As a veteran I have always struggled, after leaving the service, to make connections and feel like I am part of a group. Outdoor Immersion has changed that.
All veterans shy away from self help groups, The VA, and places that want to psycho analyze you and tell you all the issues we have from war (like we don't know). This group has given me something to look forward to and enjoy. Guys getting together and enjoying the beautiful outdoors God has created for us.
As we hike or kayak we talk but there is never any pressure to "Open Up" about anything and talk about your feelings.
I felt welcome into the group right away and Jim is an amazing leader that just puts the heart at ease. Us veterans need.more.of this and I am blessed to be part of this group
Glad that I was able to experience what OI had to offer. Being able to immerse myself outside provided me a fresh perspective on stressful aspects of my life. Thank you for the experience.
I have come to know my faith in Christianity through Jim and Megan. Not only my children, but me. They've taught me that Christ is real. And They've taught me how to believe even temporarily, that Christ is very real. He's in my dreams.
My experience with Outdoor Immersion has been amazing and life changing. I am a Navy Veteran having served 18 and half years before being medically retired. I have enjoyed my experience working with different people. Since being onboard we have worked with over a dozen female veterans. I have blessed beyond measure working with Outdoor Immersion. Please help us continue to grow God’s mission
THIS is an amazing organization which has been given the highest patient satisfaction ratings by our participants. Jim is a true gift and we're so grateful for his service and commitment to see true healing and breakthrough in people's lives. Thank you, for all you do!
My name is Jose Gabriel Elias and I am a Gul war era Veteran suffering from physical and mental disabilities and my experience with Outdoor Immersion has been like a gift from heaven it has made me deal with my problems in a way that not only connects me with nature but makes me closer to God and his creation. Jim Skall is a unique individual and this organization is extremely exceptional. I encourage more people to support and get involved in this and join the family. You won't regret it.
I met outdoor immersion the Summer of 2023 while going through a TBI clinic. Jim was a warm and welcoming soul. The approach he has with dealing with members that deal with the issues that we face are inspirational. Most veterans enjoy being outdoors in nature in one way or another and his whole program is designed around being in nature and letting nature speak to you, all while adding the spiritual side of things to the mix to open up your vision. I.E. removing the scales from your eyes as it says in ACTS: 9:18.
It was one of the best experience's that i have had in a long time and it was very much enjoyed. We even met up on a later weekend outside the program and went kayaking. Outdoor immersion stays in touch and just after only spending 2 days with them they make you feel like family and i still feel like family months after.
I'm an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's been a long road dealing with some of the baggage that came from that.
I was a few years into my healing journey when I met Jim.
After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, I was in a bad way. Through some divinely orchestrated circumstances, Jim introduced himself to me, and we were out on the water kayaking that same day.
I didn't want to go, and I said "someday."
He threw down the gauntlet and I got off my ass.
He is not afraid to lovingly challenge a guy to pursue a better path. His BS detector is finely-tuned, and most veterans respect that.
I've seen grown and grizzled vets cry when recounting the impact Jim and his organization has had on their lives.
I believe it because I've lived it. I've met others who've lived it. They are my brothers now.
Walking with Jim and being involved with Outdoor Immersion has been instrumental in jumpstarting my journey to the next level as I heal. My eyes are open once again to the importance of community and outdoor activity in a healthy life, as I had rejected both.
Through Outdoor Immersion, my wife and I have the opportunity to really connect with veterans and their families as we walk through the ups and downs of shared life and experiences.
Jim is the real deal.
I wholeheartedly recommend Outdoor Immersion without reservation.
Get in touch... especially if you don't "want" to!
My experience with this organization has been stellar to say the least. When I first met with the organization, I was a man who was down and out. I had lost my family, and my job due to poor decisions I had made. The day I met Jim, my life began to slowly, but surely improve. Jim helped me realize the proper changes in my life that I needed to make. After months of hard work(you need to put in work on yourself) I have a better job and my family back. Outdoor Immersion’s faith driven program set the foundation for the new me, which has allowed me to thrive. I shudder to think about where I’d be without it. I owe a lot to Outdoor Immersion. Praise Jesus
Outdoor Immersion is great because it is unique. The use of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and trail running really set this program apart from typical therapy environments where most men, especially veterans don’t always respond well too. The peacefulness of the outdoors along with some physical activity make for an environment that is rich in building relationships and healing. Not only do they help veterans but also at risk youth as well as team building make Outdoor Immersion an exceptional nonprofit.
