beacon lodge camp
Project New Hope
Healing Camp Retreats for Veteran Families
Five Days. One Mission. Reconnecting What Matters Most.
who we serve
For Pennsylvania's Disabled Veterans and Their Families
Project New Hope was founded by people who understand a simple truth: for disabled veterans and their families, the wartime experience doesn't end the day they come home. The effects are often felt throughout a veteran's entire lifetime and can impact each family member in ways that may be subtle or hidden from view.
Healing and understanding are vital to life success after military service.
Each family member deals with what has happened in their own way. Returning disabled veterans face the challenge of transitioning from military to civilian life. For many, they feel alone and forgotten. Spouses and children may struggle—first with their loved one being gone, then with another adjustment after their return.
No matter which era you served, all Pennsylvania disabled veterans and their families are welcome here.
What Is Project New Hope?
Project New Hope is a free 5-day retreat experience designed specifically for Pennsylvania's disabled veterans and their families (up to 6 people). Held at Beacon Lodge Camp's peaceful 583-acre mountain setting, these retreats provide a safe space for veteran families to reconnect, heal, and rediscover joy together—away from the pressures of daily life.
This isn't just a vacation. It's a healing experience built by people who understand what you're carrying.
2026 Retreat Dates
Session One: June 13-17, 2026
PNH Women's Retreat: July 11-15, 2026
Session Two: August 8-12, 2026
Registration Deadlines:
Session One: May 26, 2026
PNH Women's Retreat: July 1, 2026
Session Two: July 14, 2026
Cost: FREE for Pennsylvania disabled veterans and their families (up to 6 people)
What to Expect: Your Five Days at Project New Hope
Afternoon: Check-In Begins
No rush. No pressure. Arrive when you're ready, settle into your private cabin, and take a breath. You're here.
Evening: Meet Your Community
Dinner together, a welcoming orientation where you'll meet other veteran families who understand your journey, and an evening campfire under the stars. This is where connections begin—with people who get it.
Why It Matters: The hardest part is walking through the door. We make that as gentle as possible.
Morning Adventures
Creative activities the whole family can enjoy together—tie-dye t-shirts, lawn games, fishing, bowling, mini golf. Choose what feels right for your family.
Afternoon: Off-Campus Excursion
Explore the local area together—past trips have included scenic train rides through Pennsylvania's mountains, historical site visits, and regional attractions. These experiences create new family memories in beautiful settings.
Evening: Music & Ice Cream Social
Live music, laughter, ice cream, and the chance to connect with other families in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.
Why It Matters: Sometimes healing looks like fun. Creating positive shared experiences helps families remember what joy feels like together.
Morning: Zip-Line Experience
Fly through the treetops with trained adaptive recreation staff supporting every family member's participation—regardless of ability level.
Afternoon: Rock Wall & Swimming
Conquer the climbing wall (with full adaptive equipment and support) or enjoy accessible swimming at our waterfront. Alternative activities available for those who prefer quieter options.
Evening: Nature Walk
Guided walk through Beacon Lodge's beautiful mountain trails, adapted to your family's pace and mobility needs.
Why It Matters: Adaptive recreation isn't just about physical activity—it's about proving to yourself and your family that challenges can be overcome together. It rebuilds confidence and trust.
Morning Choice:
For Veterans: Important presentations from PA Veterans Affairs and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs—connecting you with resources, benefits, and support you may not know exist.
For Children & Spouses: Choose your own adventure—bowling, mini golf, fishing, lawn games. Kids get to just be kids while adults access crucial information.
Afternoon: Self-Care & Connection
Complimentary therapeutic massage for veterans (sign up limited to first 15), swimming, family time. This is when you start to feel the tension you've been carrying finally begin to ease.
Evening: Honoring Your Service
Professional portrait photography session for veterans—honoring your service with images you can keep forever. Evening campfire continues the conversations that have been building all week.
