Green Beret Foundation, National Park Trust launch family expedition program

By AI, Created 2:16 PM UTC, June 04, 2026, /AGP/ – The Green Beret Foundation and National Park Trust are teaming up to bring Special Forces families into national parks through guided outdoor trips starting in October 2026. The program expands GBF’s outdoor portfolio and aims to support resilience, connection and family time for active-duty soldiers, veterans, spouses and Gold Star families.

Why it matters: - The new program gives Special Forces families structured access to outdoor experiences that can support connection, recovery and resilience. - The partnership ties GBF’s family support mission to National Park Trust’s conservation and stewardship work. - The effort is designed to grow beyond a one-time outing, with plans for quarterly trips if funding and brand partnerships come through.

What happened: - The Green Beret Foundation and National Park Trust announced Warrior Sportsmen Family Expeditions on June 4, 2026. - The program is aimed at active-duty Special Forces soldiers, veterans, military spouses and their families. - Eligible participants will join guided outings in national parks, including hiking, fly fishing, multiday camping and ranger-led programming. - Initial trips are scheduled for Oct. 15-18, 2026, at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. - A second outing is planned for spring 2027 at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. - The Great Smoky Mountains outing aligns with the 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups. - The Rocky Mountain National Park outing aligns with the 10th Special Forces Group. - The program is open to active-duty soldiers and their families, veterans, military spouses and Gold Star families. - More information and updates are available through the announcement link.

The details: - Warrior Sportsmen Family Expeditions expands GBF’s Warrior Sportsmen Program Portfolio. - The program reflects GBF’s focus on strength in mind, body and spirit. - National Park Trust said it will help create opportunities for connection, healing and time together outdoors. - GBF said the program is meant to help Special Forces families reconnect with each other and with natural spaces. - The two organizations plan to expand the program to at least one outing per quarter as resources allow. - GBF says it has supported more than 26,000 Special Forces families since 2009. - GBF says it invests 84% of every dollar into programs and services, totaling more than $28 million in direct support. - GBF holds a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. - GBF is the only special operations nonprofit accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare, file and appeal disability claims. - National Park Trust says it has benefited 58 national park sites since 1983. - National Park Trust’s youth and family programs serve tens of thousands of children annually.

Between the lines: - The partnership broadens the definition of support for military families beyond direct services and into shared experiences. - The choice of parks tied to Special Forces units suggests the outings are built around community identity as well as recreation. - The funding caveat signals the program is ambitious but dependent on outside support to scale.

What’s next: - The first expedition is set for mid-October 2026 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. - Another trip is planned for spring 2027 in Rocky Mountain National Park. - GBF and National Park Trust will look for additional funding and national brand partners to expand the schedule. - The organizations expect the program to continue as an ongoing family initiative.