BROWN DEER, Wis. — A Wisconsin-based organization that focuses on mental health for those on the front lines is gearing up for an upcoming camp in May.

Next 18 is hosting a four-day recreational therapy event. It’s using the game of golf to help veterans and first responders to heal.

The event runs from May 6-9 at Whistling Straights in Kohler.

Events like these are where Jeff Nebel first got introduced to the work that Next 18 does.

Nebel is a veteran and retired firefighter. He attended a camp as a participant back in 2022. He said it changed his course in life.

“When I went to the camp, my wife had filed for divorce,” Nebel said. “Some of the things that I brought home from this camp helped with our communication, helped with our relationship.”

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

With his job in the military and as a first responder in New Berlin, Nebel said he suffered from trauma that comes with the job.

“It affects everyone in a different way,” he said. ”Some people show it a little bit more than others. Being able to come out here with a bunch of veterans and first responders and share that stuff and get that off your chest. The biggest thing is talking.”

In the summer of 2022, he felt the impact of the organization himself. Now, two years later, he is a peer support specialist and is teeing up other veterans and first responders for success.

“I’m not here for the golf,” Nebel said. “So much as I am here for my brothers and sisters.”

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

Next 18’s founder and executive director, Matthew McDonell, said watching Nebel grow and be an example of what this program can do for its participants, has been special.

“His journey has been really awesome to watch,” McDonell said. “For me, it really validates what I do on a daily basis.”

Nebel said being out on the course with other veterans and first responders is therapeutic and he cannot imagine a better way to give back to his community than through this program.