2027 Unbroken Spirit Veteran Program applications are open

What if your next mission could help you discover a renewed sense of purpose, strengthen your connection with other Veterans and prepare you to lead and serve in your community?

Unbroken Spirit invites Veterans to take that next step through a free, yearlong program built around challenge, personal growth, connection and service.

Founded by Veterans for Veterans, Unbroken Spirit brings participants together for a journey that extends far beyond a single outdoor adventure. Across three phases, participants build new skills, challenge themselves, develop meaningful relationships and continue their growth long after the in-person experience ends.

Three phases. One journey.

Phase I: Prepare

The journey begins at home with 12 weeks of virtual leadership and personal development training. Veterans work with their team to strengthen their body, mind and spirit while learning practical tools for personal growth and leadership.

Phase II: Challenge

This is where Veterans put their preparation into action.

For wilderness backpacking expedition teams, Veterans spend six days in the mountains of western North Carolina. They hike, camp, work as a team and face challenges together.

For Veterans living with physical disabilities, our adaptive sports team travels to the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. The week includes adaptive winter sports and outdoor activities designed to challenge participants, build confidence and expand what they believe is possible.

Phase III: Continue

The journey does not end when Veterans return home. Through mentorship, continued training, community engagement and service, Veterans stay connected with their teams while putting what they learned into practice.

As one Veteran shared:

“The experience of hiking the Appalachian Trail alongside fellow Veterans is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Unbroken Spirit reminded me that resilience doesn’t mean going it alone. For the first time in a long time, I was surrounded by people who understood service, sacrifice and perseverance. It reminded me that I don’t have to walk every difficult road by myself.”

2027 Programs

Adaptive Sports Team | Team 1-27 Jan. 6-Sept. 29, 2027 Phase II: March 19-25, Park City, Utah

Summer Wilderness Backpacking Team | Team 2-27 April 7, 2027-March 31, 2028 Phase II: June 15-20, western North Carolina

Fall Wilderness Backpacking Team | Team 3-27 Aug. 4, 2027-June 30, 2028 Phase II: Oct. 12-17, western North Carolina

There is no cost to Veterans. If you are a Veteran looking for a challenge, meaningful connection and a renewed sense of purpose, this could be your next mission.

Applications are open. Space is limited, so apply today!

Apply today

Learn more about the Unbroken Spirit difference.

YouTube: See the journeys of past Unbroken Spirit teams and what you can experience. Facebook Instagram