CHESS MATE – SMEAC’s Chess Club is built on the foundations of strategy, patience, and connection—mirroring SMEAC’s broader Engagement Model of veteran support.

We bring veterans and civilians together over the chessboard, fostering trust, focus, and camaraderie in a calm and welcoming environment. Every game is a chance to build consistency, sharpen the mind, and engage in healthy, structured competition.

Through chess, members reconnect with themselves and others, often rediscovering lost confidence and a sense of purpose. Whether a seasoned player or learning for the first time, everyone is welcome—because at Chess Mate, it’s not just about winning. It’s about creating space for thoughtful interaction and personal growth.

Like SMEAC’s core model of reconnection, rehabilitation, retraining, and reintegration, Chess Mate offers a hands-on, relationship-driven approach that delivers real outcomes—one move at a time.

SMOKING HOT – SMEAC’s Meat Barbequing Club is fired up by a shared love of good food, good mates, and great conversation around the coals.

Who can join Smoking Hot? Veterans and members of the general public—gathering together over sizzling grills to break down barriers and spark connection. The club plays a key role in SMEAC’s fourth R: Reintegration, creating an informal space where camaraderie and community thrive.

More than just barbequing, Smoking Hot brings people together in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Veterans rediscover routine and purpose through preparing meals, sharing techniques, and feeding the crowd—an act of service that’s both grounding and rewarding.

It’s about more than cooking meat. It’s about reigniting pride, confidence, and connection—turning simple barbeques into powerful moments of trust and belonging. The skills learned and friendships forged often open doors to broader support, volunteering, or training pathways.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just curious to flip your first snag, Smoking Hot welcomes all who want to reconnect through the simple, shared joy of outdoor cooking. Every gathering helps fuel SMEAC’s mission—one plate at a time.

SWARM PATROL, SMEAC’s dedicated beekeeping club, is more than just managing hives—it’s about restoring purpose, building trust, and reconnecting with community through meaningful activity. Veterans, their families, and members of the general public are all welcome to join, creating a unique environment where shared learning and collaboration thrive.

At the heart of Swarm Patrol is SMEAC’s commitment to trust, routine, and shared experience. There is no judgement—just calm, structure, and a common purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned apiarist or a total beginner, every member is supported and valued as part of the hive.

The club directly reflects SMEAC’s structured Engagement Model built on the 4Rs: Reconnection, Rehabilitation, Retraining, and Reintegration. Swarm Patrol enables veterans to reconnect with themselves and others, rehabilitate through peaceful, purposeful work, retrain by developing new skills, and reintegrate alongside supportive peers from all walks of life. It’s a practical, inclusive, and results-driven approach that helps veterans and civilians alike find connection, achievement, and direction.