Valor Ranch is committed to honoring service members who have been injured in the line of duty by providing a peaceful retreat where they, along with their families, can relax, reconnect, and heal in a supportive, recreational, and therapeutic environment.
The Ranch is located on a beautiful 120-acre farm in King George, Virginia. It was purchased by Steve and Paige Rosado in 2016 with the intent of being the future home of the nonprofit. Valor Ranch received 501(c)(3) status in 2018. Infrastructure improvements and repairs took precedent for the first four years, which were personally funded by the Rosado’s. It was officially opened to guests on Veteran’s Day weekend, 2022.
Valor Ranch’s mission is to address the unique needs and challenges faced by injured service members as they go through care and treatment. We offer a range of programs to these brave individuals, who often require specialized support to regain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We accomplish this by hosting weekend retreats for injured service members throughout the year. While here, veterans and their families can participate in a range of programs, including outdoor recreation, animal assisted therapy, art exploration, education & learning, and family connections. We strive to create a safe haven where individuals struggling with mental or physical health can find solace, hope, and renewed strength. All camping gear, food and activities are provided to the guests and their families at no cost. During their stay, Veterans will build coping skills, families will strengthen relationships, and children will experience positive, shared memories. The impact of this weekend will extend well beyond the retreat itself, fostering resilience and lasting family connection.
Our weekend retreats are 100% supported by volunteers and includes active-duty military, veterans, King George High School teens, homeschool & senior communities, Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H members, and many of the local nonprofit motorcycle clubs. During retreats we also partner with two service dog organizations and several other nonprofits to provide the largest variety of activities and experiences possible during the weekend retreat.
Here is a closer look at the programs and activities guests are able to experience during their time at Valor Ranch:
1. Outdoor Recreation: We offer a variety of outdoor activities including the following: 3-D archery trail, axe throwing, hiking trails, gym, basketball court, biking, cornhole, darts, playground, sandbox, and even a creek-side beach with hammocks.
2. Animal Therapy: Valor Ranch is home to 14 resident horses, 3 mini donkeys, 6 goats, a sheep, a dog, several cats, and way too many chickens! Our guests are offered multiple opportunities to connect with the animals on a variety of levels, depending on their level of comfort. All of the animals at Valor Ranch participate when guests are at the farm. Some guests prefer to work with the goats and donkeys. They are welcome to groom them, feed them, and take them for walks. Some guests want to experience riding a horse, grooming a horse, taking pictures with our magical unicorn, or letting the mini horse take them for a ride in the cart. We even ensure that we have chicks hatching during the weekends that we host guests so they can all experience the wonder of nature and see new life!
3. Art Exploration: Through art therapy, injured service members can develop coping skills and strategies to manage pain, anxiety, and other physical and emotional challenges associated with their injuries. Creating art in a supportive and therapeutic environment fosters a sense of empowerment, accomplishment and self-esteem. We offer instructor-led canvas painting, rock painting, leaf painting, watercolors, pottery, and drawing with chalk, colored pencils, and crayon.
4. Education & Learning: Guests of Valor Ranch gain hands-on educational benefits through immersive experiences—learning practical skills in the carpentry shop, understanding history and science through forge demonstrations, exploring biology via incubators with hatching chicks, and deepening their knowledge through the shared expertise of knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
5. Family Connections: Through shared moments like family movie time, games and crafts, hiding rocks around the farm, hayrides, treasure hunts, and gathering around the campfire, guests of Valor Ranch create lasting memories that strengthen family bonds, encourage connection, and foster meaningful time together across generations.
