I’m in awe of how us humans have learned to adapt to nature so well that we can now control the temperature pretty much everywhere we are. It’s remarkable. On these trips I also learned that we have the ability to adapt and thrive in really uncomfortable situations. The safety procedures and the skills were actually the easy part. Most all of us can learn how to layer clothing, build a fire, work together, etc., but the harder skill set is all internal.
My career has been wide ranging, but the core of adventure and human growth has always held steady. After college I spent over 600 days as a wilderness therapy guide and led groups of struggling young men up mountains, down rivers, and across frozen lakes. Along the way I absorbed and learned a ton about the process of mentoring and what it means to be a man in our culture today.Â
Evryman's Veteran Integration, Yellowstone National Park Expedition is a 6 night / 7 day adventure led by Evryman Founder and CEO Dan Doty and Director of Operations Aaron Blaine, Â with the support of world class adventure guides from Montana Alpine Guides. This expedition is unique because we are combining VETERANS and CIVILIANS to slow down, work together, challenge each other and see one another on a equal playing field. Aaron believes that the key to integration is to be welcomed home by the community one fought for. It's the welcome home from their heroes journey that they deserve. Part of your ticket will help sponsor a Special Forces Veteran to attend.
Â
The expedition is also an opportunity to get viscerally connected with nature, with yourself, and with a group of guys that are committed to being the best version of themselves. Â You will be challenged daily to dive deeper into your emotions and develop a greater understanding of who you are, all the while immersed in one of the most wild and iconic landscapes in North America. Â
Â
The experience
Upon arrival to Bozeman MT, the trip will begin with an orientation and a day of training and preparation at our training camp in Gallatin Canyon. The core of the program is a 4-day backpacking adventure in the back country of Yellowstone National Park. Â Hiking days will be challenging but paced for the success of all. Â This is true wilderness travel--we will be carrying all of our gear on our backs, cooking our own food, and we will be miles away from the road system. Â Our apex objective is to climb Electric Peak, the highest point in the northern Gallatin range. Â In addition to the expedition, we will have an opportunity to either fly-fish or river raft, and we'll take a soak in Boiling River natural hot springs. Â Ample time is dedicated to having fun while building lifelong friendships.
Â
Our highly experienced guides from Montana Alpine will ensure our safety and success.
The expedition is held in Yellowstone's intact wilderness habitat, which includes healthy populations of grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, and moose--this is nature at full tilt. But the really unique element is the intention, curriculum and facilitation of Evryman founder Dan Doty and Aaron Blaine. The group processing elements are simple, direct, and incredibly powerful. We will be creating a brotherhood / team setting that will allow every man to feel and express who he is on a deeply impactful level. Our events change lives, and we're supercharging this expedition with the help of mother nature herself.
Dan Doty is a husband, father, writer, filmmaker, coach, host of the Evryman Podcast, and founder of Evryman. He spent many years leading groups of struggling young men through the wilderness and later had a successful career as a director and producer of wilderness-based television and film. All told he has spent close to 1300 days leading groups in wilderness settings. His mission is to help boys and men be themselves all the way through and to experience the full spectrum of experience that life has to offer.
Aaron is a father, husband, outdoorsman and Special Forces Veteran. After nearly fifteen years of service he moved to Montana. He co-leads men's retreats and expeditions alongside CEO and founder Dan Doty. The combination of military service, love for the wilderness and personal healing has prepared him for this work. He led men in combat. Now he leads them into the wilderness for connection and purpose.
We'll wake up early to meditate in nature and eat a big breakfast. We'll then take a deep dive into group protocols and after an early lunch we'll either fish, raft or rock climb for the afternoon. After a fire-side meal we'll make sure everyone is packed and ready for the expedition, and we'll set goals and intentions before we leave for the expedition on Day 3.Â
We'll get an early start and get dropped off at the trailhead. At this point there's only one direction--onward. The hike to Camp 1 is a fairly flat 8 miles. We'll set up camp, learn and practice wilderness skills, and settle into our backcountry routine. We'll finish the day with a group session around the fire.
Direct experience of connection and brotherhood with the other men via a program that blows your mind in its authenticity, depth, and honesty
Â
Direct experience of nature, wildness, and adventure that most men will never experience Â
Â
Direct experience of yourself as a man that allows you to see and feel who you actually are
Access to a new community and inner drive that will propel you into something new in your life