Jim Skal, with Outdoor Immersion, met with our cohort for the Warfighter Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Resiliency Program (WARR-P) at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Jim's transparency, authenticity, care, passion, and testimony made for compelling and moving discussion. His outdoor immersion lab opened my eyes to the greatness and power of God's awesomeness in nature just through a casual walk outside. It helped establish a tangible and applicable way to build daily life habits. It was hands down the best program within the WARR-P.
Working with Outdoor Immersion has allowed me restore my faith while making lasting relationships and other veteran connections. IO not only has a great impact on the veteran communities, but the community as a whole. I’m extremely grateful I met Jim and will continue to remain involved with Outdoor Immersion
I introduced my husband to Jim and Outdoor Immersion in 2021–after they took a few hikes we were both all in. We had always loved being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, camping but had lost that love in the midst of years of struggle and stress. Within a few months, we had traded his isolation for our new community as we met and spent time with other veterans, their spouses, and families at gatherings and on hikes. Finally we were among people who understood what we were going through. It was an answer to prayer. We soon started volunteering and launched a course in partnership with OI that continues to impact other couples and families that are going through the same challenges we faced. Our kids connect with their kids. We’ve all become like family. Heck, Jim is a member of our family. The road to healing is sometimes long and rarely straight. God has used Jim and OI to help us navigate our journey in such a powerful and real way. We now have a front row seat to watch and partner with him to do the same with so many other veterans who are being transformed by spending time in God’s creation and in community with all of us, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything. It works. We are living proof.
Outdoor Immersion is one of the world’s hidden gems. I was in a dark and foreign place in my life and Jim stepped up and stepped in. He took the necessary precautions to step in my world and help pull me through to the light. When one says that they need a friend and an outlet…. THIS IS IT!
My family will be forever grateful for Outdoor Immersion. Thank you for replacing the broken stone in my foundation with a strengthened one…#OISTRONG!!!!
Servitude is the heartbeat running through the veins of Outdoor Immersion; significantly demonstrating the Gospel message to a world deeply in need…….and into my life specifically which was (and still is) deeply in need. Outdoor Immersions WILLINGNESS to serve has steeped into the marrow of who they are, shinning bright to all people……. especially with their heart for veterans. A shining light every engagement I have shared with the founder Jim Skal, as well as group setting with Outdoor Immersion. I would say Outdoor Immersion completely captures the essence of Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit come to you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Outdoor Immersion is absolutely in all facets a witness of Christ’s Love and are willing to carry it and share it “… the ends of the earth.” (LITERALLY!!)
I’m a veteran who used to love the outdoors both for fun and for spiritual renewal. The last few years I have been overwhelmed with my transition from the military, going to school and having a young family. Outdoor Immersion dropped Into my local area and provided an awesome kayaking getaway, all equipment and fees covered, that let me reconnect with GOD through nature. As I write this two weeks after the event, I am still being renewed in my spirit from the time that we spent on the water with fellow veterans reflecting on GOD. Great experience!
I have met Jim a few times in the past few years at veteran stand downs and other events in my role as a case manager for a Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Jim does a great job helping people experience creation in a lot of different formats. The most outstanding example that I have personally witnessed is with Jim’s ability to present pictures of the outdoors. This presentation was very stimulating after a long day of briefs and program run downs at a symposium. I have heard that Jim conducts these presentations to people who might not be able to experience the outdoors. I have referred other veterans to Outdoor Immersion in my role as a case manager. I have received positive feedback from these veterans, and I know that he has made a noticeable impact in their lives.
I’m also a veteran and I have recently started to participate in Outdoor Immersion. My personal participation began during a very hard experience for me and many other people when a good friend and former coworker passed away after a catastrophic motorcycle accident. My friend was also a Marine Corps veteran who had a very strong presence in the veteran and local community. I parked my truck along the side of the road to wait for my friend to be escorted home and encountered Jim who I had met previously. Jim was the only person that I recognized out of the many people who gathered along the road that day. Jim did not know my friend but knew of the situation and thought he should be there, not knowing that I would also be there. Jim’s decision to participate in this solemn event most definitely helped me grieve the loss of my friend. Since then, I have gone rucking and kayaking with Jim and I believe that it helped me tremendously this summer as the loss of my friend was not the only tragedy that I recently experienced. I am very grateful to know Jim and to be able to participate in Outdoor Immersion.
