Veterans with service-connected disabilities will have the opportunity to apply for the No Barriers Warriors 2023 backcountry expeditions and basecamp experiences starting Feb. 1.

No Barriers Warriors was developed by No Barriers, a Colorado-based nonprofit that empowers people with mental and physical difficulties to realize their full potential.

Of the several programs being offered during the 2023 season, disabled veterans can enjoy backcountry expeditions in the northern Colorado Rockies and the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina or the less physically demanding basecamp experiences in Red Feather, Colorado.

NBW Program Manager Michael Smith said the organization has made the basecamp experience as accessible as possible with the 2023 season, offering three separate four-day periods — July 6-12, Aug. 1-5 and Sept. 6-10.

Whereas backcountry expeditions involve backpacking trips covering 12 miles over three to four days, basecamps incorporate rock climbing, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting as well as hiking and a challenge course.

Helping veterans with disabilities redefine their identity, purpose and community moving forward after their service is the goal of NBW, which challenges veterans to think critically about where they are in life, where they want to be and how they can get there.

The three-phase NBW programs, whether expeditions or experiences, are geared toward learning new tools, strategies and drive to overcome barriers holding them back.

Veterans meet their new teammates and support system in phase 1, in which they also learn of the basics of a no-barrier life.

Team-building exercises and individual growth in pushing oneself comes during the basecamp experience or backcountry expedition of phase 2.

In phase 3, veterans team up with volunteer coaches who assist them in continuing their journey of change.

Those looking to participate or gather more information on NBW programs can visit nobarriersusa.org.

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