Trailhead Strategies Group

The mountain isn’t the mission.

In October 2026, 14 women veterans will make their way to Everest Base Camp; 17,598 feet above sea level, but “What the Wind Carries” isn’t about the climb.

It’s about what they’ve been carrying all along.

This cinematic short follows their journey through transition, identity, and healing; set against one of the most unforgiving landscapes on earth, Not a highlight reel, Not a travel video. A story meant to last; crafted for film festivals and national archives.

With expedition filmmaker Margaret C. King behind the lens; known for capturing raw human stories in places like the Andes, Mongolia, and the Philippines, this project is built to go deeper than the surface.

This is what the outdoors can do.
This is why these stories matter.

Now it needs backing.

If this resonates, don’t just scroll past it.

Support it, share it & be part of the mission.

We keep talking about America’s health crisis…

But what if part of the solution is right outside your door?

A recent article points out something simple but powerful: We’re spending more time indoors than ever; and it’s costing us our health.

Meanwhile:
• Stress is up
• Chronic illness is up
• People are skipping care because of cost

But here’s the truth; getting outside isn’t just a break… it’s medicine.

Fresh air, movement, sunlight, community & purpose.

At Trailhead Strategies, we believe the outdoors isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Especially for veterans.

Because when we get outside, we:
✔️ Reset mentally
✔️ Build physical resilience
✔️ Reconnect with something bigger than ourselves

This is bigger than recreation.

This is about empowering veterans, strengthening communities, and elevating the outdoors.

So here’s your mission:

👉 Go outside today. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes.

You might be surprised what it does.

The exhibitor lineup for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit is coming together 🔥

We’re bringing together outdoor brands, veteran led organizations, nonprofits, and mission driven partners all under one roof; focused on one thing: getting more veterans outside and connected to community, purpose, and health.

Expo Day is where the energy will be. Connections. Gear. Stories. Opportunities.

We’re grateful for every organization stepping into this space with us; and we look forward to building something lasting together.

For more info see link in the bio.

We’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes to make the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit experience even better; starting with the website.

Navigating the summit should feel as seamless as the experience itself. That’s why we’ve updated the pages to make it easier to explore the agenda, understand what to expect, and quickly find everything from lodging and transportation to registration.

This year’s summit is more than just a one-day event; it’s a 3-day experience in Park City, UT (Oct 1–3):
• Day 1: Bonfire kickoff
• Day 2: Full summit programming + networking + exhibitor expo
• Day 3: Outdoor activity day (hiking, biking, yoga, climbing + more)

If you’ve been thinking about attending, this is your moment.

Early registration closes June 6.

Lock in your spot and be part of the movement building stronger connections between veterans and the outdoors.

Register via link in the bio.

We see outdoor recreation as more than just time outside; it is a critical driver of connection, purpose, and overall well being.

That’s why we’re encouraged by opportunities like the grant. Their current funding cycle is now accepting Letters of Intent; Important Dates:

1 May - 30 June 2026: Open Call for Letter of Intent

Submissions with up to $100,000 in support for organizations making a difference in veterans’ lives. What stands out most is the alignment with two areas we deeply believe in: create or improve recreational opportunities for veterans, and mental and physical health and wellness.

For those of us working at the intersection of outdoor recreation and veteran support, this is exactly the kind of investment that moves the needle.

We’ve seen firsthand how getting veterans outside, whether for a single day or through sustained programming, can rebuild connection, restore identity, and improve both mental and physical health. Recreation isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s part of the solution.

If you’re leading or supporting a program that creates access to the outdoors, fosters community, and prioritizes wellness, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

Let’s continue building solutions that meet veterans where they are; and help them rediscover purpose, one step outside at a time.

We have been focusing on one simple but urgent question:

How do we actually connect veterans to meaningful careers in the outdoor recreation industry; not just inspiration, but real pathways?

Findings in the 2023 GAO report on veteran employment in outdoor recreation highlight what many of us working in this space already see firsthand; there is strong interest from veterans, but fragmented access to training, unclear career pipelines, and limited coordination between education benefits and industry needs.

From direct experience, we see this every day: veterans are highly capable, motivated, and drawn to outdoor careers that reconnect them with purpose and community. But too often, the transition process creates friction instead of clarity.

Programs like Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School show what’s possible when training is directly tied to industry opportunity.

