Disabled troops with life changing disabilities face emotional hardships that are just as destructive as any physical disability. Currently, the military healthcare system is unable to meet all of the demands of the wounded and their families. Homelessness, lack of occupational opportunities, alcoholism, and divorce are a few of the issues the wounded warriors experience once they attempt to integrate back into American society.

Many service members and their families face extreme emotional, mental physical challenges during the many years recovering from their wounds. Many spouses are forced to quit their jobs to become primary caregivers for their injured husbands or wives. Today, divorce rates amongst wounded troops are higher than ever. Reports indicate close to 19,000 children have had a parent injured in the military since September 11, 2001.

The WBWF is doing all it can to support these American heroes. The WBWF camp will be designed specifically for injured veterans and their families, using Mother Nature's natural elements to promote a positive recovery and give these families the opportunity to explore their potential while trying things they thought were impossible. Thanks to support from donors, ground is expected to be broken for the campsite in 2009.

The Cove area embodies a secluded site nestled in southern Virginia. The area is full of winding pine-top trails underneath a clear blue sky, bustling wildlife, and scenic areas including more than eight miles of the beautiful Staunton River. This is where NASCAR champ and conservationist, Ward Burton, would spend days living off the land during his childhood.

The Cove will be an outdoor retreat for wounded troops and their families, full of activities focused on building camaraderie and confidence and stronger family bonds. Not only will troops try many different outdoor activities, they will be guided by professionals selected for their expertise, training and military background. Our promise to our wounded warriors, their families and to patriotic donors - we will provide a safe haven for emotional, mental and physical reprise.

Participants will hunt, camp, canoe, hike, swim, and play together, recharging the family unit and camaraderie, escaping the burdens of day to day life and rehabilitation amongst the beautiful scenery and peace found at The Cove. Severely injured veterans, many blind, burned, paralyzed or with prosthetics, will participate in a wide range of activities they once believed were impossible.

Cabins will house troops while a proposed main house, rich with information on conservation and military history, will be the gathering place for meals, socialization, group counseling sessions and team-building activities, led by trained professionals and volunteers. While Camping at The Cove, injured service members will discover that no matter your physical limitations, the severity of broken bodies or broken hearts, that when living in harmony with nature and each other, anything is possible.

Camping at The Cove depends on the tax-deductible donations and financial support of corporate America, foundations and the hundreds of thousands of patriotic individual donors to lend financial support to our wounded war heroes and their families. We also need volunteers, medical professionals and camp counselors to donate their time to meet with wounded war heroes during their time at The Cove. To give back to someone who's given so much for our country, please contact us.

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