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.
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.
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.
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!
Guardian Champion: Atlantic Ocean Row
Guardian Champion Keith Eckert has completed yet another incredible adventure with a mission of raising awareness & funds for Guardian Revival and mental health. Keith and 11 other rowers crossed the Atlantic Ocean — rowing from Tenerife to Antigua in 45 days.
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.
Guardian Champions: TCS New York City Marathon
On November 5th, 2023, over 51,000 athletes from 148 countries came together for the iconic New York City Marathon. Among them were 5 runners competing as Guardian Champions: Mackenzie Burns, Rob Williams, Phil Schwarz, Brendan Melanophy, and Luke Norman — and they collectively raised over $52,000 for our Boots & Paws companion dog program!
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.
Veterans Day 2023
In recognition of Veterans Day last weekend, Guardian Revival hosted hikes with Another Summit on the Popolopen Torne Loop (with the living monument at its peak), a breakfast for veterans with Congressman Pat Ryan, and a public Veterans Day Ceremony at the Beacon VMB (GR HQ) on Saturday, November 11.
GR on TV: Veteran’s Playbook Episode
This episode of Veteran’s Playbook featured Guardian Revival & Alex Othmer as a “compelling story of a U.S. veteran entrepreneur and their unique life, career, and venture.” Originally aired on November 1, 2023, on Discovery Network’s Destination America channel.