The Overland Expo Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of a $7,500 grant to Mind Over Land for their Trips for Veterans. These trips will take veterans to trails and off-roading locations throughout the East Coast, offering a combination of off-roading adventures, camping, training on proper overlanding techniques, Tread Lightly principles, and community-building activities. Each trip will provide a safe, supportive environment where veterans can connect with peers, gain new skills, and benefit from the therapeutic aspects of spending time in nature.
ABOUT Mind Over Land
Mind Over Land is a nonprofit organization (founded by Veterans for Veterans) dedicated to supporting veterans by providing therapeutic outdoor experiences through off-road camping trips. They say that they help Vets disconnect to reconnect with like-minded individuals who have been through similar situations. Their mission is to help veterans reconnect with nature, build community bonds, and find respite from the mental health challenges they may face after their service. Since their founding in 2021, they have focused on breaking down the barriers that keep veterans isolated, offering opportunities for them to leave the confines of their homes and engage in meaningful outdoor activities.
The Impact
Mind Over Land not only supports veterans but also significantly contributes to the overland community by promoting responsible and sustainable off-roading practices. Their trips emphasize the Tread Lightly principles, ensuring that every participant understands the importance of minimizing their environmental impact while exploring and enjoying public lands. This commitment is integrated into every trip, where veterans receive hands-on training and education about preserving the trails and respecting natural habitats.
In addition to training veterans, they actively engage in trail maintenance and land stewardship efforts. Each trip includes dedicated time for cleaning up national forests and other public lands, ensuring that their overlanding activities leave these areas better than we found them. By incorporating these conservation efforts, they aim to set a positive example within the overland community, demonstrating that outdoor adventure can be harmoniously balanced with environmental responsibility.
They also provide comprehensive training on proper overlanding techniques, including safe and effective winching methods, chainsaw usage, navigation skills, and other essential practices that promote safety and respect for the environment. By equipping veterans with these skills, they not only enhance their overlanding experience but also contribute to the broader community by developing knowledgeable and responsible overlanders who carry these principles forward in their own outdoor adventures.
Learn more about Mind Over Land
For more information about Mind Over Land and positively impacting Veteran lives through outdoor exploration, visit their website: www.mindoverland.org.