Canyon Heroes Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply?
Any United States Military Veteran diagnosed or under treatment for a service-connected psychological condition
- How do I apply?
By writing a letter of interest addressed to Canyon Heroes, P.O. Box 404, Ligonier, PA 15658-0404 with a brief personal description of yourself. You may also email us infocanyonheroes@gmail.com and complete the application.
- What is the cost?
The cost of the trip is paid for by Canyon Heroes including transportation, lodging and the 7-day rafting trip on the Colorado River. Each veteran will be asked to pay a nominal fee for an insurance policy that will cover emergency evacuation, if necessary, from the Canyon by helicopter.
- What is required for an application?
Canyon Heroes will require each applicant to submit a referral from his or her current physician or therapist with an application form that will be provided by Canyon Heroes. Interviews will be conducted either in person or by telephone.
- What is the pre-trip preparation?
A meeting will be held for all veterans and therapists participating in the trip, in person or telephonically. Discussions will involve transportation details and logistics of the actual rafting experience. Veterans that cannot attend will be included in a teleconference by phone.
- What is the post-trip follow-up?
Each veteran will be asked to complete a short evaluation of the trip describing how it affected him, or her, and fill out a questionnaire form provided by the therapists. Canyon Heroes is in the process of establishing a research data bank that will track the progress of each veteran for a 3 year period. We will ask each participant to respond with a short evaluation each year for that period of time.
- Can I bring my spouse or a caregiver?
Each request will be decided on a case by case basis.
- What is a typical day like?
The day begins at 5:00 A.M. with a hearty breakfast. Camp is then broken down and loaded onto motorized rafts that can carry 12 veterans, 3 therapists and 2 river guides. Departure is around 8:00 A.M. This allows the group plenty of time to participate in optional hikes in the side canyons of the Grand Canyon which are spectacular. Lunch time is usually by 11:00 A.M. More hiking and running the rapids occur before the evening camp is set up between 3:00 and 4:00 P.M. After a day of rafting there is time for rest and relaxation before snacks and dinner are served. All meals are delicious and are prepared by the guides. The Canyon darkens quickly and bedtime is early. For more detailed information about the motorized rafting trip visit www.hatchriverexpeditions.com.
- Who can I talk to about the trip?
You may contact us by email, infocanyonheroes@gmail.com, or by letter addressed to Canyon Heroes, P.O. Box 404, Ligonier, PA 15658-0404.