Outdoor Immersion is an incredible organization. I was at a very low point in my life when I was introduced to Jim Skal. He is in charge of the Outdoor Immersion program. He went above and beyond to help me find my spiritual wellness again. He treated me as a lifelong friend from the very first time we met. Through hiking, kayaking, and other activities, as well as discussing our Spiritual beliefs in a higher power, I was able to find purpose and meaning again in my day to day life. I feel truly blessed for being introduced to this program. I feel like I have my life completely back on a positive track. I would strongly recommend this program to anybody that gets the chance to take advantage of it. Jim is a great leader and a very wise man. I am thankful to be able to call him a friend and mentor.
Gabe
First Sergeant, US Army Retired
Hands down the best organization for Veterans that I have ever been apart of! I met Jim Skal while I was in Veteran's Court. Outdoor Immersion was the reason for my success and completion of that program. Jim offers the Veteran a path back to honor through the word of our Lord and Savior. This is done in while doing awesome activities, kayaking, hiking, fishing and intimate talks to let the Veteran express themselves. I am honored to say that after my completion of the Veteran Court Program, I am now an active volunteer for Outdoor Immersion. Thanks to Jim Skal, thanks to all of our Veterans and most of all thanks be to God!
Outdoor Immersion is a wonderful organization led by an even more wonderful individual. It is a great balance of nature and outdoor activities for veterans. The fresh air and unique approach are very relaxing and helpful to all who experience it. It is highly recommended for everyone.
Outdoor Immersion is one of our three veteran mission partners that we support through By the Wayside Coffee because of the life changing and effective approach they have when they come alongside veterans and help them succeed in life as they transition from military to civilian life. OI engages their mind, body and spirit through activities in nature helping them connect to our Creator through creation and relationships. Their model of support is the most effective we have seen as veterans continue their journey home!
In 2015, I met the Founder/Director of Outdoor Immersion, Jim Skal, at a multi-week seminar that educated civilian health care administrators, nurses, doctors, mental health professionals, social workers, and religious leaders about the experiences of soldiers' recruitment, entry into service, all aspects of deployments, and leaving military service. The seminar was taught by an active duty Army Colonel whose specialty was Social Work.
Since then, I have watched the expansion of Outdoor Immersion's influence in the veteran and civilian communities. Of course, what matters most is the impact of Outdoor Immersion on the lives of Veterans. Outdoor activities offer the environment for conversations about psychological, emotional, spiritual, and moral injuries from combat; substance abuse; relationship issues; and even legal troubles. As the face of Outdoor Immersion, Jim Skal has walked beside Veterans. This includes Veterans whose legal problems have been assigned to Veteran Courts in several Counties.
As the Director, Jim has an eye for, and the capacity to develop, leadership. At this writing, a Veteran is being developed as an Outdoor Immersion Facilitator. And as Jim teaches this Veteran, Jim is also being taught in academic coursework on "Military Resilience." Outdoor Immersion offers a "culture of learning."
The lives of Military Veterans are being impacted, if not transformed, by the work of a nonprofit that tears down walls of isolation and builds bridges of relationships. Through Outdoor Immersion, Veterans join a force that fights against isolation, depression, counterproductive thinking and behaviors, and even suicide.
If you are a Veteran, I encourage you to engage with your fellow Veterans through Outdoor Immersion. If you are a Civilian, I encourage you to support this nonprofit through finances, volunteer hours or informing the Veterans in your life about Outdoor Immersion.
2013 I was honorably discharged multiple tours of duty as a Combat Engineer Sergeant of The United States Marine Corps. 2015 I was facing multiple charges threw Veterans court. As I sat with my head down on a bench alone. Jim Skal came over and sat beside me,introduced himself and explained Outdoor Immersions for Veterans that have similar background experiences that I can relate to and always will. I'm not very good at writing but as you can see in pictures I enjoy being apart of Outdoor Immersions the past 6years and look forward to the future!
