Ti Trosper, a Navy Veteran, shares her No Barriers experience.

I wish to provide this testimonial as perhaps a unique perspective. I come from the lens of someone who does not consider themselves “outdoorsy” at all. I live in a suburban home and area, I order my groceries for delivery to my door, and I prefer my computer-based life over going to the park. I enjoy fancy dinners and bars, and I don’t go to the beach unless it’s someone’s explicit wish for their birthday or some other exemplary reason. I hate a port-a-potty, and I can’t remember the last time I took a break from social media for more than a day.

I know many of the people who apply [to No Barriers Warriors Programs] as Veterans have had training or active duty periods in real-life scenarios where they spent nights outside, camping, rucking, eating MREs (Meals – Ready to Eat – a self-contained, lightweight meal that’s designed to sustain people during heavy activity when normal food service isn’t available), and doing intense bouts of physically challenging things. That wasn’t me.

When I was active duty, I saw and did plenty of things, but none of which took me to scenarios at all like those I experienced during my No Barriers back country trek.

In my cohort there were a number of participants who had so much outdoor experience, from both the military and their hobbies or civilian life. And, I won’t lie, I felt a bit inadequate compared to them. I couldn’t start a fire on my own. I didn’t even know how to properly brush my teeth or go to the bathroom in the woods without having to get a step-by-step explanation from a guide.

During the course of our time together, though, I can attest to the fact I have never felt more supported. Our group (aka Rope Team) of Veterans and No Barriers Guides were so comforting. They helped me feel safe in the face of physical, emotional and mental obstacles. They made me laugh even when I was exhausted or in pain. They let me be included and helped me feel valuable by shining light on my strengths and sending me positivity at every turn. Our group opened up to each other and helped heal parts of ourselves.

Truth be told, I barely noticed being unplugged from my social media accounts for the week, and when it was time to turn my phone back on, I almost felt a sense of fear and dread to having to come back to the pace of life.

I came home to my city life, and I love it. I enjoy the simplicity and ease of going to the fridge to grab a snack and sleeping in my own bed. I also recognize and appreciate the gratitude that comes from having been cold, feeling hunger, being exhausted, feeling insecure and scared – all of which I was reminded of during our trek.

Even though I know I don’t have any desire to spend my weekends hiking or camping, I can realistically say the trip changed me..and all for good.

Even if you’re someone, like me, who may never do it again, do it this once. Simply experience the experience if nothing else, and you will come out of it with more than you anticipate.

I met people who inspired me, made new and interesting friends, saw beautiful scenery, and challenged myself in ways I would not ever try outside of this program.

From start to finish, the No Barriers team was organized, efficient and showed so much care for the participants. I cannot recommend this experience enough.