“We believe that hope grows outdoors. On the water. On a hunt. On the slopes. On a trail.”

Those simple words express the philosophy of Mission Outdoors, a nonprofit organization that works to benefit America’s armed forces. The theory is that putting veterans (and active duty, too) in a healthy, outdoor environment – while surrounding them with like-minded individuals – can do a world of good.

It’s also the mind-set that saw a group converge last weekend upon Flint Tip Archery in Enumclaw. Military members brought tents, RVs, spouses, kids and dogs to the facility on Enumclaw’s eastern edge to learn archery and put theory into practice.

Flint Tip’s Sue Buck said she was approached by Mission Outdoors and jumped at the chance to do her part.

The archery experience was just the latest in some regional events hosted by Bonney Lake-based Mission Outdoors. For example, there was a charity golf tournament and auction in June at Tapps Island Golf Course. In April, there was a charily gala at the LeMay auto museum in Tacoma and a fishing derby at LaPush on Washington’s coast. Mission Outdoors is a regular participant in a tuna-fishing festival held every August in Westport.

Mission Outdoors is looking to add events like marksmanship, skeet and trap shooting, hiking, biking, rafting, camping and more.