I never would have planned to go out in the middle of winter to explore areas I typically go during the summer, however I am extremely grateful for the fellowship and camaraderie which certainly made this adventure worthwhile. We were able to get very close to a Bald Eagle and captured the moment. This opportunity was very blessed!
I met Jim Skal at veteran’s run back in 2015. I liked his philosophy and style. He was very personable and supportive. Because of my work schedule and family obligations, I have never been able to commit to a true Outdoor Immersion event- at any rate, Jim went out of his way to accommodate me and meet me for trail running. I truly enjoyed my time on the trails with Jim and really like his TTT application.
As such, Jim though not a Veteran is the only person I keep in contact with from the Veterans organization where I met him.
I have referred many Veterans to work with OI and have received positive feedback from those referred.
When I worked as the director of psychological health and master resilience trainer at the local Air Force Reserve base, I invited OI out to base on numerous occasions.
To this day, I stay friends with Jim and look forward to hitting the trails with him again someday.
Went on a kayak trip with jim, myself and another female army veteran at raccoon creek and had a wonderful experience of how god brings his light when we need him. A lone goose followed us within arms reach for about hour and shown her carefree joy for the water it was devine. Best day ever!!
My story with Outdoor Immersion has not been an outing but of vetting and consulting. It's difficult to find faith based organizations who keep their heart for the people they serve and eyes on God. This one has. Over the past 3 years I've gotten to hear about many who were provided with the open space to explore their stories out in God's creation, a safe place and supportive conduit for growth and healing.
Hey, I separated from the military just in time for Covid-19, and have experienced a lot of changes in my life recently. I personally haven't had the best experience with therapists in the past, but felt it would be beneficial for personal health to give them a try. I actually don't mind the outdoors, but due to military service I have limited mobility. Outdoor Immersion not only seemed to accommodate me, but has an effective and invested staff from what I've experienced thus far. Has truly been an enriching and developmental experience. Blessings
No doubt that the best way of healing and strengthening the spirit is to meet God in nature. Outdoor Immersion assists in this particular connection. I have had the privilege of working with them on different occasions and facets. The effort put forth to get face to face with veterans and those in need is unparalleled by other organizations. The desire to engage with those who may not even know what they are seeking come from a place of love and they have the ability to deliver uniquely fulfilling experiences. I’m truly grateful for the forthright actions of Jim to find me where we met and the for the good times shared and those to come with Outdoor Immersion, a life changing organization.
Have you ever realized how much you need something only after it’s gone? Or experienced something new and it felt like something familiar and loved? That’s my experience in a nutshell. My favorite place on earth is Yosemite valley. My favorite places on earth are just about anywhere in nature, out immersed in God’s creation. I knew that down deep, subconsciously, and Jim reminded me of that. I am at peace in God’s creation. I’m reminded of an often misquoted statement, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -John Muir ... and we are part of that. I’ve been reconnected with my family (my wife and kids) and my brothers in arms, ultimately through this experience with Jim. I am grateful.
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
I am haunted by waters.”
-Norman MacLean
Semper Fi,
Seán M. O’Neill
Captain, USMC, 0302
K, 3/25, Iraq 2005
Jim embodies the spirit of service through his work at Outdoor Immersion. In his own unique way, he brings light to nature and healing just by walking or biking and talking with a veteran. I’ve personally experienced time with Outdoor Immersion, kayaking with fellow veterans on a beautiful lake. I can still remember the calm, serene feeling I had during that day. Those feelings are sometimes hard to come by, especially in the lives of disabled veterans, but Outdoor Immersion not only makes it available to us, but free of charge, which is a big help!!. I know for sure Outdoor Immersion makes a positive difference in the lives of even the most (seemingly) lost or broken souls.
I’ve also never heard anyone say anything negative about Outdoor Immersion, and that in itself speaks volumes to the value of the programming. 5 stars for Outdoor Immersion, for sure!
I got to view Outdoor Immersions from an outsider, non bias view.. I was supporting a family member through a struggle and kept bumping into Jim..He constantly pushes the good fight forward. I got to watch how he consistently searched for any opportunity to help people. Pound for pound, This is one of the most effective organizations I've seen. Hence, Why my wife and I picked OI to donate too.
