Melwood's Veterans Services Operation Tohidu® is an experiential retreat program delivered in the quiet seclusion of nature, with an intensive focus on challenge, adventure, group activities, introspection and growth. During the retreat veterans, service members, national guard and reserves connect with nature and their fellow warriors to learn effective techniques in mitigating post-traumatic stress, mild traumatic brain injury and other service-related traumas. Melwood Veterans Services' adventure-based programming and positive psychology approach combine to encourage participants to overcome obstacles to their recovery and capitalize upon the Operation Tohidu® mission:
“Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit. The program focuses on outdoor activities, teamwork, confidence-building, group discussion and introspection in a relaxed and positive environment. Activities and programming are designed to facilitate post-traumatic growth and to drive or initiate progress on a participant's post-trauma journey. Melwood Veterans Services staff of professionals, certified recreational specialists and veteran retreat-leaders team to focus the mind on positive psychology and an adventurous approach. Operation Tohidu® encourages participants to change their mindset, adapt their approach to trauma and promotes an increased sense of wellbeing and purpose.
Once your application is completed and submitted, Melwood Veterans Services will reach out to you, typically within 48 hours of registration. The purpose of this contact will be to learn more about your personal situation, determine which retreat might be the best fit for you, explore scheduling options and to set up follow up calls. Since participation in Operation Tohidu® is voluntary and handled with the utmost discretion, we wish to ensure that your time with us is as productive and useful as possible in helping you achieve your personal goals. To this end a separate, individual call is arranged with a member of our Staff to determine your exact needs, situation and joint goals for our engagement.
Thank you for registering for an Operation Tohidu® retreat. Everyone at Operation Tohidu® is looking forward to meeting you. The following information will provide you with some helpful details about your arrival and stay, including where you can find us, what to bring, and directions.
9035 Ironsides Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662
Phone: 301-769-8081
All participants will receive a comprehensive Welcome Letter and packing list prior to the session. Once confirmed as accepted onto Operation Tohidu®, please check your email (especially your junk folders) in the week leading up to the retreat.
If you are traveling in your personal vehicle, please plan to arrive at the Melwood Retreat and Recreation Center between the hours of 3:00pm and 4:30pm. This will give you plenty of time to get settled before the session begins.
Your booked and paid itinerary will arrive directly from Melwood Veterans Services via e-mail, typically at least one week in advance of your departure. Please check it over carefully and ensure that you arrive at the airport at least an hour prior to your flight (2 hours for Hawaii due to the Department of Agriculture requirements, and 2 hours early for any other OCONUS departure).You will receive further communications (usually by mobile text message) on your day of travel, with the contact information of the party who will be meeting you at the airport.
Upon arrival you will be greeted by the MVS Team and we will help you transport your luggage to your assigned room. You will be asked to park your vehicle at the main lot for the duration of your stay and we will ask you to leave your keys, which will be secured at that location. Should you need access to your vehicle over the course of the week, an Operation Tohidu® Mentor will be glad to assist you.
Please understand that it is Melwood policy that our participants are responsible for their conduct while traveling to and from the retreat center.
On behalf of everyone at Operation Tohidu®, we wish you safe travels. We all look forward to your arrival.
Below is a list of items we provide, a suggested packing list, and prohibited items to help you prepare for your experience. Further details will be provided in the emailed Welcome Letter.
All participants will be issued the following items:
Participants should bring the following items:
Please consider bringing:
Please resist bringing:
Please do not bring:
Note: There should be no need for money as all food, refreshments and snacks are provided during the program. If you do not have an item or cannot afford to obtain it, let us know - we will gladly assist you!
All illicit drugs are banned; prescription drugs may be kept in your custody if they are prescribed to you and contain accurate prescription information
Lodging is by assignment in cabins at the Melwood Retreat and Recreation Center. These heated and air-conditioned lodges include individual and shared rooms, typically with top and bottom bunk beds. A few single beds are available. Some cabins have private bathrooms while others have community bathrooms with private shower and toilet stalls. Room assignments are made on an as needed basis by Staff and Mentors.
For any questions, concerns or should you need anything prior to arrival day, please contact Travis Rahill at trahill@melwood.org or 301-599-4550.