Hunt for Adventure: Wounded Warrior Project Hosts Geocaching Event

SAVAGE, Md., July 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Long before people were using smartphones to catch Pokemon in the streets with Pokemon Go, tech-savvy outdoorsmen were using GPS tracking devices to locate real hidden treasures in the world around them – a pastime known as geocaching. Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) recently hosted a geocaching event in the Wincopin Trail system of Savage Park.

Warriors spent the morning crisscrossing the trails and finding items using high-tech GPS gear, all while getting to know fellow veterans in their local area.  

Innovative WWP programs support the long-term recovery needs of wounded warriors by reintroducing them to social situations and the unique bonds experienced during military service. These various outings enable veterans to get out of their houses and make new friends who serve as a support system.

"I try to participate in WWP programs as much as I can because I feel comfortable around other warriors," said Jesus Cardenas, who is active duty Army. "After learning about geocaching I downloaded the geocaching app, and now I'm hooked on treasure hunting."

Army veteran Stephanie Hornedo said it was the novelty of this particular event that got her interested.

"It was something completely new," she said. "I had never heard of geocaching before connecting with other wounded warriors at this WWP event."

Bonding with other veterans is a big part of why Stephanie participates with WWP.

"These events bring veterans together," Stephanie said. "Once I left the Army, most of my friends went to other duty stations, and I lost my network. WWP has helped me build a network of friends who I trust and who completely understand my struggles."

WWP program specialists closely interact with warriors at program gatherings, advising them of additional services that can assist their recovery. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in a multitude of free activities that empower them to take control of their lives.

"WWP is important because it shows there are people out there who still care for soldiers," Jesus said. "Programs like these show us there are great individuals who feel proud of us. And it gets soldiers together and reminds us that we are not alone."

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project