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.
2024 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
Finding the best gift for an outdoor enthusiast can be tough — With all the different brands and items to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to find quality gear that provides functionality and speaks to your loved one’s adventurous spirit.
Henri de la Vega (our Another Summit Director of Outdoor Adventure and Education) has put together this holiday gift guide to help you find the perfect gift this holiday season.
With everything from larger gifts to smaller stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank, this list has been curated with nature lovers in mind and has the added benefit of allowing you to support American-owned companies and retailers when you buy.
Top 10 Essentials For Hikers
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you know that many considerations go into planning a safe and enjoyable hike — you need to pick a destination, plan a route, check the weather, pay attention to trail conditions, and calculate how much food and water you’ll need for your journey.
One of the most important considerations, though, (and one that trips people up the most) is what to pack.
Any time you decide to set off for an outdoor adventure, you need to make sure you have everything you need for a hike that allows you to enjoy all the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer while keeping you out of harm’s way, as well as a few extra items that you hopefully won’t need, but may come in handy during an emergency.
You also need to consider the weight of all your gear, because, after all, you’ll be the one who has to lug all this equipment around on your hike. Narrowing down your gear to the essentials can be frustrating, but fortunately, there’s a tried and tested, decades-old system that will make preparing for your outdoor adventure a snap.
Discover the Joy of Fly Fishing with Another Summit
Whether you're brand new to fly fishing or looking to refine your technique, Another Summit invites you to join a year-long journey into the world of fly fishing alongside fellow guardians. This cohort-style course is designed for anglers of all levels.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
2024 Outdoor Adventures with Another Summit
Elevate your outdoor experiences to new heights with Another Summit. We have an expansive array of thrilling opportunities designed to immerse veterans and first responders in the great outdoors — from day outings to fieldcraft survival skills courses to multiday canoe expeditions and epic backpacking trips!
2023 Recap: A Year of Impact & Growth
We've hit so many measurable milestones this year, and there are countless more meaningful moments we can't quantify — in groups of guardians and one-on-one with individuals. Thank you for your support, for being part of our extended Guardian Revival family, and for helping us improve the lives of our veterans & first responders.
January 2024 Events
Start the year off right by joining us for outdoor adventures, a companion dog awarding, iRest meditation, mobility, yoga, peer support, music jams, and more. With both virtual events and in-person gatherings, there’s something for everyone.
2023 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
Our adventure program, Another Summit, leads outdoor adventure activities, including walking, hiking, backpacking, and paddling. Program Executive Director Aaron Leonard and the Another Summit team have put together this list of must-have gear for outdoor lovers this holiday season.
2023 Guardian Revival Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for gift ideas for your loved ones, friends, coworkers, adventure buddies, or furry friends? Our holiday gift guide is brought to you by the team at Guardian Revival. Thanks to our wide range of expertise (and hobbies!), we’ve got recommendations for those on a path for self-improvement & exploration, creatives, both aspiring & skilled musicians, outdoor lovers & athletes, and canine companions.
December 2023 Events
End your year on a high note by joining us for winter adventures, mobility, meditation, music, peer support, and more. With both virtual and in-person events available, there’s something for everyone.
Survival Skills in the Wild: An Introduction to Fieldcraft
Fieldcraft — the skills and knowledge required for survival in the wild — is an intricate blend of observation, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It’s all about understanding nature, honing your instincts, and mastering the art of thriving in the great outdoors.
Five Best Hiking Trails Near NYC
From stunning mountain ranges to lush forests and breathtaking waterfalls, the Empire State has wilderness adventures for hikers of all levels. Lace up your hiking boots, embrace the great outdoors, and get some adventure in your system: here are the five best hiking trails near NYC for a little nature therapy in the New York mountains.