Outdoor Immersion is legit. Jim Skal saves lives with his heartfelt lessons coupled with outdoor therapy. He heals souls which then allows the person to rebuild. He truly is a messenger of a higher message and mercy !
Outdoor Immersion is leading the way by getting veterans connected to adventures in the outdoors. By doing so, veterans like myself, are able connect with themselves or others, and heal/grow into their own greatness.
Outdoor immersion has made a impact on my life no question. Jim skull introduced to me not only the beauty of trail running but also how to open my eyes in a new way to see the outdoors being involved with outdoor immersion brought a renewed sense of life and purpose, and integrating that with my faith truly made a positive impact on my life. I've never been involved with a nonprofit that was so invested in the lives of those they were trying to reach and help. I have been challenged, I have been stretched, and I have learned so much through outdoor immersion that I still am grateful to God that to this day I am still apart of outdoor immersion. I know that outdoor immersion exists to bring other people to their full potential, to live the lives they were created to live, through the outdoors and outdoor activities. Truly a life-impacting blessing for me, and my experiences and memories with outdoor immersion are priceless. As a veteran it helped me tremendously with my PTSD and as someone in recovery helped me very much in my battle with addiction. Once again went trade for any of those experiences for anything. Very grateful to God for outdoor immersion.
Jim is caring, knowledgeable, and compassionate. He pours his heart into this work and you can tell.
Jim and outdoor Immersion have been there for me, for 2 years now. They are constantly serving veterans.
I have worked hand in hand with this organization for several years now with our local veterans court. They have provided a tremendous outlet for many of our veterans transiting through the court system and has been instrumental in their recovery from drug addiction, alcohol related issues and PTSD. Their outdoor excursions, along with the relationships developed with other veterans during these activities has been "the hand up" needed in their recovery.
I'm the District Attorney for Beaver County Pa and I run the Veteran's Treatment Court We divert veterans from the criminal justice system into mental health and substance abuse treatment. Outdoor Immersion is wonderful partner. Many of our veterans come from a back ground which included outdoor camping, boating, hunting, fishing, hiking or other outdoor sports. Outdoor Immersions gives veterans a way to reconnect with something they cherish, with an activity which allows them to decompress. It allows them to communicate with peers about something they love, a spiritual lift they so desperately need. We have seen dramatic improvements in many veterans after just a few trips into the woods, or onto trails or down the river.
I am on the board for this Non-Profit. I am also a veteran having served in the US Army Special Forces for 6 years.
Outdoor Immersion fills a void in the existing Veteran Programs. Jim Skal and Outdoor Immersion become a true advocate for the Veterans they serve.
OI takes veterans out into nature and helps them to find peace in Gods Creation. OI teaches veterans and guides them. It creates veteran to veteran bonds and helps to heal the entire veteran.
My experience with Outdoor Immersion started with a chance meeting with the Executive Director at a church event of common interest. As chance events often do, our conversation uncovered several areas of our lives that intersected. One of those was with Veterans that were marginalized due to circumstances beyond their control or circumstances created by their own poor decisions ... and the second intersection was a common experience of witnessing the grace of God healing regardless of circumstances. I was impressed with Outdoor Immersion's Vision and Mission and discovered that they were serving marginalized veterans when perhaps there was no other source to be found. OI's service was in response to veterans calling out most often in the most desperate situations where they be feeling abandoned and alone. OI's impact that I have witnessed can be best summarized as real healing as manifested in numerous scenarios. My enthusiasm for OI's impact resulted in my being asked to serve these veterans by joining Outdoor Immersion's Board of Directors. It is in this role where I have confirmed my personal opportunity to serve these marginalized veterans in the most impactful manner for me personally. Please note: The only reason I have rated OI 4-stars is that my expectation for the organization has been formed at a very high level. OI gets my 5-stars if rating expectations impact NOW as limited by resources and 4-stars as it relates to the opportunity for still greater impact.
I have been out with outdoor emersion dozens of times...each time I learn more about myself and nature. Not only have I made great strides towards living a normal life but my son is now apart of my life
These are pics of myself and my son out with outdoor emersion...a experience that I will not forget, a experience that I can't wait to live again..