HARRISON — From Aug. 15–18, more than 20 disabled veterans and their families will come together in Harrison, for a long weekend filled with connection, community, and outdoor adventure. Maine Adaptive’s Veterans No Boundaries (VNB) Summer Camp will take place at a new location this year, Fernwood Cove on Island Pond, offering a classic Maine summer camp setting. The program is offered at no cost to disabled veterans and their families.

The weekend delivers a classic Maine summer camp experience – thoughtfully adapted for disabled veterans – with activities like paddling, cycling, fishing, intuitive horsemanship, climbing, laser rifle shooting, and evenings around the campfire. Each activity is designed to foster healing, joy, and connection for veterans and their loved ones. For some participants, it’s a long-awaited return to sports they enjoyed before their injuries, creating the opportunity to share those moments with family members and fellow veterans.

“Our goal is to give veterans and their families a chance to reconnect, recharge, and experience the outdoors together,” said Amy Bannon, Maine Adaptive’s Executive Director. “For many, this is the first time they’re able to try an activity together since a life-changing injury or illness.”

For retired Air Force Captain David Coombs, the impact of the program has been deeply personal.

“The Veterans No Boundaries program through Maine Adaptive has provided me with so many opportunities to experience adaptive sports – skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, pickleball, and adaptive cycling – all within my capabilities, yet I didn’t know until I got the chance to try,” said Coombs.

“I may not have accomplished these things without the amazing support of the staff. The Veterans No Boundaries camps have been vital to improving my mental and physical health and have helped me grow as a person. I’ve learned new skills and most importantly tested my own limits while enjoying the company of fellow veterans and, in many cases, with the support of my spouse and son.”

The Veterans No Boundaries program, first established in 2004 by Maine Adaptive and its dedicated community members, was created to bring wounded veterans together and provide the tools and confidence to be active once again. What began with just three participants has grown into a highly regarded program, now reaching more than 20 veterans and their families each season. The summer camp in Harrison serves as one of two signature veterans gatherings hosted annually by Maine Adaptive.

The program is offered at no cost to participants, thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who believe in the power of recreation to heal and inspire.

For more information or to arrange a visit during the camp, contact Mary Scanlon at 207-418-4787 or [email protected].