Friday — Arrival & Settling In
When the veteran arrives on Friday mid-afternoon, the retreat experience begins right away. Staff and fellow veterans will welcome them as everyone introduces themselves and begins getting to know one another. This casual peer-to-peer interaction sets the tone for the weekend. After settling into their living arrangements, they will share their first meal together as a group. Mealtime is intentionally communal — it helps them build early connections and ease into the retreat at a comfortable pace. Following dinner, they will take part in a fun and lighthearted icebreaker activity. This might involve simple games or group exercises that help everyone learn each other’s names, their branch of service, and some personal history. It is always relaxed, supportive, and designed to make everyone feel welcome. The night ends with an informal fireside chat. This is an unstructured, optional conversation space — a chance to sit together by the fire, talk, laugh, and unwind after travel. There are no expectations for sharing; it is simply a warm place to begin forming connections.

 

Saturday — Recreation, Connection & Structured Support
Saturday begins with a shared breakfast, followed by the heart of our retreat programming: two recreational activities, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Depending on the season and location, activities may include:

• Hiking or snowshoeing
• Canoeing or kayaking
• Forest Bathing or sensory-based nature activities
• Ice fishing
• Indoor creative or reflective group activities
• Indoor team building exercises
• Indoor grounding and sensory-exploration workshops

 

These experiences are not about skill level or athletic ability. Their purpose is simple: To help veterans feel comfortable, build trust, and take one small step outside their comfort zone. That step often opens the door for meaningful conversations later in the evening. Veterans enjoy a group lunch midday and return for the second recreational session in the afternoon.

 

Saturday Evening Fireside Chat
Saturday night features a structured fireside chat, a cornerstone of every retreat. This is a supportive and confidential space with clear ground rules to ensure respect and safety for everyone present. Veterans are welcome to share:

• Personal stories
• Experiences from service
• Trauma, grief, or loss
• Challenges with mental health or addiction
• Family or relationship struggles
• Or anything from the heart

Nothing is required, and everything is respected. This is often the most impactful moment of the retreat — not because of what is shared, but because participants feel safe, heard, and surrounded by people who understand. After the fireside chat, there is a transition to a light activity or group game to end the evening on a positive, uplifting note.

Sunday — Closure, Reflection & Departure
Sunday morning begins with another shared breakfast, followed by a half-day recreational activity. This final outing gives veterans time to enjoy the location, reflect on the weekend, and solidify the bonds they’ve built. After lunch, the retreat ends with:

• A group debriefing
• A brief exit survey to gather feedback
• A group photo to commemorate the experience
• And heartfelt goodbyes

Most veterans depart immediately afterward.

Retreat Philosophy
Everything we do — from campfire conversations to outdoor adventures — is designed to create a safe, welcoming space rooted in:

• Nature as therapy
• Peer-to-peer support
• Community and camaraderie
• Shared meals and shared experiences
• Opportunities to be heard and understood
• Moments of joy, play, and simple connection

Whether you attend one retreat or many, you are part of the Homeward Bound Adirondacks family.