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.
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
Destinations
2021 Trips
Grayson Highlands (A.T.), March 13 -15
Shenandoah Forest (A.T.), April 23 – 25
Allegheny Forest, June 4 – 6
Allegheny Forest, August 13 – 15
Grayson Highlands (A.T.), October 22 – 25
Grayson Highlands (A.T.), November 5 – 8
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.