Building Resilience Through Wilderness Adventures
In a recent episode of Signature Required, Spencer Patton sat down with James Evans, founder of Benchmark Adventure Ministries, to explore how his Tennessee-based organization is helping military personnel develop leadership skills and emotional resilience through immersive wilderness experiences. The conversation offers powerful insights into the unique challenges faced by service members and how outdoor adventures provide a vital platform for personal growth, reflection, and leadership development.
Supporting Military Personnel in Tennessee
Based in Tennessee, Benchmark Adventure Ministries has partnered with military chaplains across the state to serve active-duty soldiers and veterans, particularly at Fort Campbell. James highlights how these partnerships began and evolved, explaining that the ministry’s mission is to offer soldiers a space where they can reflect on their experiences, build leadership skills, and navigate the complexities of military life.
"We’ve partnered with U.S. Army chaplains to help service members, many of whom have been on multiple deployments. Our goal is to provide them with a chance to assess where they are in life, process their experiences, and build the resilience they need to move forward,” James explains.
These programs, which often include activities like backpacking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing, are designed to help soldiers reconnect with themselves and develop the emotional tools necessary for leadership both in and out of the military.
Wilderness as a Leadership Laboratory
Evans describes the wilderness as an ideal setting for developing leadership qualities. Far from the comfort of daily routines, participants are challenged to confront both physical obstacles and inner struggles. Through outdoor adventures, they are pushed to apply leadership principles in real time, under difficult conditions.
“It’s easy to talk about leadership in a controlled environment, but when you’re out in the wilderness, tired and uncomfortable, that’s when true leadership is tested,” James says. “You learn how to navigate challenges, take care of others, and make decisions under pressure.”
The structured yet unpredictable nature of outdoor activities allows soldiers to practice leadership in a dynamic setting, gaining insights they can apply in their military careers and beyond.
Resilience and Leadership Development for Military Families
Benchmark Adventure Ministries extends its services beyond just soldiers—families are often involved, too. Recognizing the unique pressures military families face, the organization offers family-focused events that foster connection and resilience, helping them cope with the demands of military life.
“Service members are frequently away from home, and that can take a toll on family dynamics,” James notes. “We offer opportunities for families to create lasting memories together and build resilience as a unit. Through shared experiences, they strengthen their bonds and learn to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.”
By incorporating family into the resilience-building process, Benchmark emphasizes that leadership isn’t just about what happens on the battlefield, but also at home.
Tennessee as a Hub for Military Leadership and Resilience
Tennessee, with its significant military presence at Fort Campbell and other installations, is a natural hub for leadership development and resilience training. As the state's veteran community continues to grow, so does the need for programs like Benchmark Adventure Ministries that provide soldiers and their families with practical tools for navigating life during and after service.
James discusses how the changing landscape of military service, particularly in Tennessee, has influenced the growth of his ministry. He points out that the state's natural beauty and challenging terrain make it an ideal backdrop for the type of transformative experiences Benchmark provides.
“Tennessee offers the perfect environment for outdoor leadership training,” James explains. “The mountains, rivers, and forests challenge participants both mentally and physically, creating the space needed for deep personal and leadership development.”
Leadership Through Resilience
At the core of Benchmark’s mission is the development of resilience, a key trait in effective leadership. James emphasizes that resilience isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about the ability to recover from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and grow stronger in the process.
“Resilience is about taking a hit, learning from it, and moving forward,” James says. “For soldiers, this is especially important, as they face unique challenges in both their professional and personal lives. Our wilderness programs give them the tools to not only survive adversity but to lead others through it as well.”
By encouraging participants to reflect on their experiences and engage in self-assessment, Benchmark helps soldiers strengthen their leadership skills and become more effective, resilient leaders in their communities and the military.
Conclusion
In this compelling episode of Signature Required, James Evans shares how Benchmark Adventure Ministries is making a profound impact on military personnel and their families in Tennessee. Through outdoor experiences, Benchmark helps service members build resilience, develop leadership skills, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. Whether you’re interested in military leadership, Tennessee’s role in supporting veterans, or the power of resilience, this episode is a must-listen.
To hear more about how Benchmark Adventure Ministries is transforming lives, listen to the full episode of Signature Required [here]. You’ll gain valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the vital work being done to support Tennessee’s military community.
