David is an Army veteran who is a long-time participant in the Veterans Outdoor Program and the VETS community. He talks with Daniel about the dynamics of the long-term relationships that he formed with other program participants. Humor and pranks are David’s strong suits, matched only by his love for nature, challenging himself, and helping others. Themes: the importance of humor, supporting and mentoring each other through hard times, nature heals and grounds us, getting back to our roots, accomplishment through challenging ourselves, pranks for wellness This podcast amplifies the voices and stories of participants of the Veteran Outdoor Program, a year-round program that provides therapeutic outdoor community-bonding experiences for student veterans, military-affiliated students, and families who are a part of the Humboldt State University (HSU) Veterans Enrollment and Transition Services (VETS) population. There is no need to listen to the episodes in any particular order, please check out the episode descriptions to start with the ones that seem the most relevant for you. Episodes are uploaded in chronological order of interviews. Since 2008, the Veteran Outdoor Program has embraced the values and strived for the outcomes of adventure-based practices and wilderness therapies. Everything about this program is guided by the intention to provide support through transitions from military to civilian academic life and to nurture community relationships that form a long-term network of support. Our program events have been created to offer an experiential learning environment which has been defined as ‘a learning process that happens for an individual involved in a direct experience.’ The program provides this direct experience by arranging opportunities to embrace connections with nature and community that each person can use to build resilience in order to grow through the stressors and challenges of civilian academic life. Population data shows that this program has improved graduation rates for participants. How and why has this worked? Listen to find out! We extend a special thank you to our past and present program sponsors including HSU, Center Activities, Mt. Ashland Ski Area, Mt. Bachelor Ski and Snowboard Resort, Never Summer Industries, The Sierra Club, and Sunriver Sports. Music Credits: Frey, Glenn. (2007). You Are Not Alone [Recorded by Eagles]. On Long Road Out of Eden. Eagles Recording Co. II. Grohl, Dave. (1997). My Hero [Recorded by Foo Fighters]. On The Colour and the Shape. Roswell Records, Inc. Seger, Bob. (1998). Turn The Page [Recorded by Metallica]. On Garage Inc. Blackened Recordings. Utilized under fair use guidelines for research and educational purposes
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