Review for Previous Event
my family and I had such a wonderful day out we enjoy skiing, and snowboarding, we stay until closing, the place is so family friendly, staff helpful, no one made you feel uncomfortable was an experience of a lifetime.

Tags: Event

I loved going to Sleepy Hollow on October 8th. The tour of the church was informative and the hike was relaxing. I should have submitted information about the tours earlier. By the time I submitted the information, most of the tours were sold out. What should another MilVet expect when reaching out? My best answer would be veterans would be expect to meet a group of sociable and like-minded veterans that want to go out and explore. If planning a Sleepy Hollow tour for 2023, plan and purchase tickets in early September when events open for purchase or else tickets may not be available. Be aware of special events prior to planning the trip. 6 blocks were closed off due to a October 8th street fare. Parking in the heart of the city wasnt available because lots of people visit during October.

Was looking to donate to a great cause that helps our heroes when I came across Sierra Club Military Outdoors. Thought it sounded great be helping vets get outside and providing opportunity for them to have mental healing in nature. After reading more on their website, they are more political than I would have hoped for and support too many political affiliations. Not looking to give my money to anything but helping others.

I have not participated in any events but the staff members I have met and the opportunities provided to members of the community are great.

Only gone on one excursion, and one leadership course, but I’d like to get more involved,

Just joined earlier this year, so far it's been a wonderful experience.

I've only seen e-mails and the website. I would love to participate, and feel this organization is valuable in helping veterans stay connected and feel worthwhile.

The activity is wonderfully challenging, cordial, and welcoming. It strengthens my body and spirit.

Positive engagement during trail maintenance projects on the Appalachian Trail. Participation in advocacy work. Training in Wilderness Safety. Conversations about Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

Very Informative with activities that my family and I are interested, and I really like the importance they place on the environment.

Well organized, quick communications when scheduling outings. I hope to participate in a few of the fall adventures.

I am an ecology student. I have not had an direct experience but I know a lot about the organization.

Just because of what you do and offer to our Veterans I feel that you are wonderful. No first hand or personal experience yet.

Have schedule a few event but either I or event cancelled but rescheduling is always immediately done, staff is/are respectful and professional... Multitude of Outdoor Events to choose from that most Military personnel want to get back into but this time the field exercise is all 100% fun...

Veterans Outdoor Program is a fantastic resource for camaraderie, exercise and gun

I haven't done much with them outside of a conference and I know two people on staff that I hold in high regard.

The Sierra Club has introduced me to life outdoors like I've never experienced. The Military Outdoors Program has been truly beneficial. They eliminated all the barriers that kept me from spending a day in nature. They provided the planning, the gear, the transportation, and they provided the company. Connecting with other veterans has been fantastic. I'm really grateful to be a part of this organization.

I love this organization and all the wonderful women I have encountered. I learn something new each time I attend any one of the events and build a closer bond with the ladies.

I took a hiking leaders course with [Name redacted]. It was a great experience and I learned so much to be a better hiking leader.

Have not been to any events as they are quite far and would like maybe do a social or meet and greet with the staff in NYC to be able to get information on the trips.

It’s mostly great! I wish more of their veterans’ trips were conducted solely on the weekends, so that students and people with traditional Mon-Fri jobs could actually attend.

Review for Previous Event
don't underestimate the terrain in the northeast. just bc the mountains aren't tall and majestic doesn't mean the ground won't be insanely rocky, slippery, and covered in roots.

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The Sierra Club Military Outdoors 100 Mile Wilderness outing was a once in a lifetime experience that changed the way that I see myself, veterans, and veterans organizations. The fall colors of Maine in the most rugged and unsupported section of the Appalachian Trail provided a breathtaking setting and continued to amaze all of us each day of the trip. The people that I met on the trip were just that, people first, and veterans second. We bonded through time and shared experience, while our military backgrounds were the common foundation. I believe that everyone on the trip learned something new about themselves, as well as the others, as we truly opened and got to know one another. This trip was very well organized and safely conducted. I have been skeptical of participating in veterans events in the past, and have seen some run in a less than safe and responsible manner. The Sierra Military Outdoors program has a very practical and efficient way of planning and organizing the event, briefing participants, and making sure that all team members have the information and understanding required to have a safe and fun outdoor experience. This outdoor trip changed my life for the better, and changed my attitude towards veterans outreach programs. I highly recommend participating in a Sierra Club Military Outdoors outing. I will participate again.

