ROYAL CAMINO - Supporting Soldiers

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Many soldiers, both serving and retired are dealing with Operational Stress Injuries (OSI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and/or Extended Stress conditions from their time in service.

These injuries impact not just the soldier, but their immediate and extended families, friends and outward into our communities; in essence, their suffering affects us all.

The proverb “It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child” is unquestionably true, and in turn, holds true for helping and healing.  These soldiers have done what we as nations have asked of them, and therefore, it’s time we stepped-up and collectively do what we can to help and support them!  

The ROYAL CAMINO organization was set up in order to plan, organize, gather funds and conduct a "mindful journey" (also referred to as "the journey home" by one of our participants) for serving/former serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) suffering from Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) as noted above.

The objective of the initiative is to provide the opportunity, environment and challenge to assist operationally stressed/injured soldiers, in establishing a personal and positive long term outlook.  We are not focusing on the religious aspects of the Camino, but rather on the value as an extended simple daily routine consisting of lots of fresh air and exercise in a goal based environment.  Therefore, this project is targeting both physical and mental health rehabilitation for those soldiers who are having difficulties coping because of their time in service, even though they have had formal treatment.

The Camino is a demanding 800 km journey across Northern Spain, which we’ve scheduled a period of 35-days, plus 1 rest day to complete. Based upon 3 personal Camino pilgrimages, professional advice and experience of others, participants will complete the journey individually as opposed to a formed group as we feel it produces more positive personal results.

The Camino journey allows a natural progression, which provides the environment and support for each person to grow within and allowing themselves an opportunity to understand their individual situation. The daily rhythm of the journey, allows one to decompress, to think without the confines of one’s normal life and surroundings, which in turn provides the opportunity to accept, and hopefully move forward in life.  

The target date for this journey, is April/May 2017. 

It’s projected that an approximate cost will be $5000 Cdn, per-person; pending travel logistics, insurance, accommodations, food, equipment, emergency funding and current exchange rates.

On the completion of this initiative, we will be completing a project report and evaluation that will include financial aspects and everything that we can learn about what sort of individual benefits most from completing this journey.  Our hope is that at the end of this successful journey, our then proven and creative approach will be adopted by government and/or other aid organizations in helping other soldiers manage their Operational Stress Injuries. 

It is our hope and with your generosity, that this proposal, will become a reality.  

Please appreciate that 100-percent of all donations will go to this venture, and we firmly believe that it will make a difference in the selected soldiers’ lives.

Please DONATE and support this initiative, as every dollar makes a difference!

Those wishing to submit cheques and/or large donations, please indicate on cheques:

THE RCR TRUST FUND – ROYAL CAMINO

and submit to:

Royal Camino
c/o David Brydon 
1351 Sierra Ave
Kingston ON  K7P 0B7

Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook, and please pass this to family, friends and co-workers. 

As a world community, WE CAN make a difference!

Thank you for your support.

Kingston Branch
The Royal Canadian Regiment Association