If you are a veteran in crisis, please call the veterans crisis line, available 24/7 at 988 (then press 1)
Monthly Newsletter
Welcome to Camp SHiEld's October Monthly Newsletter
Message from our CEO & Founder
As we step into October, I’m reminded of the strength and resilience that shines in our community of Women Veterans and families. 🍂 This season is about change, connection, and growth—and that’s exactly what we’re focused on at Camp SHiEld.
In September, we wrapped up another powerful SHE Thrives Retreat and welcomed incredible Women Veterans (and their children) into the Camp SHiEld family. 💜 The connections made there continue to inspire us as we carry that spirit into what’s ahead.
I am thrilled to announce that we are bringing that same heart to the Alamo City with our very first community event—Harvesting Connections! For years, the San Antonio Veteran community has traveled to join us at our retreats. Now, we’re coming to you with a fall celebration designed to bring Veterans, families, and partners together for a day of resources, fun, and meaningful connection.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support helps us continue to create spaces of healing, empowerment, and joy.
With gratitude,
Maggie Peterson
CEO & Founder, Camp SHiEld
🍁 October at Camp SHiEld 🍂
This month is full of opportunities to connect, recharge, and grow. 🧡
👉 Find details & RSVP: linktr.ee/campshield
📚 Camp SHiEld Book Club
Each month we dive into a new read that sparks conversation, connection, and community. It’s not too late to grab this month’s book and join us for engaging discussions—whether you read every page or just want to connect, you belong here.
🐴 Operation Equine
Presented by JoyRide Center in collaboration with Camp SHiEld. (Women Veterans only) This small-group program builds horsemanship skills while fostering confidence, emotional well-being, and connection in a peaceful environment.
Every Monday through October | 2:30–4:30 PM | Magnolia, TX
💻 Camp SHiEld Virtual Groups
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Wonder Woman Wednesday – Peer Support
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2nd Wednesday: Open conversations on empowerment and growth
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3rd Wednesday: Learn more about Camp SHiEld, discover resources, and connect with fellow Women Veterans
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4th Wednesday: A welcoming space to share goals, explore goal-setting tools, check in with one another, celebrate progress, and find encouragement through peer support
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Thoughtful Thursday – Psychoeducational Workshop
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Every 2nd Thursday
October Topic: Resilience Through Trauma: Building Mental Strength After Combat
Learn coping tools and how to transform past experiences into lasting emotional strength.
🧡 Save the Date!
Harvesting Connections: Camp SHiEld’s First Fall Festival & Mini Stand Down
Saturday, Nov 1 | 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 The DoSeum, San Antonio, TX
Join us for a family-friendly day filled with connection, resources, and fun! From interactive activities for kids to engaging booths for Veterans and military families, this event has something for everyone. It’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the heart of Camp SHiEld—now in the Alamo City. 🍂
🌟 Volunteer with Camp SHiEld – Make a Difference! 🌟
If Camp SHiEld has touched your life—or the life of someone you love—you know the impact it can have.
Now’s your chance to give back.
Join us in supporting Women Veterans through mentorship, event support, outreach, and more. Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or a community ally, your time and heart can help create lasting change.
Your time and compassion can make a real difference—whether it's helping with events, mentorship, outreach, or support services. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected community for the brave Women who’ve served our country. Sign up today and be part of something meaningful!
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Children’s Programming Support – Assist with youth activities during SHE Thrives Retreats (*Coming up April 2026).
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Signature Events Committee – Love planning, decorating, or bringing people together? Join our Signature Events Committee and help us create unforgettable fundraising and community events! This is your chance to make an impact and have fun doing it.
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Community Engagement Ambassador – Help us amplify our mission by sharing Camp SHiEld’s events, programs, and impact with the community! Whether it’s posting on social media, handing out flyers, attending resource fairs, or simply spreading the word, you’ll play a vital role in connecting Women Veterans and their families to our services and support.
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Grant Research Volunteers – Help identify funding opportunities that support our mission.
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Book Club Moderators – Love great conversations and building community? Help guide monthly discussions in our Women Veterans Book Club—virtually or in person. Moderators help create a welcoming space, keep the conversation flowing, and encourage meaningful reflection
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Workshop Facilitators – Do you have a skill, passion, or topic you’d love to share? From wellness and creative arts to financial tips or career development, we welcome volunteers to lead engaging workshops that empower and inspire Women Veterans and their families.
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Harvesting Connections Volunteers - If you are going to be interested in helping with our Harvesting Connections Event, please sign up here.
Want to give back, grow your skills, or stay connected to the mission? Reach out to info@campshield.org—we’d love to have you on the team! 💙
🌟 Volunteer Spotlight 🌟
We want to give a huge THANK YOU to Ashley Bailey, who has been generously volunteering with Camp SHiEld for 5 years as our Consultant Salesforce Admin. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, her impact is felt throughout everything we do. From building to maintaining our Salesforce programs, Ashley's expertise and dedication help us operate more effectively and reach more women and families.
When asked why she volunteers with Camp SHiEld, Ashely said:
"I volunteer at Camp SHiEld because I want to make the world a better place, and I can't think of a better way than supporting a woman-owned non-profit that is helping other women and families. I am inspired by Maggie and all of the Camp SHiEld women working to make a difference, and I am honored to be a part of the team."
We’re the ones who are honored, Ashley! Thank you for being such a vital part of our mission. 💜
Are you interested in being part of this season of growth and helping bring opportunities for connection to other Women Veterans? 🌟 We’d love to have you involved—whether that’s joining a planning committee or connecting with our Volunteer Coordinator VISTA, Lisa Milz. Reach out and let’s find the best way for you to plug in!
Partner Resource Spotlight
🐴 Partner Spotlight🌟
JoyRide Center – Equine Assisted Learning
We’re thrilled to highlight our partnership with JoyRide Center, bringing the transformative power of equine assisted learning to Women Veterans and their families.
Through this collaboration, participants experience unique healing opportunities—building confidence, reducing stress, and strengthening connections with their children. Programs like this help Veterans develop emotional resilience in a supportive, nurturing environment.
💙 Thank you to JoyRide Center for joining us in creating hope, healing, and growth for the Women Veterans we serve. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference in their lives.
📣 Grant Spotlight ✨
Texas Veterans Commission
We’re honored to receive a $75,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to support the continuance of Camp SHiEld’s Financial Assistance program. This funding will provide critical resources to Veterans, Surviving Spouses, and their families—helping them meet essential needs and thrive.
💙 Thank you, TVC, from the bottom of our hearts, for your partnership and commitment to creating brighter futures for Veteran families!
This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.tvc.texas.gov.
Welcome to the Team
I’m Kim. I’m an Army Veteran, Active Army Spouse (My husband is medically retiring after 22 years around the new year), and mama to 3 amazing kids! My background is in mental health (PhD in Psychology, MS in Psychology, and BS in Recreational Therapy) and project management. I love serving my Military Affiliated Community and volunteering with my kids and church.
Alumnae Testimonial
”Camp SHiEld helped not just me, but my son in building friendships with like-minded people.”
“It actually started me on my spiritual journey and hearing the sound bowls and having reiki done opened a door to my spiritual self I didn’t know I needed opened.”
”Since then I have gotten reiki certified and I’m learning to do sound baths and I want to give back to women veterans soon too!”
-She Thrives Retreat Fall 2024
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