Guardian Revival Blog
Information & resources about our programs, outdoor adventures, dogs, music, peer support, mental health, and wellness.
Guardian Revival is a non-profit with free programs for guardians (active & retired):
Active Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Federal Agents.
Halloween Safety Tips for Dog Owners
Halloween can be an exciting time for everyone, but for our four-legged friends, the festivities bring some unexpected hazards. From candy to costumes, there are a few precautions that can help keep your dog safe while still enjoying the season.
Hiking Guide: Bull Hill / Mount Taurus
Discover one of the Hudson Highlands State Park's hidden gems. Easily accessible from NYC, this moderately strenuous hike offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Storm King State Park, and, on clear days, even the NYC skyline. Explore two route options and learn essential hiking tips for this scenic trail.
Frontline Families: Support for First Responder and Military Spouses
Guardian Homefront has partnered with two experts to provide you with tips to help you manage stress, enhance your well-being, and keep your relationships strong — plus the support of a community that understands your experience firsthand
Join us on Wednesday, October 23 at 8 PM ET via Zoom for an insightful virtual webinar, where you will hear new strategies from the experts on navigating all the challenges that come along with holding down the homefront.
We will hear from Dr. Shayna Popkin (General & Forensic Psychiatrist; Medical Director, Tunnel to Towers Foundation) and Caitlin Leavey (Mental Health Counselor).
Top 5 Tips For Fall Hiking in New York
Fall can be one of the best seasons for hiking, there are a few things outdoor enthusiasts should keep in mind before dusting off their flannel and hitting the trail.
To help nature lovers ready to lace up their hiking boots and enjoy some of the best fall hikes in New York, Henri de la Vega (our Another Summit Director of Outdoor Adventure and Education) is bringing you his top five expert tips for fall hiking.
One Mile Challenge: Why We Walk
In September, we walk together for the One Mile Challenge to support & honor veterans and first responders affected by trauma and mental health struggles. Learn why we walk and share your own stories & reflections on OMC to help raise awareness and support suicide prevention in our community.
Remembering 9/11: Stories from Our Guardian Revival Community
On the anniversary of 9/11, Guardian Revival reflects on the day that changed the lives of many in our community. From veterans to first responders to civilians, we share some of our personal stories in honor of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those lost and the guardians who continue to serve.
Resources For Military Families
If you’re a spouse or family member of a military service member or veteran, you’re part of a community that has to find a balance between civilian life and the demanding nature of service.
To help you find inspiration and guidance while you’re navigating military family life, Guardian Homefront has put together this list of books that can make things easier along the way.
Resources For Law Enforcement Families
If you’re a spouse or family member of a law enforcement officer, finding the right support and resources can go a long way to helping you and your family live a more peaceful life in the face of the stress that comes with having a loved one who puts their life on the line every day.
To provide you with some additional support, Guardian Homefront has compiled this list of books written specifically for law enforcement families.
Resources For Military Spouses & Partners
Military partners and spouses often find themselves juggling the issues that come up in everyday life along with the demanding nature of their spouse’s profession and its impact on things at home
From managing frequent moves to dealing with long deployments that can leave you feeling isolated, it’s essential to have someone in your corner when things get tough.
To provide you with some help while you’re navigating this challenging but rewarding experience, Guardian Homefront has put together this list of essential resources for military spouses and partners
Resources For First Responder Families
Being the family member of a first responder is an experience that requires, strength, understanding, and a lot of support.
To help make this journey easier for first responder spouses and family members, Guardian Homefront has created this list of resources tailored specifically to the unique challenges that come with this lifestyle.
One Mile Challenge: Good For Our Guardians, Good For You.
Walking one mile a day can significantly impact your mental, physical, and emotional health. By signing up for Guardian Revival’s One Mile Challenge, you can show your support for veterans and first responders and do something great for your well-being at the same time.
What Are Therapy Dogs?
Learn more about therapy dogs and how they can play a unique role in supporting mental health and well-being by providing comfort, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of healing across a variety of settings — from hospitals and schools to long-term healthcare facilities and special groups for trauma survivors.
2023 Annual Report
2023 was a remarkable year of growth & service for Guardian Revival. We served thousands of guardians across the nation, established new capabilities, built substantial partnerships with other non-profit organizations, managed the NYS Outdoor RX Coalition, and more. See more milestones in our 2023 Annual Impact Report.
2024 Florida Sea to Sea Expedition Race
Keith, Jon, and Tyler — retired military veterans with over 40 years of combined service — took on the challenge of The Sea to Sea Race: navigating over 300 miles of rugged Florida terrain, from one coast to the other, using only a compass, a map, and their wits to get them to the finish line.
Winter Sports Snow Day with ShredVets
Thunder Ridge provided complimentary lift tickets for all of the guardians, and both ShredVets and Thunder Ridge provided free lessons for anyone who wanted them. The day was a special opportunity for our guardians to connect with each other and to ShredVets.
Zealand Falls Snowshoe Adventure
Another Summit’s winter 2024 High Adventure to the New Hampshire White Mountains. Our weekend featured frigid temperatures, but we had fun and stayed warm between our snowshoeing treks, cozy AMC huts, and hot meals. Our team successfully reached the summit of Mt. Hale, one of New Hampshire’s 46 4,000-foot peaks.
Top 5 Snowshoeing Trails in the Hudson Valley
When the winter season wraps the Hudson Valley in a soft blanket of snow, outdoor adventure enthusiasts have the opportunity to engage in a different kind of hike — snowshoeing.
Another Summit’s 2024 High & Epic Adventures
Our High and Epic Adventures are world-class opportunities to experience multi-day backcountry adventures led by a team of trained outdoor experts. Learn the ropes of backpacking or canoe camping, spend several days in beautiful, remote wilderness, and bond with your fellow guardians — all at no cost.
Knots, Tarps, and Teamwork: Outdoor Skills Workshop
Another Summit taught a workshop at the New York State Outdoor Education Association’s Winter Weekend — we focused on two fundamental outdoor skills: knotwork and tarp construction. Our teams learned three types of tarp pitches (lean-to, plow point, and C-fly) and three essential knots (trucker’s hitch, bowline, and taut-line hitch), and competed in a team activity you can try yourself!
Layering for Winter Adventures
Hiking in the winter months offers less crowded trails, fewer bugs, and you can enjoy spectacular views that are usually blocked by the foliage — enjoy the sight of stunning, snow-blanketed vistas. Learn the basic layers you’ll need, plus traction, flotation, and sun protection, so you can be prepared to enjoy a winter wonderland.