“I read an article that camping helps veterans get relief from feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation,” shares Alan Clapper, the Resident Services Coordinator at MSC’s William J. Wood Veterans House (WJW).
Alan organized a camping trip in August to test this theory. Four WJW residents, Charles, Dave, Jose, Maurice, and one lucky dog, Isha, set off with Alan for an overnight at Scenic Beach Campground. The residents were a little anxious and scared about what this trip would hold, but overall excited to head out on an adventure.
Once they had arrived and set up camp, they loved the peace and quiet being in nature brought. Fishing, ladder ball, and good talks about experiences in and out of the military were all on the agenda. There were some great neighbors they got to know and even an ice cream truck that drove around the campground in the evening. The chill of the morning air and being able to walk down to the ocean shore to just take it all in rounded out their trip.
Plans are already in the works for next time! Dave and Jose want to go for at least two nights. They also would all like to have a fire, since burn bans prevented them having that quintessential full camping experience. Alan’s hope is to expand this opportunity to more residents, including some of the families that reside at WJW!
