WHAT WE DO:
Provide adventure therapy opportunities for those struggling with Depression, Anxiety, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
WHO WE SERVE:
We serve all current and retired First Responders. Including, but not limited to:
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Corrections Officers
- Fire Fighters
- Paramedics /EMS / EMT
- Healthcare Workers
- 911 Call Takers / Dispatch Personnel
HOW WE SERVE:
We host four (4), 3-day expense free backpacking trips and four (4) 2-day expense free backpacking trips per year. In addition, we offer four (4) fly-fishing trips per year for those unable to meet the physical demands of backcountry hiking.
During each trip, we connect you with experienced First Responders who understand the intricacies of mental health. You will begin to build a network of other First Responders through the task orientation process of Adventure Therapy.
We do not directly provide counseling. However, we will gladly share resources to assist you in finding the mental health professional that you deem beneficial.
Why?
In 2019, 189 Police Officers and Fire Fighters lost their lives in the line of duty. Sadly, 358 lost their lives as a result of suicide during the same time-frame.
Most people will face a significant traumatic event one or two times during their lifetime. Our First Responders are exposed to major traumatic events mutiple times per month. The continued exposure to traumatic events has shown to have a significant negative impact on mental health.
Research has shown that Adventure Therapy programs can reduce anxiety, tension, and other symptoms relating to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
2022 Destinations
11-13
March
**FULL**
Grayson Highlands (Appalaichain Trail)
Section Hike the Appalachian trail. Near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Mouth of Wilson, VA
22-24
April
**FULL**
Harpers Ferry (Appalaichain Trail)
Paths wind through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which has 19th-century buildings, a Civil War Museum and John Brown’s Fort, a key site in an 1859 abolitionist raid. The location where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, known as The Point, offers views of Maryland and Virginia. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Harpers Ferry, VA
27-29
August
Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest is a National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania, about 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The forest covers 513,175 acres of land. Within the forest is Kinzua Dam, which impounds the Allegheny River to form Allegheny Reservoir. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Marienville, PA
12-13
September
**FULL**
Mohican State Forest
The Mohican State Park area was once the hunting grounds of the Delaware Native Americans, whose more famous warriors included Janacake, Bill Montour, Thomas Lyon, and James Smith. Smith was the first white man to come to this area after he was captured by the Native Americans and later adopted into their tribe. Several Delaware villages were also located in the Mohican vicinity. Trip lead by guide David Brown.
Backpacking trails at Mohican State Park and Mohican-Memorial State Forest are closed due to storm damage. **TRIP WILL BE STATIC CAMPING AT A PRIMITIVE SITE ALONG THE CLEARCREEK RIVER**
8:00 am
Loudonville, OH
23-24
September
**FULL**
Delaware State Park
Dense woodlands, expansive meadows, and a shimmering 1,300-acre reservoir blend to create an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Delaware Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of a flood control dam in 1951. The flood control reservoir was dedicated as a state park later that year. Quiet camping sites and numerous hiking trails are available. Trip lead by guide Emily Maupin.
**Women in Healthcare** This trip is focusing on women in the healthcare industry, especially those who worked with and around COVID patients or in a trauma environment.
**Static Camping – Trip has access to lockable restrooms and individual showers.
3:00 pm
Delaware, OH
21-23
October
Dolly Sods Wilderness
The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph, and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. Trip lead by guide Michael Slocum.
10:00 am
Elkins, WV
Healing
Being in nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. It may even reduce mortality.
– University of Minnesota, Earl E. Bakken Center
FIrst Responders
Guides
Backcountry Hike / Camp Miles
Cost
we have You Covered
Experience Wildlife
Our Grayson Highlands Trip drops you into an area inhabited by wild ponies. Watch out for bear and follow the guide’s instructions on proper bear protection techniques.
Tents and bags
No need to bring anything other than your clothes. We supply backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. We highly recommend investing in sweat wicking hiking clothes and hiking boots.
Don't get lost
During your trip, you will learn advanced map navigation techniques. In addition, our guides are all equipped with GPS recievers as well as emergency locator beacons.
Re-psyche-le
Reset your mind. Learn who you are again. Experience feeling again.
Medical evaluation
Once you download and complete the application, be sure to have it signed by a physician. You must be able to walk over uneven terrain for up to 10 miles, while carrying a 30 lb. pack for the Grayson Highlands Trip.
Peer to peer
We pair you up with guides and peers who have experienced the same things as you. This has proven beneficial to the mental healing aspect of each trip.