Summer is here! Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a great time to plan outdoor events for veterans. Whether participating in nature-focused activities to manage stress or simply enjoying a change of scenery, spending time outdoors can benefit veterans and support their mental health.
At right, Elks set up Jenga at El Monte Veterans Village.
For Voluntary Service Representatives who are serving veterans that reside in hospitals or assisted living facilities, outdoor events can be a refreshing alternative for those who have stayed inside during the colder months. Many volunteers have reported that access to indoor events has been prevented due to covid or other sickness. Having fun outdoors can be a great way to reduce exposure and make it possible to continue gathering.
Outdoor activities may require some additional preparation. If you’re going off-site, have a plan for accessible transportation. When the weather is hot, make sure to provide shade, plenty of water, and time to rest during active events.
Some indoor activities that you already host can be easily moved outdoors. Instead of a meal in the dining hall or your Lodge, host a barbecue, picnic, or luau. Enjoy an ice cream social out in the sunshine. Rent a projector and watch a movie on a cool evening. Or, take the table games outside and make them more active with giant Jenga blocks or floor bingo.
As part of a Memorial Day event planned by Representative Ben Ortega, veterans at the El Monte Veterans Village played corn hole and Jenga outside. Ortega reported that the veterans who participated were thankful for the meal and the opportunity to share conversation outside of their rooms
At left, Voluntary Service Representative Donna Haynes at the dedication of the vegetable garden for the Clarksburg Veterans Nursing Home in West Virginia.
Gardening has been a popular project for many Voluntary Service Representatives. Part of the reason it is successful is that it can be adapted to many situations. At a transitional housing facility, there may be space to build a vegetable garden, while potted flowers or wheelchair accessible container gardening might work best at a long-term care facility.
At right, Voluntary Service Representative Daniel Halkett took outpatients from the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center out for fishing and a cookout at Lake Lehow.
If you don’t have an outdoor space to host events, take it on the road. Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature while spending time with others, if your group has the mobility to allow for this. Other outdoor activities like hunting and fishing can be made accessible with adaptive equipment or a wheelchair-ready dock.
If your group would enjoy a trip with less physical activity, try visiting a botanical garden, zoo, or outdoor concert. Summer is also the time for baseball. Take veterans to watch their favorite team and enjoy some snacks at the ballpark. Some sports teams, museums, or other attractions even offer discounted tickets for veterans.
For more Voluntary Service ideas both outdoors and inside, check out our Elks in Action: Ideas for Serving Veterans activity guide.
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