The River as a Place to Heal
At Warrior Impact, our rafting trips are more than just an outdoor adventure—they’re designed to be a safe space for healing, connection, and personal growth. Out on the water, veterans and first responders leave behind the noise of daily life and step into a setting where they can breathe, reflect, and find strength in the company of others who understand their journey.
On the river, our team provides more than guidance through rapids. We create space for conversation, quiet reflection, and moments of laughter. Around the campfire at night, stories are shared, friendships are built, and walls begin to come down. The rhythm of the river helps participants let go of stress, reconnect with themselves, and experience the kind of renewal that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Recently, one of our rafting participants, Kelli Phillips, shared a heartfelt note after joining us on the Lower Salmon River. She wrote:
“Your leadership, care, and passion turned this trip into so much more than a rafting adventure. You created a space where we women could laugh, heal, and connect—with nature and with each other. From the calm waters to the wild rapids, you led with strength and heart. I am deeply grateful for this journey.”
Kelli’s words capture exactly what these trips are about—healing and connection in a powerful natural setting. Along with her note, she also made a generous donation to Warrior Impact, helping us continue to bring these experiences to more veterans and first responders.
These trips are about more than just rafting. They’re about building trust, creating community, and giving our warriors a space to breathe and reset. Every ripple in the water carries with it an opportunity for healing.
We invite you to join us on one of our upcoming rafting trips and see firsthand how powerful this experience can be. To learn more or get involved, visit our rafting trips page.
Thank you, Kelli, for reminding us why we do this work—and for helping us extend the impact to even more warriors.
