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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.