Review for Previous Event
Great to meet folks committed to veteran causes. The Ranger's gesture, first night on the river, was heartfelt and simple but left us vets feeling appreciated, appreciative and a little jealous of his job! No trout dinner but learning the how to of fly fishing, made for hours of reel (ha!) satisfaction, reading the river, placing your fly in just the right spot and anticipating that strike (or in my case nibble). Thanks to Healing Waters! Collecting interesting rock specimins, left our gunnels a little closer to the waterline. Intro to yoga on the banks made muscles tolerant of the next day's paddle. Eagles and Moose shared their place with us, as we shared our stories. Great trip!

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This was something I always wanted to do even as a kid growing up but just never happen. Now I am a disabled veteran over sixty who is going to let me go with them? I knew physically I could handle any challenge. I like putting myself to the test and not sitting on a couch watching tv. The military outdoors outing club allowed me this opportunity. To try something new I always wanted to do and be outside with nature. When your with other veterans it doesn't matter which branch we were in we seem to have a common bond because we all served. I found being with nature and on the water helped my spirit and renew itself. The knowledge and sharing each veteran had to offer each other was so helpful to put to use for so many things. Thank you for this amazing time to be outdoors once again.

Review for Previous Event
It was well-planned, and the meetup location was well described. The participants were all friendly and excited and into it. The leaders were well prepared with a well-stocked medical kit and an experienced first-aid individual. The participants were of a variety of ages, with some veterans and some non-veterans. Because of excessive flooding on the river, the only drawback was that we had to cut the excursion short, only camping for one night instead of two. The leader tried to find a different camping spot than we had planned, but because of the level of the water, there were quite a number of people who had gone on their own to enjoy the river who were prevented from camping as well. I would do it again if I had the opportunity!

Review for Previous Event
This Sierra Club Military Outdoors outing was a dream come true. I can't properly express how fantastic this experience was. From meeting the group of veterans at the airport and starting to bond, to the small adventure of getting the fishing gear, to the trip to the ranch was just good-natured fun. Arriving at the Lamar Valley Buffalo Ranch and seeing bison for the first time simply wandering around, including through the ranch itself, (within feet of us!) was surreal. Being in Yellowstone Park for the first time, with snow-fields in the mountains in the distance and buffalo wandering nearby, was an extraordinary feeling. The folks at the Lamar Valley Buffalo Ranch, most of whom were volunteers, were wonderful. Our three instructors were outstanding; extremely knowledgeable, willing to share that knowledge, and patient enough to do so. The Sierra Club Military Outdoors leaders who put this together did a wonderful job. My fellow veterans who attended this outing were a great group of people. Each had something to offer which made the group dynamic a more positive force. I'm glad to have been part of that group. My everlasting gratitude to all the people who made this such a wonderful experience!

Review for Previous Event
This was my first experience with the Sierra Club Military Outdoors and I was blown away. The level of organization and planning was excellent. All the obstacles that prevented me from going on such a trip was eliminated. [Names redacted] are wonderful leaders. They always made me feel safe and relaxed. I didn't have any worries that weekend. The bonding and connections that I made on that trip was invaluable to me. I can honestly say that the leaders and the participants were the best part of this trip, everything else is a bonus!

