Next 18: Transforming Lives Through Golf and Wellness for Veterans and First Responders
Next 18 is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting veterans and first responders on their journey to mental wellness and resilience. Using the sport of golf as a powerful therapeutic tool, Next 18 provides a comprehensive, immersive experience that addresses the unique challenges faced by those who have dedicated their lives to service. Through its innovative approach, Next 18 combines recreational therapy with structured clinical support, creating a safe and empowering space for participants to heal, connect, and grow.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of Next 18 is to use the sport of golf as a catalyst for mental wellness education for veterans and first responders. We recognize the unique physical, mental, and emotional demands these individuals face and aim to support them in overcoming trauma, moral injury, and stress. Our camps are designed to provide participants with tools and strategies that promote resilience, coping skills, and community—both during the program and beyond.
Through these programs, Next 18 aims to reduce the stigma around mental health, encourage open conversations, and help participants build a sustainable path to wellness. Our approach fosters camaraderie, personal growth, and the chance to reclaim a sense of peace and purpose.
Unique Approach: Golf as Therapy
What sets Next 18 apart is its unique use of golf as a form of recreational therapy. Golf, with its emphasis on focus, patience, and mindfulness, offers the ideal platform for healing. While traditional therapeutic environments can feel clinical, a golf course presents an alternative—a space where participants can engage with mental wellness concepts in an open-air, relaxed setting.
Each day of camp combines golf instruction from PGA professionals with licensed clinical support. Participants work on personal development through structured activities, which are seamlessly woven into the experience on the course. This approach builds emotional regulation, stress management, and personal connection while promoting physical activity and mindfulness.
Clinical and Peer Support Integration
Every camp includes licensed clinicians who lead psychoeducational modules designed to help veterans and first responders understand and address trauma, moral injury, and stress. The clinical team is embedded throughout the camp experience, engaging in group discussions and providing one-on-one support as needed. This accessible, in-the-moment guidance allows participants to process their emotions and challenges in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Next 18 also values the power of peer support, and our camps often feature alumni who have walked a similar path and return to offer guidance, camaraderie, and understanding. By bringing together professional mental health resources and relatable peer experiences, Next 18 fosters an environment that encourages openness and mutual support.
Camp Locations and National Expansion
Since its founding, Next 18 has grown rapidly to meet the needs of veterans and first responders nationwide. In 2025, Next 18 will operate in 8 states, including major camp locations such as:
• TPC Sugarloaf in Georgia
• TPC River Highlands in Connecticut
• TPC Deere Run in Illinois
• TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota
• Whistling Straits in Wisconsin
With goals to expand to 35-40 camps across 15+ states by 2034, Next 18 is committed to reaching as many veterans and first responders as possible, providing localized access to these transformative experiences. This expansion reflects the incredible demand for mental wellness resources among veterans and first responders and our dedication to meeting those needs on a national scale.
In addition to national growth, Next 18 has a vision of building localized communities by offering camps in specific regions that serve primarily local participants. This approach strengthens community ties, allowing participants to connect not only during camp but also in their home communities after the program.
Partnerships
Next 18 has established partnerships with esteemed organizations that share its mission of empowering veterans and first responders. Working closely with the PGA Tour and the TPC Network, Next 18 offers camps at world-class golf courses, where participants are treated to a professional, welcoming environment that elevates the therapeutic experience. Through this collaboration, veterans and first responders gain access to premier facilities and instruction from PGA professionals, making Next 18 camps an extraordinary experience in every aspect.
Our inclusion in the Birdies for the Brave program inside of the PGA Tour and other national veterans’ organizations further extends our reach, helping us identify participants who would benefit from our programs. Together, we aim to reduce mental health stigma, foster community connections, and empower participants to lead happier, healthier lives.
Program Structure and Experience
Next 18 camps are 4.5-day, fully immersive experiences carefully designed to support both mental and physical wellness. Each day is structured around a specific theme, focusing on key areas of personal development and coping. The program includes:
1. Self-Care and Wellness Education: Participants engage in activities that teach practical self-care techniques, such as mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and grounding practices. These tools are essential for building resilience and managing stress.
2. Emotional Regulation and Coping Strategies: Through structured group discussions led by clinicians, participants learn how to identify and navigate complex emotions. The discussions foster understanding of personal triggers and ways to manage reactions in challenging situations.
3. Peer Support and Connection: Participants have the opportunity to connect with others who understand their unique experiences, building supportive relationships that often extend beyond camp. These connections reduce isolation and create a lasting network of peers.
4. Physical Activity and Golf Instruction: Each day includes professional golf instruction, giving participants a chance to build new skills and enjoy physical activity in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Golf encourages focus, patience, and relaxation, making it an ideal complement to the therapeutic work done in camp.
5. Mindfulness and Reflection: Camp activities promote mindfulness and encourage participants to reflect on their experiences. This component of the program supports clarity, grounding, and personal growth, equipping participants with tools to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.
The combination of these elements makes Next 18’s camps uniquely effective, providing veterans and first responders with a holistic approach to wellness that addresses both mental and physical health. Each participant leaves camp not only with improved mental wellness but also with tools and strategies they can use long-term.
Commitment to Mental Health Stigma Reduction
One of Next 18’s core goals is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health among veterans and first responders. Mental health challenges are prevalent within these communities, yet many individuals hesitate to seek support due to perceived stigma. By integrating mental health services into a recreational, non-traditional setting, Next 18 normalizes seeking help, encouraging participants to embrace wellness as part of a balanced life.
Each camp is designed to be a welcoming, stigma-free environment, where veterans and first responders feel respected, understood, and supported. This emphasis on acceptance and openness is crucial in helping participants feel safe to explore sensitive issues without fear of judgment.
The Impact of Next 18
The success of Next 18’s programs speaks for itself: participants consistently report improved mental clarity, reduced stress, and a renewed sense of purpose. They leave with the tools and support to continue their wellness journey, feeling empowered, connected, and equipped to handle the unique challenges of their lives.
As Next 18 continues to expand nationally, our goal is to provide every veteran and first responder who wants to participate with access to our camps. By fostering resilience, reducing stigma, and promoting holistic wellness, Next 18 is transforming lives and creating lasting change within the veteran and first responder communities.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you’re a veteran, a first responder, or a supporter of mental health initiatives, Next 18 invites you to be part of this impactful journey. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve our country and communities, giving them the tools, support, and connection they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Tam Metni Gizle
