The Mission:
Increase the willingness of America’s youth to pursue service professions through positive experiences.
Play, Purpose & Service
Discover Service is a nonprofit organization comprised of veterans, educators, and parents, on a mission to spark a national movement, one adventure at a time.
We believe that hands-on adventure can build character. That real leadership starts in childhood. And that the values forged in military service, courage, discipline, teamwork, belong not just on the battlefield, but in backyards, schoolyards, and communities across America.
Why We Exist:
The Challenge We Face
Fewer and fewer young people are choosing to serve — in the military, in public roles, or even in their communities. National interest in service has dropped to historic lows, and for many families, military service feels distant or misunderstood.
We believe the solution is experience.
Frequently asked questions
At Discover Service, we get a lot of great questions, and we love that. Whether you're a parent, veteran, or donor, this is where we answer the most common questions about who we are, what we do, and how you can be part of the mission.
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Not at all. We don’t recruit — we reframe service as something kids can grow into through adventure, leadership, and teamwork.
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We create bold, hands-on experiences, from veteran-led adventure zones to school missions and pop-up community events, all designed to spark confidence, leadership, and a spirit of service in the next generation.
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We operate permanent sites, deploy mobile units for schools and events, and offer toolkits for partners to host their own “mission days.
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U.S. veterans. They serve as mentors, role models, and crew chiefs, guiding kids through challenges that build grit, teamwork, and pride.
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Everything we build, whether it's a playground, program, or event, is rooted in real values and real purpose. And yes, we even repurpose military gear into tools for imagination and growth.
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Kids and families looking for meaningful play. Veterans looking to lead again. Communities that crave connection. And donors ready to fund impact that lasts.
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Because service builds leaders. Veterans own over 1.6 million businesses. 31 U.S. Presidents served. We believe planting those values early can change everything.