Review for Previous Event
I've got significant issues. The last time I was in a plane before this trip was flying back from Iraq pretty much exactly 11 years prior. I was nervous about being away from my family, my support system, ect. I didnt know if I was going to be walking into some kind of one-up war stories situation that was going to trigger me, if my jacked back would spasm up during a hike from stress, or any number of things that my racing mind was coming up with. What I found was a group of chill, friendly people who were excited about being there in Yellowstone, fishing, and learning. A group that was sharing an experience first and just so happened to have served as well. The leader, [name redacted] was great and the three guides/trainers/experts were AMAZING. The whole experience was mind expanding, stress free, and a true gift. Due to my issues it takes me a while to sort things out in my head the time there on the water gave me what I needed to reset, appreciate, the go back to my six small kids calmer, happier, more complete. Thank you

Review for Previous Event
Great planning, an exceptional location, and the best group leaders/instructors! Loved our learning materials - as I was able to bring things home to "study" for future expeditions.

Review for Previous Event
Loved getting together with fellow veterans and enjoying a brand new experience in the outdoors. Bunking at the Lamar Valley Buffalo Ranch, which is something that would be impossible for me to do without the Sierra Club Military Outdoors, made this trip something really special. The camaraderie, the bison wondering around freely, the outstanding guides that taught us how to fly fish all combined to make this one of my most memorable outdoor experiences. Thank You!

Review for Previous Event
I really enjoyed this trip. I'm a NYC native and haven't been able to get upstate much. It was a welcomed break from city life. Our cabin was spacious and comfortable with trails to explore nearby and breakfast in the morning. I've never done outdoor rock climbing and this experience was great! The guides were really patient and meticulous in their explanations. We were really safe and the climbing presented a formidable challenge. Our group of veterans were awesome! I would definitely go again!

It's great!

It has always been positive

Love it!!

To be honest, I heard a lot about the organization, but have not had any first hand experience with the group. However, I would love to learn more. I gave it a good recommendation because to the work that the organization does with the Military Community. And, as a retired veteran, with 29 years of experience, it really means a lot to have organizations like this.

none so far

Review for Previous Event
Well-organized, group trekking/camping trip, great gear, for various levels of experienced hikers. Learned additional camping stove use and maintenance, packing tent under rain, and navigating trail markers.

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loved the overall experience - being in the park / meeting the veterans - all good

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I learn how to not get lost in a trail, how to purify water, turn on a stove and how to properly pack a bag for a hike and learned alot about other people who shared their stories.

Review for Previous Event
The group was wonderful! Some people had been on prior Sierra Club outings together, for some it was their first time, and all quickly became new friends! I've been on lots of these outings now, and regardless of where we go and what we do, the camaraderie is my favorite part. Our instructor and belayers were friendly, helpful, and made even first time climbers feel at ease. Easy to get to by subway or car.

Review for Previous Event
The teacher [Name Redacted] was helpful and nice. I enjoyed my experience there.

Review for Previous Event
my family and I had such a wonderful day out we enjoy skiing, and snowboarding, we stay until closing, the place is so family friendly, staff helpful, no one made you feel uncomfortable was an experience of a lifetime.

Review for Previous Event
The event offered beautiful oppprtunities to connect, share and explore the outdoors. The lodge, food and guide services were phenomenal as was the company. Thank you for the opportunity to connect with other veterans and renew connection, comraderie and learning of each other’s journies.

