Camp Freedom Is Making A Difference For Disabled Veterans With Free Outdoor Adventures

At Camp Freedom in northeastern Pennsylvania, outdoor adventures and camaraderie can restore hope, purpose and mission in the lives of disabled veterans and first responders.

by
posted on September 28, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Campfreedom 1
Camp Freedom provides outdoor adventures for diabled veterans and first responders.
Camp Freedom

Camp Freedom, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Carbondale, Pa., is making a difference in the lives of disabled veterans and first responders.

Since October 2018 with 49 initial guests, Camp Freedom has extended its support to more than 7,000 disabled veterans, first responders and their families, along with Gold Star families, all hailing from more than 40 states.

camp freedom
The property at Camp Freedom spans 2,350 acres, including two fishing ponds and 2½ miles of access to the Lackawanna River. Northeastern Pennsylvania wildlife such as whitetail deer, black bear, turkey, grouse, coyote, fox and waterfowl are also present.

 

Guests and donors from across the United States have visited Camp Freedom in northeastern Pennsylvania seeking the physical and spiritual peace that can be found in the outdoors. With 2,350 acres available on the property located on the Lackawanna River, they can shoot, hunt, fish, hike, bike and walk, along with many other outdoor activities. Essentially, it’s a year-round adventure camp for American heroes.

At Camp Freedom, these American heroes can experience the joys of the outdoors safely, while simultaneously receiving the life healing benefits of outdoor activities with people who care deeply about them. The camaraderie found participating in outdoor activities with others can be life changing for those who have become isolated.

Visits to Camp Freedom are free for guests. An incredible 94.7 percent of each dollar donated to Camp Freedom goes towards its healing mission. Strong financial support, plus a solid volunteer corps, are both key to maintaining this tremendous pace.

The founder of Camp Freedom, NRA Board Member Bill Bachenberg said, “Due to donor and supporter generosity, our guests never pay to utilize Camp Freedom. The unyielding dedication of our volunteers, who have selflessly contributed more than 17,775 hours since our inception, forms the very bedrock upon which Camp Freedom thrives. Their efforts ensure the delivery of exceptional healing experiences to our cherished guests.”

Camp Freedom rifle shooting
Camp Freedom’s mission is to help American heroes overcome life’s difficulties.

 

Last year, Camp Freedom received a $1 million grant from the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which is administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

Earlier this month, Camp Freedom held its first Never Forget 9/11 Golf Tournament, which honored the brave men and women who served on September 11th. All proceeds from the event went to Camp Freedom in support of its mission.

An upcoming fundraiser for Camp Freedom will be the fifth edition of GunFest, to be held Saturday, November 18, at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays in Coplay, Pa. In addition to the barbeque dinner and main event gun raffle, there will be a live auction, a silent auction and several individual raffles.

Learn more about Camp Freedom at campfreedompa.org.

Latest

2026 NRASBR 3 P Results Lede
2026 NRASBR 3 P Results Lede

Erin Gestl Erases Four-Point Deficit to Win NRA Smallbore Three-Position Championship

Erin Gestl overturns a four-point deficit on any sight day to win the 2026 NRA National Smallbore Three-Position Championship with 2360-137X.

USPSA Executive Director Alan Turner on Building for the Future

USPSA Executive Director Alan Turner, II, details new bylaws, a CTO promotion and a formal Nationals selection process supporting record growth.

Dewar International Match: A Rivalry Fought by Mail for 100 Years

A 1952 photo highlights that year’s Dewar Team, a U.S.-Britain smallbore rivalry fought entirely by mail since 1909 and still contested today.

Team Winchester/White Flyer’s DeMichiel Wins FITASC Title at NSCA North Central Regional

Kevin DeMichiel took the FITASC title and finished runner-up in both the Main Event and Five-Stand at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional.

Palmyra Duo Takes High Junior Title and a Pair of Ruger 10/22s at NRA Smallbore 3-Position Nationals

Rain, wind and razor-thin margins mark team day at the 2026 NRA Smallbore 3-P Nationals.

Walton County Sweeps 2026 Daisy BB Gun Nationals

Violet Combs tops an all-girl podium and Walton County posts a perfect team test score to sweep the 59th Daisy BB Gun Nationals.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.