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.
Miami Marathon 2025 Recap
On February 2, 2025, the vibrant streets of Miami were filled with over 18,000 runners participating in the 23rd annual Life Time Miami Marathon & Half. Among the dedicated athletes were our very own Guardian Revival Champions, who not only showcased remarkable athleticism on Miami’s course but also embodied our mission.
The 5 Best Fire Starters for Hiking & Camping
Being able to quickly start a fire can be a literal life saver in a survival situation. While the forest provides many efficient tinder sources, wet conditions or an unfamiliar environment may slow your ability to find them — which is why many hikers & campers choose to carry their own. Learn how to make your own fire starters, including wax matches and fire cups!
2024 Annual Report
We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you. Reflecting on another successful year across our core programs (Another Summit, Boots & Paws, and Encore), family program (Homefront), Peer Services division, newest location (Hawaii), and athletic fundraisers (Champions), we’re proud to report healthy finances & robust relationships as we wrap up our 5th year as an organization.
How to Run the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Deigo Marathon With Guardian Champions
This year, Guardian Champions is providing you with the unique opportunity to run the San Diego Marathon for a great cause, by raising funds and awareness to prevent suicide among veterans and first responders with Guardian Revival.
If you’re ready to take on the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon with Guardian Champions, but you’re unsure of what to expect or how to get ready, this handy how-to guide will give you all the information you need to help you prepare, stay motivated, and make it across the finish line in style.
Honolulu Marathon Weekend 2024 Recap
Seven Guardian Champions joined a record-breaking 36,000 runners at the Honolulu Marathon 2024, making their mark in one of the largest and most scenic races in the world. From the early morning fireworks at the start line through iconic Waikiki up Diamond Head to the final strides into Kapiolani Park, our Champions pushed through heat, humidity, and miles of incredible scenery.
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend 2024 Recap
The Philadelphia Marathon 2024 weekend brought together over 17,000 runners (20 of which were Guardian Champions) to pound the pavement of one of the nation’s most beautiful and iconic marathon courses — and one of the top ten marathons in the U.S. This year’s event sold out, but Guardian Revival proudly secured charity entries for our Champions — and our team delivered an impactful performance.
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.
2024 Marine Corps Marathon Recap
The 2024 49th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) brought thousands of runners together in Arlington, VA, and Washington, D.C., to celebrate “A bond that bridges generations – women who serve our Nation and communities.” This year, Guardian Revival was proud to have 13 incredible runners take on The People’s Marathon as Guardian Champions.
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.
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.
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!