During Memorial Day weekend Team Overland took 16 families on a two-night adventure through the stunning landscape of Southern Oregon and Northern California. The trail systems selected provided the perfect balance of challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the majestic high cascades, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
A $2,500 grant from the Overland Expo Foundation enabled Team Overland to organize a remarkable expedition that brought together individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and adventure. The grant not only covered the essential expenses but also made the trip accessible to Veterans, military supporters, and their families, providing them with an opportunity for reintegration, connection, and healing.
Team Overland Trips
From the very beginning, Team Overland has deliberately included those who have served and individuals who have not served to join on trips and actively participate as guides and leaders within the organization. This inclusive approach has made a genuine impact in successfully reintegrating Veterans into their communities after their service. Team Overland understands that achieving true integration necessitates bridging the gap between those who have served and those who have not. Through their experiences, Team Overland has found that the overland lifestyle provides an ideal setting, blending adventure and remoteness, which facilitates the development of trust and connections.
Team Overland caters all meals and provides all gear to foster even deeper connections and create lasting relationships. This allows guests to relax, socialize and immerse themselves in the wilderness without concerns about food or equipment. Team Overland takes pride in their ability to create a supportive environment that encourages social interaction while respecting the beauty of nature. By offering carefully curated experiences and removing any barriers that might hinder enjoyment, they strive to make each moment on the trip truly memorable.
Overlanding Responsibly
As responsible stewards of the outdoors, Team Overland actively teaches and promotes Leave No Trace principles to their guests, aiming to raise awareness and instill a sense of environmental responsibility. They emphasize the significance of leaving nature untouched, both during the journey and beyond. The guides strive to create a culture of respect and mindfulness toward the environment by demonstrating and explaining these principles.
Team Overland packs out all their trash and actively seeks opportunities to leave trail systems and campsites in better condition than they found them. These actions aim to inspire their guests and others to follow suit, creating a positive ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate group. By integrating the Leave No Trace principles into their operations and fostering a mindset of environmental stewardship, they hope to preserve and protect the natural landscapes we explore. A shared goal with the Overland Expo Foundation is to leave a positive and lasting impact, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these pristine environments as we do today.
"We are immensely grateful for [the Overland Expo Foundation's] commitment to our cause and your belief in the transformative power of overlanding. Your contribution not only made this trip possible but also had a lasting impact on the lives of our participants. The connections formed, the memories made, and the personal growth experienced by each individual are testaments to the significance of your support."
Overlanding with a Purpose
As the trips concluded, guides and guests witnessed the transformative power of shared experiences. Veterans gained a renewed sense of how they can rely on the support of the civilian-military supporter community, while the military supporters themselves found a profound sense of purpose in serving Veteran families, viewing it as a meaningful way to give back. By ensuring a balanced ratio of Veterans to military supporters, Team Overland knows they have achieved a crucial objective in bridging these communities and fostering a mutually beneficial environment.
Visit the Team Overland site to learn about upcoming trips or to make a donation: https://www.teamoverland.org/
