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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NAMI Homefront for Families & Friends of Veterans & Service Members
A free online course for family, friends, and significant others of military service members and veterans. Parents, partners, children, and close friends are welcome! Learn how to better understand and support your loved one — and better maintain your own well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
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!
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.
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.
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.