A

Healing

Adventure

First Responder Excursion

Caring for the minds of our nation’s heroes.

Upcoming Retreat: June 17-20, 2025. S. Oregon First Responders.

Cost: The White Heart Foundation covers all costs for accepted applicants due to the generous donations of our supporters.

 
 
 

The Guardian Project

Launched in 2016, The Guardian Project (now just White Heart Foundation) is our first mental health program that utilizes eco-adventure therapy for veterans and, now, first responders. Led by White Heart Warrior Cpl. Jed Morgan, groups of veterans are taken on remote outdoor excursions with the goal of improving mental and physical well-being. This unique environment creates a comfortable space where veterans & first responders battling post-traumatic stress can open up and relate to others who have had similar experiences.

 
 
 
 

What is White Heart Eco-Therapy?

Eco-therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the healing and well-being benefits of spending time in nature. The White Heart Foundation combines this immersion with outdoor adventure sports and targeted team-building activities to create an environment for first responders to connect with each other and disconnect from the outside world. The goal of our program is to bring first responders together in a safe, but challenging environment to encourage discussions around mental health hurdles that all first responders can face.

Outdoor Adventure

Total immersion into nature, paired with outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting and rock climbing set the stage for our eco-therapy excursions.

Fireside Discussions

Our leaders curate nightly discussions around mental health hurdles in the first responder community among peers who relate to the unique challenges of the profession.

Building Community

The program doesn’t end when you go home. You’ll be connected with a new group of peers who continue to support each other long after the trip. We also connect individuals with follow-up resources for additional mental health care.

 
 

Who is Eligible?

Police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel, career or volunteer, struggling with any form of PTSD.

⚠️ Almost ALL first responders deal with some form of post-traumatic stress and each is unique. Many don’t seek help because they feel their’s is not severe enough or they compare their struggle to others. Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as honing your skills on the job.

YOUR STRUGGLE IS NOT TOO SMALL.

 
 
 

See What an Excursion Looks Like:

This video is from a past excursion specifically for veterans.
2024 will launch our first responder excursions.

 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Any first responder, career or volunteer, currently active, retired or previously active who has suffered trauma related to the job.

  • No! All expenses, including travel, food and accommodations are included.

  • We can tailor the activities to any injury level and strive to ensure everyone is safe, comfortable and able to enjoy an opportunity for healing.

  • Nope. Our expert guides provide an enjoyable and safe experience for people with any experience level.

  • The program is completely free of charge to those who are selected for the program. This is only possible due to the generous donations of our supporters. Please consider donating to the White Heart Foundation. If your agency is interested in holding a fund raiser, please reach out to us so we can send materials to assist.