Wounded Warrior Project Campout Reconnects Veterans with Their Kids

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C., May 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Veterans and children reconnected by pitching tents, building campfires, riding waves, and competing to make the best s'mores during a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) beachside camping trip.

The campout put veterans and their kids in a comfortable setting that empowered them to learn additional ways to communicate during the healing process.

"It was a chance to get away – literally – from the commotion of the city and do things at our own pace," Army veteran Daniel Allums said. "It was very therapeutic to rest and relax, to chill out. It was really important for me to reconnect with my daughter. We both got a lot out of it, especially me."

Before the campout, Daniel usually talked with his daughter through text messages. Amid the rumble of waves and a campfire, they explored how to speak face-to-face, enriching their relationship.

"This event had a huge impact on us," he said. "We got to know each other."

The camping trip was one of WWP's gatherings that educates warriors and their children about additional programs and services to help in the recovery process, creates support through shared experiences, and builds camaraderie by connecting injured veterans to one another and warrior families.

After spending the night on the beach, the warriors and children learned to surf, followed by an afternoon of riding waves. The program event ended at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Warrior Sean Stewart still serves in the Army. The time with his daughter was important to their relationship.

"We bonded," he said. "It's always good when I can get quality time and do something with her, especially something we wouldn't normally do. That made it very special."

Outreach events like this support the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Connecting with fellow service members in the community minimizes isolation and improves mental outlook and health.
 

To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/, and click on multimedia.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers more than 100,000 wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project