Supporting the Surviving Children of Our Fallen Patriots
Our Mission and Vision
Gold Star Teen Adventures provides mentorship, leadership and character development, resilience training and team building for the children of our nation’s military, first responders and intelligence community who lost their lives. The program teaches critical life skills through year around adventure opportunities and facilitates healing and a return to normalcy for those coping with the sudden loss of a parent. Our objective is to help these teenagers struggling with loss become more confident and productive young adults.
Our History
Kent Solheim, a special operations service member, was seriously wounded in combat in Iraq in 2007 where he ultimately lost his right leg after sustaining four gunshot wounds. Kent’s experiences on his road to recovery inspired the creation of Gold Star Teen Adventures. Kent, a father of two, reflected on how his children's lives would have changed had he not made it home. Kent also learned through his road to recovery that he experienced emotional healing when he was able to spend time with others who endured similar trauma in their lives. Gold Star Teen Adventures was created to provide a place where youth can come together to share new experiences with others who have shared a similar journey. We are built on the pillars of healing, leadership and character development, and opportunity. Our organization is committed to serving and honoring the community of people who have sacrificed so much. We believe that by bringing together youth in environments where they can have fun and develop relationships amongst team leaders and other Gold Star youth, GSTA is a place where teens can be a part of a family that has a shared experience, where they can learn new skills, and can gain the tools to become the best versions of themselves.
Our Program Pillars
Healing
We believe that bringing youth together in environments where they can have fun and develop relationships amongst other Gold Star youth is a powerful tool on the journey of healing. GSTA is a place where teens can be a part of a family that has a shared experience.
Opportunity
We strive to provide world-class outdoor opportunities. Whether diving in the ocean, paddling in the backcountry, or hunting in the woods, the outdoors is the perfect place to develop lifelong skills like leadership, discipline, overcoming fear and adversity, and working together as a team.
Leadership and Character Development
The theme of leadership and character are central in every GSTA Adventure. Our programs are designed to develop our participants through direct instruction and experiential learning coupled with the challenges and experiences that the outdoors can provide.
Governing Documents
Gold Star Teen Adventures is a 501(c)(3) organization registered with the State of North Carolina and the IRS. Our EIN is 90-09980. We are currently headquartered in North Carolina.
Corporate Headquarters
Gold Star Teen Adventures
2810 Whisper Oaks Ct
Fayetteville, NC 28306
The IRS granted Gold Star Teen Adventures 501(c) (3) nonprofit status in June of 2013.
The Articles o Incorporation provide the legal basis for Gold Star Teen Adventures.
The Bylaws provide a foundation for the Gold Star Teen Adventures Board of Directors.