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Snowcat Tours

How Your Support Can Make An Impact

Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health Through Nature, Community, and Tailored Experiences

The mental health crisis among veterans and active military personnel is undeniable and, unfortunately, escalating. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 17 to 18 veterans die by suicide every day—a heartbreaking statistic that is deeply tied to the mental health challenges many veterans face, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Additionally, one in four veterans report feeling isolated and disconnected from society, and studies show that this isolation is often a precursor to more severe mental health struggles. The suicide rate among active-duty military personnel is also alarming. In 2020, the U.S. Army reported a suicide rate of 30.4 per 100,000 soldiers—double the civilian rate. These numbers highlight an urgent need for solutions that address mental health, build community, and foster healing.

At Summit and Shore Alliance, we recognize the profound impact that both nature and human connection can have on improving mental health. Extensive research supports the idea that nature offers tangible benefits to mental well-being. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending as little as 20 minutes in a natural environment, such as a park or forest, can significantly reduce cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone), which are often elevated in those suffering from anxiety and depression. Similarly, a study by Yale University found that walking in nature, as opposed to urban settings, helps reduce symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, particularly in individuals exposed to trauma. These studies underscore the therapeutic power of the natural world.

Moreover, the mental health benefits of nature are amplified when combined with community engagement. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health revealed that veterans who participated in wilderness programs experienced improvements in emotional well-being, a reduction in PTSD symptoms, and a stronger sense of belonging. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) conducted a 2020 survey that found veterans who participated in peer support programs were 40% more likely to seek help for mental health challenges compared to those who felt isolated. Additionally, community engagement was shown to lower suicide rates among veterans. When we pair the healing power of nature with the strength of social support, the benefits are even more profound.

In response to these findings, Summit and Shore Alliance is dedicated to providing tailored, transformative experiences for veterans and active military personnel. We offer exclusive, immersive snowcat tours and wilderness retreats that integrate the therapeutic benefits of nature with the camaraderie and support of a close-knit community. Our initiatives are carefully designed to create space for both personal reflection and shared connection, fostering an environment where healing can flourish.

We offer a variety of donation packages and sponsorship opportunities for individuals, corporations, and organizations to help us expand our mission. Your support directly contributes to providing these life-changing experiences for veterans and active military at no cost to them. By working closely with the VA, we identify ideal candidates—veterans who can greatly benefit from nature immersion and community building. We track mental health and quality of life improvements post-retreat through surveys and follow-up interviews, ensuring that our initiatives have a measurable, lasting impact.

While we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, our goal is to provide a supportive and healing environment where these benefits can take root. We believe that by fostering a deep connection with nature and a sense of belonging within a community, we offer a powerful opportunity for growth, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As disheartening as the statistics are, they drive us to take action. Summit and Shore Alliance was founded with the mission to honor the veteran and active military community by offering respite, connection, and healing. We envision a world where isolation is replaced with camaraderie, and where each individual finds strength in nature and support from their peers. Together, nature and community can help create lasting positive change, and it is our privilege to offer that healing journey to all who have served.

We are committed to walking alongside every veteran, every service member, and their families on this journey—because the healing power of nature, when combined with human connection, has the potential to transform lives. Join us in this mission, and together we can help restore hope and purpose for those who have given so much for our country.