Team Overland is a nonprofit in Southern Oregon that hosts free guided overland adventures to Veteran families with the help of Kick-Ass Military Supporters to reintegrate Veterans by sharing campfires, friendship, and the overland adventure lifestyle.
From August 10-17, 2024, Team Overland conducted an 8-day overland adventure from the Southern Oregon Coast to Big Sur. This week-long expedition covered nearly 3,000 miles and included camping at the Chetco River, Usal Beach, Dillon Beach, White Stag Leadership Academy Camp near Big Sur, Lake Sonoma, and finally an epic campsite among the towering Redwoods in Northern California.
The trip was partially funded by a $3,200 grant from the Overland Expo Foundation. By receiving this grant, Team Overland creates a meaningful and impactful experience that helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life through outdoor adventures, promote mental wellness, build community, and strengthen support networks. The funding directly supports these initiatives by covering the costs associated with organizing and facilitating these key events.
Overcoming Challenges
The original trip was planned for Eastern Oregon, however, extreme fire danger and red flag warnings made traveling in that area nearly impossible. These hazards forced Team Overland to abandon their original plan and quickly pivot to a new route along the coastal ranges. This abrupt shift required significant effort and flexibility from TO’s team and registered guests. It was a valuable lesson that even the best laid plans sometimes don’t work out.
Despite the last minute changes, the trip was a great success, with 12 guests participating, all of whom were supported by 9 dedicated Team Overland Volunteer Guides. This extended adventure allowed for deeper connections, personal growth, and memorable experiences that align perfectly with Team Overland’s mission to support Veterans’ reintegration through meaningful outdoor activities.
This project served a diverse group of individuals ranging in age from as young as 8 months to their early 50s. The participants included Veterans, Active Duty Military members, Guardsmen, Reservists, and their families, encompassing a broad spectrum of the military community. The group also represented a mix of military parents, military children, and other family members, highlighting the project’s inclusive approach to supporting the entire military family.
Positive Impacts
This project helped build a regionally focused network of support by bringing together Veterans, Active Duty Military members, Guardsmen, Reservists, and their families from Southern and Central Oregon. By connecting individuals who live in the same geographic area, the adventure fostered friendships and relationships that go beyond the duration of the trips themselves.
Participants formed bonds during the 8-day overland adventure that continue to grow once they returned home, creating a lasting sense of community and support. These connections offer a network of local friends and allies who understand each other’s unique experiences and challenges. The shared experiences on the trip provided a foundation for ongoing camaraderie, encouraging participants to meet up, plan future adventures, and support one another in their day-to-day lives.
This network strengthens the community as a whole by creating enduring relationships that transcend the boundaries of any single trip. It encourages participants to remain engaged with both the overland and military communities, fostering resilience, mental wellness, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the confines of the journey. By focusing regionally, the project maximizes the potential for these connections to thrive, ultimately building a stronger, more connected community.
From Strangers to family
One of the most memorable moments of the 8-day overland adventure came from the unexpected challenges and celebrations that truly brought the group together, turning a group of strangers into a family. Midway through the trip, a trailer broke down on a remote trail, and instead of letting it derail their plans, everyone jumped in to help. With some creative thinking, teamwork, and plenty of hands, they managed to come up with a makeshift trailside fix, using whatever tools and materials they had on hand. It was a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of overlanding—finding solutions, working together, and embracing the journey, no matter what obstacles come your way.
But it wasn’t just the challenges that bonded the group; it was also the joy of shared celebrations. During the adventure, Team Overland celebrated two separate birthdays, each complete with cake at camp. The group came together to make these celebrations special, with everyone pitching in to create a festive atmosphere under the stars. There was plenty of laughter and shared stories around the campfire, making those birthday moments unforgettable for everyone involved.
These moments of creativity, problem-solving, and celebration turned their trip into more than just an adventure—it created a sense of family and community that will last long after the journey ended. It reminded everyone that the heart of overlanding is not just the miles we travel but the connections we make along the way.
Get Involved
For more information about Team Overland and their overland adventures for Veteran families with the help of Kick-Ass Military Supporters to reintegrate Veterans by sharing campfires, friendship, and the overland adventure lifestyle visit their website: https://www.teamoverland.org/.
*All photos curtesy of Team Overland