A Helping Hand for Heroes

Camp Hero provides a place of healing for veterans and first responders

In 2019, Besednjak stumbled upon 160 acres for sale in Jackson County that featured two RV hookups and a cabin. It seemed to fit all the criteria for Besednjak and it was quickly apparent that the site was the perfect place for Camp Hero. Further confirmation came when the property owner herself said she had a nephew in the Marines and supported the land’s new purpose.

The property is home to a family cemetery of over 130 graves dating from the late 1700s to the late 1970s, some of which are the final resting place of soldiers. Now the land unites the old with the new and has become a place where Besednjak and others with similar backgrounds can share their stories.

In recent years, the camp has grown to 3,200 acres and is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest, creating a serene and peaceful place to decompress. The camp offers a nature immersion mental health maintenance program, organizes hunting and fishing trips across the country, and has a full list of therapists and mental health providers who specialize in helping veterans and first responders.

The camp also has an open–door policy that allows for guests to be provided lockbox codes and spend time on the property even if Besednjak or a volunteer are not there at the time.

Camp Hero also hosts a variety of trips for kids, including an annual fishing event for those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience adventure out on the water. The event has grown into a popular attraction and children walk away with gear of their own so that their first fishing experience isn’t their last.

With its remote, wooded location, Camp Hero sometimes struggles to gain the same amount of attention as organizations in a more urban setting. As a result, one of the primary challenges for Camp Hero is growing its name and letting people know they are there to help.

Besednjak said social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, along with an updated website, have been beneficial. There has been growth since first starting and Besednjak hopes to eventually expand nationwide, with a location in each state.

Like many other nonprofit organizations, Camp Hero faces challenges in funding its operations. Most expenses are funded through an annual fundraiser, Benefit for the Brave. This year’s event is scheduled for Aug. 9 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will take place in Lexington at The Campbell House.

The event brings together people of all backgrounds to enjoy music, raffles, live and silent auctions, and an upscale buffet and bar, all to help support the well-being and health of wounded veterans and first responders.  Individual tickets, tables and sponsorships can be purchased through their website at qtego.us/l/camphero/tickets. All proceeds go directly back into camp operations.

Besednjak said there are plenty of ways to help the camp, no matter your background:

Attend the annual fundraiser, Benefit for the Brave. Online registration can be made at camphero.home.qtego.us/.

Volunteer your time. With an abundance of land comes an abundance of work. Anyone is welcome to volunteer and can choose an area that best suits them at campheroky.org/registration.


Info via Hannah Stanley - The Lane Report