Why It Matters: You've been taking care of everyone else. This day is about taking care of you—and making sure you have the resources to continue that care when you leave.
Morning: Reflections & Goodbyes
Breakfast together one last time. Exchange contact information with the families you've connected with. Turn in your feedback—we want to know how to serve you better.
What You Leave With:
New friendships with families who understand
Resources and connections to ongoing support
Photos and memories from the week
A reminder that you're not alone in this journey
Hope for what's possible when your family has space to heal
Why It Matters: This isn't the end—it's the beginning of knowing there's a community here when you need it.
What Makes Project New Hope Different
Built for Military Families
Every element is designed with veteran family dynamics in mind. We understand transition challenges, PTSD triggers, mobility limitations, and the unique pressures military families face.
Fully
Accessible
All facilities and activities are adapted for disabled veterans. Mobility equipment, adaptive recreation gear, accessible cabins—we've thought through the details so you don't have to worry.
No Cost to You
This retreat is completely free for Pennsylvania disabled veterans and their families . Funding is provided through generous donors who want to give something back to those who've protected our freedom.
Safe & Supportive Environment
Private cabins, respectful staff trained in trauma-informed care, flexible programming that lets families choose their pace, and peer support from others who've walked similar paths.
Connection That Continues
Many families return year after year, building lasting friendships with other veteran families. The relationships formed here often become crucial support networks long after camp ends.
All Pennsylvania Disabled Veterans Are Welcome
It doesn't matter when you served, which branch, or what your disability rating is. If you're a Pennsylvania disabled veteran, this retreat is for you and your family.
This retreat is especially meaningful for:
Veterans adjusting to life after service
Families navigating the challenges of disability
Children trying to understand what their parents went through
Spouses carrying the weight of caregiving
Anyone feeling isolated or alone in their journey
Families looking to rebuild connections and create positive memories
All eras. All branches. All welcome.
2026 Session Dates:
session 1: June 13 - 17, 2026
Women Veterans PNH Retreat: July 11 - 15, 2026
session 2: august 8 - 12, 2026
2026 Registration Due Dates:
session 1: June 3, 2026
Women Veterans PNH Retreat: July 1, 2026
session 2: July 30, 2026
Registration Fee
Free
There is NO charge for Pa Disabled Veterans and their families to attend Pa Lions Beacon Lodge Camp Project New Hope.
Pa Resident Camp Fee
Free
Funding is provided through donations from individuals, organizations, or companies who want to give something back to the incredible heroes who have protected our freedom.
Donate
If you want to help provide this fun, engaging, and encouraging program for our disabled veterans, please consider contributing to our 2020 Project New Hope Campaign today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Completely free for Pennsylvania disabled veterans and their families (up to 6 people). All meals, lodging, and activities are included at no cost.
Every activity is adapted for varying ability levels. Our staff is trained in adaptive recreation and will work with you to ensure full participation at your comfort level. Alternative activities are always available.
You set the pace. Participate as much or as little as feels right. Many veterans start hesitant and gradually open up as the week progresses. There's no pressure, only invitation.
Yes - up to 6 family members can attend with you. (spouses, children)
Each family has a private cabin with bathrooms, air conditioning, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. You have your own space when you need it.
Service animals with proper certification are absolutely welcome.
If you're a Pennsylvania veteran with a service-connected disability, you belong here. Period. We don't compare scars—we support healing.
Many families arrive unsure and leave transformed. Give it a chance. If it's not right for you, that's okay—but most families discover something they didn't know they needed.
Through a Camper's Eyes
Meet Chris, a 36-year-old Iraq War veteran and father who came to Project New Hope with his wife and two kids. Living with a combat injury and PTSD, Chris found healing not just in adaptive activities like the climbing tower, but in peer circles and honest family conversations. With his catchphrase — “We don’t climb alone — someone’s always got your six” — Chris reminds fellow veterans and their families that strength is built together.