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.

Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

2024 Year-End Note from Our CEO

To be human is to struggle. At Guardian Revival, this truth fuels everything we do. We don’t just help guardians and their families overcome hardships; we empower them to heal and rediscover their strength. Every step forward is a testament to the power of community and connection. These moments remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to continue.

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Another Summit Kevin Davis Another Summit Kevin Davis

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.

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Another Summit Kevin Davis Another Summit Kevin Davis

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.

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Boots & Paws Katherine Conaway Boots & Paws Katherine Conaway

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.

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Another Summit Katherine Conaway Another Summit Katherine Conaway

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.

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Another Summit Kevin Davis Another Summit Kevin Davis

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.

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Boots & Paws Kevin Davis Boots & Paws Kevin Davis

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.

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Another Summit Kevin Davis Another Summit Kevin Davis

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.

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Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway Guardian Revival Katherine Conaway

A New Year: 2024

As we embark on another year, we stay humble and focused on our mission to improve the lives of our guardians. Our mindset for 2024 is to make the world a better place and help who we can. We look forward to another year dedicated to veterans & first responders, and we are grateful to have you be part of our journey. Happy New Year!

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Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis

2023 Best Gifts for Music Lovers

Our music program, Encore, provides opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music. Program Executive Director Matthew Sorena has provided us with some of his favorite gear for performing and recording music so that you can find the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift for the music lover in your life.

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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.

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Boots & Paws Katherine Conaway Boots & Paws Katherine Conaway

2023 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers

Our Boots & Paws program provides companion dogs to veterans and first responders for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship. Program Executive Director Rachel Hill and Operations Manager Cassie Hansen have pulled together some of their favorite products for taking care of their personal pups, as well as what we use with our dogs & recommend to guardians.

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