Semper Fi Fund and NOC introduce service members to the outdoors

Press release from the Nantahala Outdoors Center:

WHO: Twenty-two service members from the Semper Fi Fund’s Team Semper Fi Program take on new challenges in their recoveries with the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company.

WHAT: Semper Fi Fund and Nantahala Outdoor Center inaugural outdoor pursuits camp in the scenic and peaceful Nantahala National Forest. Service members will spend three days receiving an introduction to the outdoors with an emphasis on the world-class water sports offered by the NOC. These incredible, inspiring athletes will build more than just skills at this unforgettable event — they’ll also leave with camaraderie, confidence and life-long bonds with their fellow teammates.

Day 1: Introduction to Flatwater Paddling
Day 2: Day of Hiking
Day 3: Whitewater Kayaking

WHEN: August 7–9, 2017

WHERE: Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 W Hwy 19
Bryson City, NC 28713

WHY:“Recovery Through Sport” has proven to be an ideal outlet for injured service members to hone both physical agility and mental focus, skills that are critical to navigating their recovery. Learning and practicing alongside fellow wounded service members, they can also trade stories, share strategies for coping with their injuries, and forge lasting friendships.

ABOUT THE SEMPER FI FUND: The Semper Fi Fund provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Case managers from the Semper Fi Fund work one-on-one with service members and veterans in order to understand and support their individual needs right now and throughout their lifetime. We keep our overhead low so our impact on the lives of service members and veterans is greater. The Semper Fi Fund has been awarded the highest ratings from watchdog groups: an A+ from CharityWatch – one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating last year – and six consecutive “4-Star” ratings from Charity Navigator, an achievement attained by only 3% of rated charities. Learn more at www.semperfifund.org.

ABOUT TEAM SEMPER FI: Team Semper Fi – is the heart and inspiration of the Semper Fi Fund’s Sports Program, and is an extension of the assistance we provide. The teams are made up of servicemen and women who have overcome significant challenges in their service to our country, and have embraced the fighting, athletic spirit on their road to recovery. They are an inspiration to us all, but more importantly, they are an inspiration to their fellow service members who are also recovering.

ABOUT NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER (NOC) : Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel abroad with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 22 Olympians including two Olympic Gold Medalists have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation’s Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.