Review for Previous Event
It was amazing. The outing leader was helpful and informative. It was such a great experience to network, meet fellow veterans, and experience rock climbing for the first time of my life. It was such an exhilarating, surreal experience and would definitely participate on these trips in the future. My only complaint was that [identifying information redacted] was inappropriate at times, touching a fellow veteran, [identifying information redacted] by rubbing his hair, and having some inappropriate physical contact (nonsexual). It made me feel uncomfortable due to we all just met and it sometimes it was awkward. I disliked the "busting chops" due to diversity of branches. Fellow veterans should be mindful of their jokes with other branches, because it does not serve any purpose to "bust each other's chops" due to diversity of service. Also, I suggest this should be address on briefs so that everyone is aware of this common courtesy, respect, and appropriateness of people's behavior. It should be a safe environment for everyone and be treated with respect and consideration. [identifying information redacted] was condescending, disrespectful, rude, and irritating to the group. On Sunday morning, at breakfast, he was hovering over [identifying information redacted], disregard for personal space and a strong lack of social cues. I was very uncomfortable around him and I honestly would not look forward to seeing him again on this trip without him being briefed and spoken to about his behavior. He is also very insulting, negative, and judgmental of everyone. It might be helpful to address these prior to these trips so that all attendees are on the same page regarding appropriate behavior. Offensive jokes should be avoided and awareness of treatment of fellow veterans should be discussed. [identifying information redacted] has made irritating comments and jokes with me and I set him aside and spoke with individually. I told him to stop making comments to me yet he continued to do so few hours later. This should not be tolerated and moving forward, I should have brought this to someone's concern but did not want to catastrophize it. [identifying information redacted] was just immature, lack social cues when people do not want to interact or talk with him. This would be my complaint of the entire trip. Another fellow veteran have also complained about him. [identifying information redacted] examples of lack of manners are while I was opening, he ran behind me and rushed to the door in front of me, 2.) when I was crossing the stream on our hike, as I was going towards the water, he says I want to go first... These are very inconsiderate and rude behaviors. I just did not want to have to tell him something each time he acts rudely. It would have been draining and interfere with my enjoyment of the trip. This type of behavior should not be tolerated from an adult person.

Review for Previous Event
The place we stayed was AMAZING, with friendly owners and friendly dogs (even though one never wanted you to get the tennis ball though she really wanted you to throw it). Even though we had a power outage, it might have even made us closer as a group. The drive to get there was long, but so was the actual climbing day which was really well done, challenging for all skill levels, and a fun experience. Maybe a stretching event that night would have helped, because there was a lot of soreness the next day. The food was great at the lodge, and thanks to Sierra Club for dinner. As for the group, they were really friendly and no one was left out or stayed to themselves, and everyone really encouraged each other all through climbing. I liked that there was still free time Sunday morning, not too much "mandatory fun" type of activities, because it gave everyone a chance to sleep in, relax, hike a little, and even climb a little more. I would definitely go again.

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The experience was fulfilling and relaxing. It allowed me to engage in fun group activity with individuals I felt I could relate too. Overall it allowed me to decompress while at the sane time let off some steam. The guides and host were extremely professional and the trip all together was very organized.

Review for Previous Event
It was my first time on rock climbing, so I was nervous about this event. I doubt myself that I can finished the entire rock climbing. However, they picked rock that is easier for beginner to climb. Plus, they are so patient that even though I start to struggle during the climbing, they still wait, support and encourage me to finish the entire rock climbing.

Review for Previous Event
Well - led outing that included: clear communication prior to the trip departure date; fantastic venue that enabled a chance to disconnect from city life in a pretty setting; fun while challenging (at least for the beginner folks) outdoor activity that offered the opportunity to stretch oneself physically and mentally and interact with others naturally; and ease in which to participate (all-inclusive experience; transportation to venue). Luck played a part: weather cooperated to enable perfect conditions to climb outside; all participants were kind and thoughtful (no jerks to distract). The leader had the right touch to keep the group together in a cohesive way without it feeling forced. Everyone seemed to have a great time, with no one appearing left out, neglected, or dealing with personal issues to detract from the group experience. The only problem came in the beginning with a conflicting time schedule at Grand Central and one participant's issue with his cellphone that led to confusion for the first hour at the White Plains station. The problem was resolved quickly and no hard feelings lingered.

Review for Previous Event
First rate event. Safe, challenging, and well resourced. I was grateful to be able to participate. I really enjoyed meeting the other Veterans, and the scenery and location were amazing.

Review for Previous Event
Staff, location, venue, activity were all wonderful. I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you so much for all that you do!

The trip was well led and I had a lot of fun meeting everyone.

The Delaware River canoe trip was a wonderful experience. As a novice canoer I really appreciated the support of the trip leaders. They made it safe and easy to focus on enjoying the beauty and tranquility of our surroundings. Camping was fun and easy due to the trip leaders knowledge, experience, and helpfulness. Thank you for providing all the necessary gear and food, I felt like all I had to do was show up! Looking forward to future trips.

Review for Previous Event
easy to get to via public transportation. great scenery. great staff. great experience.