Frequently Asked Questions
About Kator Dunn Farm
KDF is a nonprofit organization providing nature-based retreats for Warriors, active duty and veterans, and families on the DeerwooD5 property in Duplin County, NC. Retreats are designed to provide support through ecotherapy comprised primarily of recreational hunting, conservation efforts, family style meals, and campfires. The expansive property offers a quiet, restorative spot where guests can step away from daily pressures and reconnect with nature, with others, and with themselves.
KDF was founded by Brian Cox and Teresa Woods-Cox out a deep respect for the military and recognition that many Warriors need healing outside of traditional settings. The partnership with DeerwooD5 allowed KDF to have a landing spot for events.
Ecotherapy, also known as nature therapy or green therapy, is a therapeutic approach emphasizing the healing powers of nature and the outdoors to promote mental and physical well-being. It involves engaging in activities and practices that foster a connection with the natural environment. Ecotherapy recognizes the inherent human need for a relationship with the natural world and seeks to harness the restorative and rejuvenating effects of nature to support personal growth, emotional healing, and overall health.
KDF provides the opportunity for guests to walk in the woods with those who understand their experiences. This shared camaraderie, whether quiet or spoken, provides an opportunity to share.
We serve Warriors, active-duty and veterans, from all branches of the U.S. military.
Yes. Kator Dunn Farm is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, operating transparently and guided by a mission to serve with integrity and respect.
Our work is made possible through donations, grants, and community participation, and our partnership with DeerwooD5. Every contribution helps provide retreat experiences at no cost to participants.
Eligibility & Participation
KDF retreats are open to all active and retired military who are seeking rest, reflection, and connection in a natural setting.
Yes. We welcome all Warriors.
Our initial focus was providing active-duty and veterans a hunt camp to reflect and regenerate. In 2024 we started hosting the children of our Warriors. What a joy! Getting these young hunters and naturalists into the woods put smiles on our faces. We are working to start program “Home Front,” a restorative experience for spouses and partners.
No. We believe financial barriers should not stand in the way of healing. Kator Dunn Farm provides accommodation, including Hunters Cabin for overnight stays if applicable along with family-style meals. Guests are required to provide hunting gear including rifles/shotguns/bows and ammunition.
Participants are selected through a process initiated by a partner organization, support group, or previous guest. This process allows us to ensure each retreat is a good fit for the participants and appropriate support is provided. KDF partners with organizations including V.E.T., CCA and a few others to help identify and vet participants. We also have a group of active-duty Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune, Camp Geiger, and New River Airforce Base along with local veterans who assist in the identification of participants and help with the application process.
Retreat Experience
Each retreat is intentionally unhurried. Activities are planned through a cooperative effort between the organizing group or host and Kator Dunn Farm. Activities may include hunting, fishing, conservation work, guided walks, wildlife scouting, light land-based work, conversations, or good old alone time.
Length is dependent on the season. Retreats can range from a half-day to three days.
Currently the main focus is hunting and conservation activities.
Activities are adaptable, and there is no expectation to push beyond personal limits.
KDF is rooted in the belief that a relationship with the land provides opportunities for reflection, reconnection, and renewal. Providing a community of shared experiences while walking the land, hunting, sitting around the campfire, or sharing a meal gives our guests a special moment in time to be understood by those who have walked in similar boots.
Safety, Accessibility & Support
We do our best to accommodate mobility needs and will discuss openly during the application process.
No, but we do have access to both if needed. The local community hospital is 10 minutes from the property.
All must have a North Carolina Hunting License. Our volunteer guides provide a safety orientation, and guns are sited before hunting.
All guns are maintained in a safe secure location when not in use.
Safety is a priority. Facility staff are familiar with the terrain. Emergency protocols are in place. The environment is managed.
All guns are maintained in a safe secure location when not in use.
Safety is a priority. Facility staff are familiar with the terrain. Emergency protocols are in place. The environment is managed.
Accommodations & Amenities
Guests are housed in the Hunters’ Cabin which comfortably sleeps 4 and can accommodate 6 hunters. This cabin has the necessary creature comforts including internet, cable tv, a full kitchen and a wonderful front porch to watch the sun set. Meals and evening activities are held in the Gathering Room or the outdoor social area of an adjacent building.
Food is a big deal to us. Meals are home cooked, and we practice Farm to Table. Most of the meal selections are sourced within 15 miles of DeerwooD5. We have a plethora of good eats. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Location & Property
Kator Dunn Farm events are hosted at DeerwooD5 located at 257 Kator Dunn Road in Albertson, North Carolina. This property is approximately 880 acres, and an additional 100 acres is leased from the neighboring rancher.
Albertson is located between Kenansville and Mt. Olive. Kenansville is the county seat of Duplin County.
Albertson is located between Kenansville and Mt. Olive. Kenansville is the county seat of Duplin County.
East Carolina University Health Duplin Hospital is located in Kenansville. The property is about 10 miles from this hospital.
Donations, Support & Partnerships
We graciously accept donations. Due to our size, we currently accept cash, checks, and Zelle. We are hoping as we grow, we will work on this.
Along with monetary donations, we appreciate your time. Volunteers are the backbone of KDF. They clear trails, mark the paths on the Goshen Swamp, clean stands, guide hunts, and serve as hosts for hunts. We could not serve the Warrior Community without them.
Yes. Kator Dunn Farm is approved as a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization. Monetary and material donations are recorded. Donors are provided a document declaring the donation.
Donations directly support retreat programming, land stewardship, lodging, and veteran care.
Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are available and deeply appreciated.
We are committed to responsible financial policies and transparency in how funds are allocated. Donors will be informed of the disbursement of their donations.
Yes. Partnerships help us expand our reach and deepen our impact. Interested partners can contact us directly to explore collaboration opportunities.
Privacy & Additional Information
Privacy is taken seriously. Personal stories and identities are not shared without explicit permission. Photos and stories are shared only with consent. Participation in media is always optional. Opting out has no impact on participation or support.
Organizations can support through partnerships or donations. Additional resources allow KDF to provide more opportunities to Warriors.
