The Outdoor Wellness Adventure is the foundation of the program’s success. Through shared survival, challenges, and accomplishments, participants build deep trust, creating a system of vulnerability and accountability. This camaraderie drives commitment, ensuring they show up physically and mentally, not just for themselves, but for those they’ve come to care about. As a result, over 90% of participants complete the full 14-week journey, overcoming every challenge not simply to earn a graduation certificate, but to earn ownership of their mental health and the ability to lead themselves and others again.

After the Outdoor Wellness Adventure, the journey continues for 13 weeks, focused on training the brain and body through Functional Mental Health. Using the latest research and evidence, participants practice simple, repeatable behaviors that are proven to improve emotional regulation, connection, motivation, and overall well-being. When these systems are out of balance, people often experience anxiety, depression, isolation, and burnout. By learning how daily behaviors directly influence mental health, participants gain practical tools to take control of how they feel and how they show up in their lives.

Three times a week, participants meet as a trusted team for guided sessions using the 23V Recon Playbook. Each session includes a focused 30-minute discussion followed by purposeful homework that reinforces accountability, builds resilience, and turns insight into lasting habits. Additional emphasis is placed on mindfulness, managing emotions, and improving communication, skills that strengthen relationships and support long-term mental health.

To prepare the brain for learning, every session begins with a 60-minute coached workout. While this is not a fitness program, intentional movement plays a critical role in mental growth. Research shows that physical activity primes the brain for learning, improves focus and emotional balance, and increases the ability to absorb and apply new behaviors. By combining movement, guided discussion, and real-world practice, participants build sustainable habits that support clarity, connection, and a healthier, more meaningful life.

Trauma recovery is a two-step process. First, the nervous system is gradually exposed to trauma-related thoughts and memories in a controlled way. Second, and just as critical, the brain can relearn that those same triggers no longer signal danger. Many approaches focus primarily on exposure. 23V Recon is intentionally designed to support the full process by emphasizing fear reassociation through real-world experience.

Within a trusted team environment, participants intentionally engage with common service-related triggers in settings that are safe, supportive, and positive. Over time, this process can help the brain replace automatic fear responses with a greater sense of control and safety. Through semi-weekly community experience events, participants have the opportunity to gradually re-enter environments that once felt overwhelming. Graduates who previously avoided public spaces may find themselves more comfortable attending family outings, visiting restaurants or malls, and participating in community events. Parents who once struggled in crowds may experience increased ease navigating busy environments, such as shopping or moving through public spaces with their children.

Who Can Apply
23V Recon is open to anyone who has experienced trauma during their service in public safety, including military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and EMS.

How to Apply
• Find your city and submit an application.
• If your city is not currently available, complete the interest form and our team will contact you when a program opens in your area.
• If you have someone in mind who would benefit from the program, you may submit a nomination on their behalf.

Commitment to the Program
Participation in 23V Recon requires full commitment. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the full cost of the program, valued at $7,200 per participant, is covered. We honor that investment by asking each participant to fully commit to the process for all 14 weeks.

Participants agree to follow these core expectations throughout the program:

Show Up
Attend all scheduled sessions, events, and activities on time and prepared to participate. Consistency matters.

Substance-Free Participation
Remain free from alcohol and all non-prescribed substances, including marijuana, for the full duration of the program.

Positive, Solution-Focused Mindset
Complaining, persistent negativity, or behavior that undermines the group experience is not permitted.

No War Stories
Graphic or detailed retelling of past traumatic experiences is not allowed. The focus is on forward progress.

No News or Current Events
News, politics, and current events are not discussed during sessions or program activities.

Active Participation
Engage fully in discussions, exercises, and experiences. Growth requires participation.

Complete the Work
Complete all assigned homework, reflections, and accountability tasks as directed.

Mutual Respect and Confidentiality
Treat all participants, staff, and facilitators with respect. What is shared within the group stays within the group.

These expectations create the structure, accountability, and psychological safety necessary for meaningful growth and lasting change.