Nonprofit Launched Veteran Outdoor Adventure Program

The 501(c)(3) organization provides fully funded trips to veterans and first responders, expanding the niche sector.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Military Jobs

Isometric editorial illustration of a stylized, sharp-peaked mountain range in muted tones, representing the infrastructure of outdoor support resources. — Battlefield to Backwoods Veteran Outdoors launched in January 2025 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing funded outdoor excursions for veterans and first responders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust specialized nonprofit groups to provide effective mental health support for local veterans?

Battlefield to Backwoods Veteran Outdoors began operations on January 1, 2025, after receiving 501(c)(3) status in November 2024. The organization facilitates outdoor adventure trips funded entirely by community partners for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.

Why it matters

These services aim to improve participant mental health and camaraderie, while the expansion of online resource directories like US Vet Connect helps centralize access to these specialized support programs. Growing these networks relies on ongoing donation-based funding for operations and technology.

Battlefield to Backwoods Veteran Outdoors serves 248 individuals across 11 states, tracking toward a goal of 250 participants. Meanwhile, the National Veterans Outdoor Resource Hub now lists 270 organizations, up from an initial 100, with plans to reach 500 vetted groups.

The players

Joel Burdett

The operator of Battlefield to Backwoods Veteran Outdoors who manages outdoor adventure trips for veterans.

Theresa Walters

The maintainer of the National Veterans Outdoor Resource Hub, an online directory for veteran-focused programs.

Battlefield to Backwoods Veteran Outdoors

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing outdoor activities for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.

US Vet Connect

An organization that operates the National Veterans Outdoor Resource Hub to consolidate access to free outdoor programs.

The details

The nonprofit model leverages 100% community-funded support to cover travel and logistics for outdoor excursions. The National Veterans Outdoor Resource Hub, managed by US Vet Connect, uses donations to maintain its online directory and handle technology infrastructure. Both entities operate by aggregating resources to lower the barrier for veterans to engage in outdoor activities, focusing on scaling access through centralized, vetted platforms.

November 2024: The organization received IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
January 1, 2025: The organization officially began operations.
2025: Planned activity year for the organization serving 248 individuals.

Market Landscape

This development follows the trend of consolidating niche veteran service providers into searchable digital platforms to improve accessibility. The sector is seeing increased coordination between localized adventure programs and national directories to scale participant reach.

Operators in the veteran services sector should track the scalability of donor-funded operational models as these directories expand their lists. Monitoring the growth of these resource hubs can help identify potential partner organizations for collaborative programming or outreach.

The takeaway

The success of these programs depends on the consistent growth of vetting directories and the availability of community-sourced funding. Organizations should monitor the expansion of the National Veterans Outdoor Resource Hub as a signal for potential collaboration and sector-wide growth.