Veteran and Active Duty Programs

“Semper Fi Odyssey is not a Marine-oriented program, although I’ve employed the motto of the Corps in its title. Semper Fidelis means ‘always faithful,’ and this is the best descriptor of a group of programs oriented on warriors of all services and their families (be they veteran or active-duty service members). We have been blessed beyond measure to serve these very special people, touching many lives for over a decade. The lessons learned regarding the scientific underpinnings of resiliency via the Semper Fi Odyssey retreats- 81 at present date- have now been incorporated in all of Outdoor Odyssey’s programs and have utility for individuals and groups throughout America.”

-Major General T.S. Jones, USMC (ret)

Semper Fi Odyssey: Retreats

During a week-long retreat, participants work in small teams, led by a seasoned veteran in an effort to craft a plan for the future. All activities focus on the development of realistic, near-term goals that leverage warriors’ unique experiences while addressing obstacles that must be overcome. Central to everything undertaken during the week-long session is the creation of trust between warriors and their team leaders, paving the way for follow-on work when participants return to their home communities.

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Designed for: Wounded, injured, and ill retired and active duty (transitioning to civilian life) service men and women.

Next retreat: Stay tuned for next program dates!

What to expect: High adventure activities, instructional sessions in leadership philosophies, and classes about resiliency and window of tolerance for stress designed specifically to aide in the transition from active duty to civilian life.

How to register: Contact your case manager through the Semper Fi Fund or local VA center.

Semper Fi Odyssey: Military Youth Camp

Since 9/11, many service members have deployed to combat multiple times. Family members are affected by repeated periods of family separation and the stressors that come with combat operations. Over the past ten years, we have held summer camps for children of service members that resemble our signature mentoring program for Western Pennsylvania schools. Outdoor Odyssey has had several summer counselors come from these programs, and we hope to have more in the future.

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Designed for: Children of veterans or active duty service members.

• Mentors/Junior Mentors: Students ages 14-18

• Campers: Students ages 9-13

What to expect: High adventure activities paired with lessons in leadership and team building that transfer to everyday life. Build lifelong relationships and a support system of people with shared experiences to continue beyond your time at camp.

How to register: Check back soon for the application for summer 2024.

Cost: We are proud to be strongly supported by Semper Fi & America’s Fund, TC Open Charitable Foundation & private donors to provide this experience at no cost to families.

semper fi odyssey: Mobile training teams

In support of Outdoor Odyssey’s international mentoring efforts, past participants, team leaders and other supporters of Semper Fi Odyssey Retreats have worked with Outdoor Odyssey staff members to form Mobile Training Teams. These teams set out with the objective of impacting disenfranchised children in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and Swaziland. This serves as a great vehicle for warriors to overcome a variety of challenges faced in their transition to civilian life.

"Outdoor Odyssey and Semper Fi Odyssey provide an invaluable contribution to our community’s health and wellbeing by teaching a resilience-building skillset that helps us to better navigate our own challenges. Their wonderful programming and outstanding staff are dedicated to team-building, collaboration, connection, and learning how to heal ourselves to reach our full potential."

-Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD
Board Certified Psychiatrist & Neuroscientist
Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Apollo Neuroscience
Executive Director, The Board of Medicine