Trailhead Strategies Group

Trailhead Strategies Group Empowering Veterans, Strengthening Communities, Elevating the Outdoors

We’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes to make the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit experience even better; ...
05/29/2026

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 we...
05/27/2026

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...
05/20/2026

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 B...
05/06/2026

** 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 acc...
05/05/2026

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 li...
05/04/2026

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...
05/02/2026

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.

We’re proud to announce our Keynote Speaker for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit: Ben Davis, Executive Director, V...
05/01/2026

We’re proud to announce our Keynote Speaker for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit: Ben Davis, Executive Director, Veteran’s Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOAG).

A former U.S. Navy SEAL, Ben leads VOAG’s efforts to expand access to outdoor recreation as a pathway to veteran health and well being.

His work has helped shape national policy, contributing to the EXPLORE Act, COMPACT Act, and the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, while advancing recommendations through the Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to improve funding, coordination, and access nationwide.

Ben brings a powerful perspective and his work sits at the intersection of leadership, lived experience, and systems level impact; exactly the perspective needed to move this movement forward.

We’re excited to share a new lodging partnership for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit with Jordanelle State Park.S...
04/24/2026

We’re excited to share a new lodging partnership for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit with Jordanelle State Park.

Since this summit is all about outdoor recreation, we wanted to offer an option that truly fits the experience. Guests will be able to reserve camping, cabins, and tiny homes as part of this partnership; giving you the chance to stay immersed in the outdoors throughout the event.

More details on how to reserve your spot are coming soon, but in the meantime, you can explore lodging options via their website.

Stay close to the action, connect with fellow attendees, and make the most of your summit experience.

The schedule is LIVE for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit3 Days, One mission, Powerful impact!This is more than an...
04/23/2026

The schedule is LIVE for the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit

3 Days, One mission, Powerful impact!

This is more than an event; it’s about bringing veterans together, building community, and using the outdoors as a tool for healing and purpose.

Tag someone who needs to be here 👇🏼

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Durango, CO
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