Military & Veterans Campus Unveils New Teamwork Challenge Course
Taking the Werner Mazda Challenge Course with Easterseals
5 hours ago
By Ernesto Burden, email | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Print
On a recent Friday at the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, I found myself suspended 30 feet in the air, clinging to a pole with a breathtaking view of the void below. While not typically afraid of heights, my heart was definitely racing. But with a secure harness and a watchful team member from UNH’s Browne Center below, I pushed through my fear.
This experience was part of a morning spent exploring teamwork, interpersonal dynamics, and my own perceptions alongside a group of community and business leaders. We had gathered to witness the unveiling of the newly opened Werner Mazda Challenge Course and learn about the campus's unique programming and benefits for both military members, veterans, and first responders, as well as businesses looking for team-building opportunities.
Center photo from left: Ernesto Burden, president and CEO of Yankee Publishing, poses with Tom Davis, director of electric transmission field operations for Eversource Energy, at the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus.
Easterseals NH CEO Maureen Beauregard greeted me as we strolled through the campus. She shared her vision for the campus, which has been in development for five years, encompassing outdoor activities like the challenge course alongside therapeutic programs such as equine activities, art, woodworking, and more.
“When I look at that challenge course, I see someone trying it and saying, ‘I can trust another person,’” Beauregard said. “‘Look what I can do. I can have faith and trust in myself again, and I can be with others without feeling alone.’” She emphasizes the course's therapeutic value and its potential to foster trust and teamwork, both for participants and businesses who can utilize the campus for retreats and team-building exercises.
“I always say we have to sell half so that we can pay for the mission half,” Beauregard explained as we reached the challenge course. “I would love for all these veteran service organizations to come here and not face any financial barriers, but we have to get that business plan down to cover the mission costs.”