGE

Watch the Video from the 2025 GBWMC Event

Join Us for the SWAM Green Beret Challenge: Early Registration is open!


Camp Resilience invites you to our all-time favorite annual event: a Team Building Fitness Challenge led by U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets! Designed for endurance athletes, CrossFit enthusiasts, and adventure seekers—but fun for all ages and fitness levels—this event is a unique day of teamwork, motivation, and challenge.


Proceeds support Swim With A Mission (SWAM), the Special Forces Association (SFA), and the Patriot Resilient Leader Institute, helping Veterans, Military Personnel, and First Responders through outdoor therapeutic retreats.


Push your limits, connect with a community of resilience, and make a difference for those who’ve served.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Revo Casino and Social House

Conway, NH

May 21-30, 2026


Camp Resilience is honored be their charitable recipient during these dates.

*NEW THIS YEAR*

Wellness Conference and Gala

At The Lake Estate on Winnisquam

Friday, September 18, 2026


Stay tuned for details!

WAYS TO HELP!

Volunteer!

Donate!

Leave a Lasting Legacy!

Thank you for helping us to help those who have served, bounce back and improve in Mind, Body and Spirit!

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