Golf Camps

Next 18 Wellness Camps

A Day-by-Day Experience

Day 1: Setting the Foundation

The first day begins with introductions, grounding participants in a supportive and welcoming environment. After meeting fellow participants and our dedicated staff, the group participates in orientation activities that set expectations for the camp. The day includes:

• PGA-Caliber Golf Lessons: Participants receive professional instruction from local PGA pros, covering fundamentals and individual goals.
• Mindfulness and Breathwork: Yoga and breathing exercises are introduced to center participants and foster mindfulness.
• Introduction to Mental Wellness Modules: Participants learn about resilience and the concept of moral injury, preparing them for deeper work in the days ahead.

Day 2: Building Skills and Connections

On the second day, participants dive deeper into both golf and mental wellness.

• Golf Instruction and play: PGA professionals guide participants through advanced techniques, and the group plays golf, emphasizing focus, patience, and camaraderie on the course.
• Mental Health Resources: Workshops address developmental trauma, moral injury, stress relief strategies, and mindfulness exercises.
• Small Group Processing: Led by trained facilitators, small group sessions provide a safe space to discuss personal experiences, encouraging openness and mutual support.

Day 3: Deepening Resilience and Peer Support

By the third day, participants have built trust within the group, paving the way for deeper work and connection.

• Golf Play and Skill Application: Participants engage in group bonding through play allowing participants to apply skills and practice mental focus.
• Resilience and Sleep Education: Sessions led by mental health professionals provide practical strategies for enhancing resilience and improving sleep, which are essential for long-term wellness.
• Alumni Peer Support: Next 18 alumni share their experiences and offer support, demonstrating the strength of community beyond camp.

Day 4: Reflection and Moving Forward

The final day is a time for participants to reflect on what they’ve learned, solidify their connections, and prepare to bring these tools into their everyday lives.

• Closing 18-Hole Play: The camp concludes with a relaxed 9-hole round, fostering camaraderie and providing a positive, team-based experience.
• Closing Circle and Reflections: The group comes together for a closing discussion, reflecting on the progress made and setting intentions for the future.
• Peer Community and Resources: Participants are introduced to Next 18’s ongoing peer community, providing connections, resources, and continued support after camp.

A Lasting Impact

Next 18’s golf camps offer a unique blend of PGA-level instruction, mental health resources, and peer support, empowering first responders and veterans to build resilience, find healing, and foster lifelong connections in a compassionate and encouraging environment.

As a newer nonprofit, we’re thrilled to offer golf, professional lessons, meals, mental wellness resources, and, for our overnight wellness camps, lodging—all at no cost to our participants. However, some elements of the experience, such as caddie fees (at select courses that require caddies) and transportation costs, are not yet fully covered by our current funding.

Our goal is to cover all aspects of camp in the future, and we’re working toward that every day. Thank you for your understanding as we grow to fully support each part of this transformative experience.

Disclaimer: Next 18’s wellness camps provide mental wellness resources and support but do not offer treatment or diagnosis of mental health conditions. During our intake process, certain diagnoses or individual cases may be determined as not suitable for our program to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. We encourage all applicants to have an open mind and be ready to participate fully within the scope of our offerings.