Find Your Adventherapy

Find Your "Adven-Therapy"

"High-Pointing" the 50 States

From Drive-ups to Hike-ups to Climbs, there is definitely something for everyone.

Summit for Soldiers Members have proudly and collectively been to the summits of 44 State High-points. Shoot for 10 States, 20 States or go for the whole Fifty and join a list that fewer people have accomplished than summited Mt Everest!

SfS has 29 members who have reached 1 or more Highpoints, 8 members with >10, 2 members with over 20, and Allen with 36! It's addicting!

Summit for Soldiers Member, Allen (USN/FMF) was once told he would never be able to hike, and now he has 36 State Highpoints amassed, proving what a Re-Abled Veteran can do!

Here is what Allen has to say:

"My reasons for high pointing are multi-layered, but it gives me something to work towards, and I can just concentrate on things other than the stress we have to deal with day after day."

Have a Question for Allen: Allen@summitforsoldiers.org

Helpful Links: Highpointers Club

Appalachan trail

Feel like taking a longer stroll? We have several Summit for Soldiers Members that have ventured off on their quests across America's Major (and minor) Trails.

Summit for Soldiers Member Paul (USA) is one of our AT experts, (he's actually returning again in 2020). Here is what he has to say about is journeys and quests:

"It gives me time to just walk and blank my mind. Walking has always just giving me a respite from life... It also forces me to talk to people, which is not my ordinary go to. This journey gives me more of what I want "Paul" to be... Will I reach Katahdin? Who knows? Does it matter to me? NO! It's the journey that I so much want and need."

Paul's Helpful Links:

Ask Paul: paul@summitforsoldiers.org

Photo: Cody Grine

Here are some of Cody's Recommended Sites;

Exploring our History

Summit for Soldiers Member (USMC), Cody, is on a quest to search out the lost, forgotten and abandoned places across America. Just like we refuse to forget those who have served, Cody refuses to let these forgotten places fade away.

Here is what he has this to say about his Photo-Adventure and project "Remembering Its Past"

"When I am exploring these forgotten sites, I am in the present, not thinking or replaying the memories I am haunted by... I am also not thinking about the future, or worrying if I took the wrong steps... This allows me to escape."

Follow Cody's: Remembering Its Past

Campout and cookout

Brian (USMC) likes a little bit simpler approach (I was going to make an Officer joke, but I will refrain). Brian spends his time bringing people together, hosting cookouts and campouts, collaborating with other local organizations, and would hop on a plane at a moments notice to accompany a Vietnam Veteran to the Wall in DC.

Here is what Brian has to say:

"Our group outings are therapy to me. It allows me to give back to others who have sacrificed part of their lives for our country. The wounds they sustained may or may not be visible to the eye, but are present always. Our Adven-therapy gives everyone an outlet to enjoy the healing power of Nature and to be with someone who truly understands. While all of us have had different paths through life, we all have walked in the same boots, under similar conditions and endured our share of misery. That simple bond makes us unique and allows a communications bridge across generations. We need each other’s support to win this fight."

Bush crafting

Summit for Soldiers Member, Jerred (USA) is always a pleasure to hang out with... that is is if you can find him. Jerred wrote and defined our awesome Core Values, thankfully before discovering Bush-crafting, because he slipped into the woods and hasn't been seen since!

Even now and then when he does come up for air, he shares the "Adven-Therapy" that it brings him to be self sufficient on the land, learning how to make all he needs and living on the bare essentials. Just him and nature.

Here is what Jerred has to say:

"Bush crafting/Wood crafting is about learning where we come from. These skills may be a hobby to us today, but they were life and death to our ancestor. It's also an outlet, or "inlet" rather, a place to put my energy and focus on something positive."

Everest and the 7-Summits

Summit for Soldiers Co-founder, Mike (USN/FMF) is one of those "attention seeking" guys, always looking for a camera to get in front of! After struggling with his demons (PTSD, Bipolar, even attempted suicide) Mike found renewed purpose and mission through his climbing. At 54 years old, having stood on 5 of the 7-Summits (Everest, Aconcagua, Vinson, Kilimanjaro and Kosciuszko) he would love to share his thoughts/experience to guide you towards your dream adventure, whether its driving to the Ohio Highpoint or Standing on Everest.

Here is what Mike has to say:

"When I stand on a summit and look 'down' at the clouds, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. It is true, I do seek attention... a LOT of attention, because I have something very important to say! The flag I carry (the Silently Fallen Flag) bears the names of those we have known and lost to suicide, and their families have blessed me with the privilege to honor their names on these high adventures. This honor has given me renewed purpose and mission, these names speak to me and say keep going. These climbs have shown me that I CAN reclaim my life, standing on the edge I come alive... except now for a greater purpose. I only hope my story can be a small part of helping others to see that they too can take back control of their mental health struggles and take on whatever challenge comes their way, no matter how big or small."

Have a Question for Mike:
mike@summitforsoldiers.org

Mike's Links: