Aurora Chamber of Commerce · Project Sanctuary
Polaris
Pathfinder
Find your bearing. Navigate what's next.
A Fixed Point
in the Dark
At the United States Air Force Academy, there is a hall called Polaris Hall. In the center of its roof is a skylight — and beneath that skylight sits a single chair. At midnight, if you sit in that chair, the North Star is visible directly above you.
Polaris. The fixed point. The star that doesn't move while everything around it does. For centuries, navigators found their bearing by it — not because it told them where to go, but because it gave them a reference point that never shifted.
One true north."
Transition is disorienting. The terrain is unfamiliar. But the fixed points — family, purpose, community, a plan — are always there. Polaris Pathfinder helps military families find them.
Three Pillars.
One Program.
Polaris Pathfinder addresses the three factors that most commonly put transitioning military families at risk. The retreat is the immersive centerpiece. VA navigation and employment support are coordinated around each family's individual transition timeline.
Pillar One
Retreat &
Family Wellness
Project Sanctuary Lead
A five-day immersive therapeutic retreat at Patriot Pines in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The whole family. Kids included.
- Therapeutic and holistic programming
- Dedicated kids track for school-age children
- Community of peers navigating transition
- November 6–11, 2026 · Patriot Pines, CO
Pillar Two
VA Benefits
Navigation
Aurora Chamber / BRMAC Lead
The Chamber connects each family with the right VA benefits support based on where they are in their transition — whether they're just starting the process or navigating an active claim or appeal.
- Connection to VSO advocates and resources
- VA disability application support
- Claims and appeals navigation
- Timed to each family's transition timeline
Pillar Three
Employment
Aurora Chamber / BRMAC & Project Sanctuary
Servicemembers are connected with companies committed to hiring transitioning military talent — matched to their skills, goals, and timeline.
- Connections to military-committed employer partners
- Matched to individual skills and goals
- Timed to each family's transition timeline
Five Days in the
Colorado Mountains
Dates
November 6–11, 2026Evening arrival Nov 6 · Closing morning Nov 11
Location
Patriot PinesPagosa Springs, Colorado
Pilot Cohort
8 military familiesUp to 3 couples without children · Remaining spots open to families with school-age children — single parents, married couples, and partnered families all welcome
Cost to Families
No costFully supported by program sponsors
Programming
Project SanctuaryMulti-day schedule balancing structured therapeutic and educational sessions with recreation and family activities · Dedicated kids track included
Your Best Chapter
Doesn't Start After
the Military.
You've spent years putting mission first. Now it's your turn. Polaris Pathfinder is built for the moment before everything changes — when the right support can make all the difference.
- Separating in calendar year 2027
- Must have a spouse, partner, or children
- All branches of military service
- Couples or families with school-age children (elementary through high school)
- No infants or toddlers
- Five days at Patriot Pines in Pagosa Springs
- Therapeutic retreat programming for the whole family
- Dedicated kids programming during adult sessions
- Connection to VA disability and benefits navigation resources
- Introductions to employers committed to hiring transitioning servicemembers
Ready to Apply?
Selected families will be contacted to complete the full Project Sanctuary intake process. Families not selected retain full access to Project Sanctuary's retreat programming and services.
Begin Your ApplicationSubmitting this application does not guarantee selection. Selected families will be contacted within two weeks.
Two Organizations.
One Mission.
Polaris Pathfinder is built on the combined strength of two organizations that together cover every dimension of military family transition.
Retreat Programming & Employment Connections
Project Sanctuary
A Colorado-based nonprofit with a proven model of therapeutic retreat programming for military families. Patriot Pines in Pagosa Springs is Project Sanctuary's established retreat facility. Project Sanctuary also contributes its own network of employer connections for participating families.
VA Navigation, Employment & Community Lead
Aurora Chamber of Commerce / BRMAC
The Aurora Chamber connects transitioning families with VA benefits navigation resources and regional employers committed to military hiring — through the Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council's established network in the Greater Buckley region. For families interested in education opportunities, the Chamber can connect them with the right resources.
Join the Pilot as a Partner
Polaris Pathfinder connects you directly with pre-screened transitioning military talent. Build relationships with your next hires before they've signed with someone else.
Become a PartnerLet's Talk
Whether you're a family considering applying, an employer interested in partnering, or an organization looking to support the pilot — we want to hear from you.
Rob Devall
Director of Military Affairs
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
militaryaffairs@aurorachamber.org
Project Sanctuary
info@projectsanctuary.us
projectsanctuary.us
November 6–11, 2026
Patriot Pines · Pagosa Springs, CO
Submit initial application above.
Selected families complete full intake through Project Sanctuary.
Partner or Sponsor Inquiry
Reach out about employer partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, or general inquiries. We'll be in touch within two business days.
militaryaffairs@aurorachamber.org
Aurora Chamber of Commerce · BRMAC