Spring is upon us, which is the perfect time to feature the Heroes Garden at Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) for Military & Veteran Wellness!! You’ll find The Heroes Garden at the heart of both Horticulture and Culinary Therapies, which are part of the Progressive and Alternative Therapies for Healing Heroes (PATHH) Program at Boulder Crest Retreat.
The Wallis Annenberg Heroes Garden at Boulder Crest Retreat provides the perfect environment for Therapeutic Horticulture, and was specifically built to accommodate the needs of our disabled veterans. With wide pathways and raised plant beds, every guest of the retreat is able to enjoy the healing benefits of cultivating herbs, vegetables, plants, and flowers. Therapeutic Horticulture helps to lower stress and agitation, quiet the mind, and reduce pain, all while improving the state of mind, body, and spirit. The healthy and organic produce that is grown in the Heroes Garden leads us into the kitchen toward the Culinary Therapy portion of PATHH.
Just steps away from the Heroes Garden, an expansive kitchen awaits with all of the supplies, tools, and appliances needed to create a culinary masterpiece!! The art of cooking is seen as a calming activity that requires focus, encourages creativity and provides a sense of accomplishment and wellbeing. The benefits are numerous, both mentally in easing stress and boosting self-esteem, but also in learning self-care through the preparing of healthy (and delicious!) meals. Nutrition also plays a crucial role in wellness, and the skills gained during Culinary Therapy are beneficial long after a stay at the retreat has ended. Horticulture Therapy and Culinary Therapy go hand in hand in the Heroes Garden, and are just two of the many alternative and progressive therapies offered at Boulder Crest Retreat. 
The mission of Boulder Crest Retreat is “to create a free, first class rural retreat for transitioning Veterans to come with their families for rehabilitation and reintegration back into life after combat”. VMSI is involved in a variety of events throughout the year to support Boulder Crest, including our flagship Annual Golf Tournament in June, with all proceeds donated to Boulder Crest Retreat. To find out more, or to participate as a player or sponsor, please contact us at BCRgolf@vetms.com!