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
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

USPSA Shotgun 1
USPSA Shotgun 1

Kicking Off The 2025 USPSA Shotgun Season

USPSA opens 2025 Shotgun Series, marking a historic shift to performance-based team selection for the 2026 World Shoot in Greece.

Upgrading Your Firearms With LOK Grips

LOK Grips’ Thin Bogies: slim, grippy and built for control.

Share Your Local Match Results With Shooting Sports USA

Want your match results in Shooting Sports USA? Submit Score Sheets with full details, photos and a great story.

Looking Back At The 2016 NRA Intercollegiate Pistol Championship

In 2016, Ohio State won its third straight NRA Pistol title; West Point’s Schanz and North Dakota State’s Townsend led standout performances at Ft. Benning.

Small But Mighty: Mount Aloysius College Rifle Team

Mount Aloysius College rifle team caps off its rookie year as MAC champions.

Windy Conditions Challenge Competitors At CMP 2025 High Power Long-Range Warm-Up

The 2025 CMP High Power Long-Range Warm-Up saw more than 60 shooters battle gusty winds and fierce competition across multiple rifle classes.

Interests



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