October 3-7 | Starting at $500The Standard for Military-Connected Destination™ Excellence
Excellence Must Be Demonstrated.™
A Military-Connected Destination™ is not established by declaration.
It is not established because a military installation is nearby.
It is not established by the number of military-focused programs a community operates.
And it is not established because a community describes itself as military-friendly.
The MCD Standard™ defines what a destination must demonstrate to establish that its institutions, systems, places, opportunities, relationships, and experiences function together as a Military-Connected Destination™.
It creates a common framework for communities to understand what excellence requires—while allowing each destination to determine how those capabilities are built within its own geography, institutions, culture, and community.
The standard is shared. The expression is local.™
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
WHAT IS THE MCD STANDARD™?
The MCD Standard™ establishes the conditions, capabilities, experience expectations, and performance requirements associated with Military-Connected Destination™ excellence.
It provides the foundation for:
Destination Development • Assessment • Strategic Planning • Certification • Measurement • Continuous Improvement • Recertification
At its core, the Standard asks:
DOES THE DESTINATION FUNCTION?™
Not simply:
What programs exist?
But:
Can people find them?
Can people reach them?
Can people use them?
Do institutions connect?
Can people continue moving through education, work, community, and life?
What do people actually experience?
What outcomes can be demonstrated?
Can the destination identify weaknesses and improve?
The MCD Standard™ moves the conversation from presence to performance.
WHAT DOES THE STANDARD EVALUATE?
The Standard examines four foundational dimensions of destination capability.
CONDITIONS
What exists?
Institutions • Infrastructure • Policies • Resources • Opportunities • Places • Programs
CAPABILITY
Can the destination do what people need it to do?
Coordination • Delivery • Navigation • Responsiveness • Adaptability • Institutional Capacity
EXPERIENCE
Can people meaningfully access and experience it?
Access • Participation • Quality • Connection • Continuity • Belonging
PERFORMANCE
Does it work?
Utilization • Outcomes • Progress • Community Experience • Sustainability • Improvement
DEMONSTRATED DESTINATION CAPABILITY™
The presence of an asset is the beginning of the inquiry—not the end of it.
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.