Imagine spending close to 270 days away from your family every year, under the constant pressure of grueling training and extended deployments, then suddenly returning home to family life. The transition is jarring and puts extraordinary stress on SEAL families. To help them reconnect, build fortitude and heal, the C4 Foundation created the F.R.O.G. Program (Families building Resilience through Optimism and Gratitude), a nature-based, neuroscience-backed solution that includes four categories.
Warrior Reset Program
Whether a SEAL is in the training pipeline to deployment, just returning from deployment, or at a training command, SEALs decompress during this weekend-long, small group program. Warriors focus on rejuvenating both mind and body as they learn new tools to manage stress on the battlefield and at home. SEALs also have ample time to explore the ranch, enjoy outdoor activities, or do nothing at all.
Spouse Reset Program
Mirroring the activities of the Warrior Reset Program, the Spouse Reset Program also provides tools to help manage the particular stressors faced by the SEAL family as a whole. Beginning with an intention-setting exercise focused on healing, the program progresses with a workshop focused on practicing mindfulness with optimism and gratitude. SEAL spouses also have ample time to explore the ranch, enjoy outdoor activities, or do nothing at all.
While the warriors are engaged in constant training and deployment cycles, this program helps spouses remain strong.
Family Retreat Program
A secluded cabin for a long weekend… hiking, fishing, horseback riding. Engaging with nature, reconnecting with family, the meaningful moments that create lasting memories and stronger bonds. This is the foundation of the Family Retreat Program, and new activities are being added all the time, such as a geocache and survival camp.
Command Offsites
As a mission critical aspect of high-stakes training and deployment, Naval Special Warfare Commands and SEALs come together to solidify relationships and to discuss leadership and management strategies. These remote, private and confidential events are approved by Naval Special Warfare.
98%
SEALs reporting their visit to the C4 Ranch was meaningful
Feelings of optimism and gratitude improve significantly
97%
SEALs saying they feel more connected to their families
The F.R.O.G. Program is conducted at the C4 Ranch, a private 560-acre sanctuary where SEAL families build fortitude against the stressors of the SEAL operator lifestyle. These decompression programs teach participants to practice mindfulness with optimism and gratitude. Integrating mind and body wellness, the F.R.O.G Program’s functional and rehabilitative exercises include sound therapy, neuromuscular massage, physical therapy, breathing classes, outdoor therapies, nutrition and more.
Between program activities, SEALs and their families can explore the natural beauty of the ranch. The views are breathtaking, and there’s plenty to do for the entire family, from hiking and fishing to getting acquainted with our wildlife and farm animals. When a child meets a barnyard rooster for the first time, you’ll remember the laughter, and the smiles, long after.
why your donation matters
Neuroscience tells us that nature is the heart of healing, accelerating the healthy transition and decompression from combat to home by 10x. We rely solely on donations like yours to fund the C4 Foundation, C4 Ranch and our F.R.O.G. Program (Families building Resilience through Optimism and Gratitude).
