Sentinel Outdoors
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Reaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of Nature

Reaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of NatureReaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of NatureReaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of Nature

Join us in showing that no Arkansas hero walks alone.

Get Involved Today

479.831.9303

Reaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of Nature

Reaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of NatureReaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of NatureReaching Veterans and First Responders with the Healing Power of Nature

Join us in showing that no Arkansas hero walks alone.

Get Involved Today

479.831.9303

Welcome Heroes

Welcome to Sentinel Outdoors! We serve veterans, military, and first responders by connecting them to the healing power of the outdoors. Explore our site and see how you can help ensure no hero walks alone. 

Find out more

Donate to Sentinel Outdoors

Donate to Sentinel Outdoors

Your contribution will enable us to support our participants and continue our mission. We are very grateful for your generosity.

Events

9/11/2025

Save A Life Concert

5:00 pm

-

8:00 pm

Riverfront Amphitheater Fort Smith, AR

Event Details

9/11/2025

Save A Life Concert

This concert is a family friendly, sober community event for everyone to celebrate National Recovery Month. During National Recovery Month w...

Event Details

5:00 pm

-

8:00 pm

Riverfront Amphitheater Fort Smith, AR

9/13/2025

Because We Care Wak

10:00 am

-

2:00 pm

1531 Loretta Parker Lane Barling, AR US 72923

Event Details

9/13/2025

Because We Care Wak

The "Because We Care" Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk is a heartfelt event dedicated to raising awareness and support for children battling ...

Event Details

10:00 am

-

2:00 pm

1531 Loretta Parker Lane Barling, AR US 72923

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at Craig@sentineloutdoors.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Sentinel Outdoors is a faith-rooted nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers who face high rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide. We connect these heroes to the healing power of the outdoors through guided hunts, fishing trips, conservation projects, Birdwatching, and Hiking trips across Arkansas. 


 

We plan to work directly with veteran service organizations, first responder networks, churches, and local departments to identify participants. We will also have a simple referral and application process on our website. The key factors will be:

Service background (veteran, law enforcement, firefighter, paramedic, or first responder)

 

Current needs (isolation, PTSD, transition stress, etc.)

Willingness to engage in a supportive, community-based program

We aim to ensure every participant feels welcomed and valued—our priority is quality of impact, not quantity.


 

Each event combines outdoor recreation with community:
Welcome & introductions – participants meet guides and each other

The outdoor experience – hunting, fishing, or conservation work (habitat restoration, bird banding, trail clearing, birdwatching, hiking etc.)

Shared meal/fellowship time – a campfire, lunch, or dinner with space for reflection and camaraderie

Closing encouragement – reminders of purpose, connection, and support

The goal is not simply recreation but creating lasting bonds and a sense of healing through shared purpose.


 

We’ll use a three-part approach:
Community donations – through events, local churches, and direct giving campaigns.

Corporate sponsorships – partnering with outdoor brands, local businesses, and Arkansas-based companies that value supporting veterans and first responders.

Grants – pursuing state, federal, and private foundation grants that align with mental health, conservation, and veteran support.

We will also consider hosting fundraising banquets, clay shoots, or conservation days that bring in both donors and participants.


 Sentinel Outdoors will operate with full transparency. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our financial records will be public. All funds raised go directly toward participant costs—lodging, meals, permits, gear, and transportation—as well as conservation supplies. Administrative costs will be kept minimal and disclosed in annual reports. 


In year one, our goal is to serve 50–75 participants through multiple small-group events. Over time, as funding and volunteers grow, we hope to scale to 150+ participants annually. 


 

Events are guided by a combination of:
Volunteers and mentors (including veterans and first responders who have “been there”)

Licensed guides/outfitters when specialized hunts or fishing trips are involved

Board and staff support to ensure safety, logistics, and hospitality


 

We welcome volunteers and supporters in several ways:
Event volunteers (help with meals, logistics, guiding)

Conservation projects (trail clearing, habitat restoration, etc.)

Fundraising support (help organize community events, sponsorships, donor connections)

Prayer & encouragement (support participants spiritually and emotionally)


Once our website launches, there will be a dedicated form for self-application or referrals by family, chaplains, or colleagues. In the meantime, interested individuals can connect via email or Facebook. 


While all are welcome, our foundation is rooted in Christian faith. We believe God’s creation is a powerful place for healing. Our events may include prayer, encouragement, and faith conversations, but there is no pressure—only invitation. 


We primarily host events in Arkansas, the Natural State, making use of public lands, private partnerships, and conservation areas. Over time, we hope to expand regionally. 


Yes. You don’t need to be a mental health expert to serve. Sentinel Outdoors plans to partner with licensed counselors and mental health specialists to provide training for volunteers.
Training will cover what to say and what to avoid in conversations with participants.

Volunteers will learn simple questions that open doors without pushing boundaries.

Mental health specialists will be available at larger events to support both participants and volunteers.

We want every volunteer to feel confident and prepared. Your willingness to show up, listen, and encourage makes the greatest impact.


For many events, yes. We are building partnerships with local counselors, veteran peer-support groups, and faith-based mental health providers. Some will attend in person, and others will provide resources and follow-up care. Our events are not therapy sessions, but we do want participants to have access to safe, professional support when needed. 


Yes. Merchandise will be a part of Sentinel Outdoors in the near future. We want to do this the right way—legally, responsibly, and with an emphasis on quality. Our goal is for every item to be something you’ll be proud to wear or use, while also helping spread the word about our mission.

Merchandise will also serve as a fundraising avenue, with proceeds directly supporting hunts, fishing trips, and conservation projects. We are actively searching for merch partners and trusted brands. Once our store is ready, we will announce it publicly and make sure it’s easy to access.


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Sentinel Outdoors

19 Crape Myrtle RD, Van Buren, AR 72956

+1.4798319303

Hours

Mon

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Tue

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Wed

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Thu

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Fri

09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Sat

Closed

Sun

Closed

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Sentinel Outdoors

19 Crape Myrtle RD, Van Buren, AR 72956

+1.4798319303

Copyright © 2025 Sentinel Outdoors - All Rights Reserved.

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