At the same time, benefits like the GI Bill and VR&E are powerful tools; but their impact can be inconsistent due to state level variation and limited familiarity among counselors with outdoor industry pathways, seasonal work structures, and nontraditional career progression.

If we want to truly expand veteran access to the outdoor economy, we need to build clearer pipelines, improve alignment between education benefits and industry needs, and invest in scalable training to employment models.

This is exactly the work we are focused on; bridging the gap between service, skills, and the outdoor industry.

** Summit’s Networking Event Update **

We are proud to announce the hosts of our networking event.

Meet Levi and Breanna Brower, founders of Building with the Browers, who are creating something special at this year’s Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit’s networking event.

As veterans, serial entrepreneurs, and passionate outdoor recreation advocates, they’re bringing their shared mission to life; hosting a networking event that goes beyond handshakes and business cards. This is about connection, purpose, and impact.

By blending entrepreneurship, the outdoors, and the veteran community, they’re fostering a space where ideas grow, partnerships form, and stories are shared. It’s not just an event; it’s a movement to empower those who’ve served to continue leading, building, and thriving.

If you’re ready to connect, collaborate, and be part of something meaningful, register via link in the bio.

We are constantly looking to help outdoor recreation veteran focus nonprofits with one core question:

How do we scale access to the outdoors as a pathway for veteran wellness, connection, and purpose?

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) 2026 Veterans and Nature Grant is a strong step in the right direction.

What stands out:
- Up to $10,000 to support veteran focused outdoor programming
- Intentional connection to public lands and conservation spaces
- Emphasis on partnerships between nonprofits and land management agencies
- Clear alignment with mental health, wellness, and reintegration outcomes

This isn’t just another grant cycle; it reflects a broader shift:
- Outdoor recreation is being recognized as a viable solution space for veteran transition challenges.

From our vantage point working across the outdoor and veteran ecosystems, opportunities like this do three important things:
- Catalyze innovation in veteran programming
- Strengthen cross-sector collaboration (nonprofits, agencies, industry)
- Create scalable models that can be replicated nationwide

But here’s the reality; funding alone isn’t enough.

We need:
- Better storytelling around impact
- Stronger partnerships between organizations
- Clear pathways to scale what’s working

That’s where we’re focused.

If you’re building in this space, or looking to support it, this is the kind of opportunity worth leaning into.

Apply or learn on their website.

Let’s continue building an ecosystem where getting veterans outside isn’t the exception; it’s the standard.

A sincere thank you to the early sponsors who have stepped up to help bring the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit to life and amplify veteran voices across the outdoor industry.

This summit is built on partnership; organizations that understand that veterans are not just participants in the outdoor economy, but leaders, innovators, and community builders within it.

We’re proud to recognize and thank our early sponsors:

Alpha Coffee and their Seven Summits Coffee; Fueling connection, conversation, and community through coffee that reflects shared values and purpose.

SickFit Supporting the summit with a custom, exclusive sock collaboration that represents grit, recovery, and identity in the outdoors.

RecPak Serving as our Nutritional Sponsor, ensuring participants are fueled for performance in their outdoor recreation pursuits.

Fireside Pine Sponsoring the Oct 1 Bonfire, creating space for reflection, storytelling, and authentic veteran connection.

Outdoor Recreation Economy at CU Boulder Our Educational Sponsor, developing students for the future of the outdoor recreation economy.

Carol Sonnenberg, CPA: Serving as our Trail Sponsor, reinforcing the importance of financial stewardship and sustainable growth in mission driven work.

Your support is not just sponsorship; it is investment in veteran voice, leadership, and long term impact in the outdoor industry.

If your organization believes in the power of the outdoors to change veteran's lives, let’s partner and make a bigger difference together.

Early registration is now open for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit.

We’re launching Temporary Assigned Duty access for those ready to step away from the day to day and invest in something that matters; connection, purpose, and the veteran community in the outdoors.

This isn’t just attendance; it’s a mission.

🎟️ Use code TAD25 to secure early registration pricing.

If you’re serious about building stronger veteran communities through outdoor recreation, this is where you need to be.

Register here; https://www.trailheadstrategiesgroup.com/services-store/p/2026-veterans-outdoor-recreation-summit-ticket

Spots are limited, Step into the mission to amplify veteran voices in the outdoor industry.