Program Description
Rivers of Recovery was founded on the belief that "experiencing the outdoors" and sharing good company is great medicine. That is why we host our program at the Green River in Northeast Utah and also why we bring 6 veterans or active duty participants together on each trip. The scenery is magnificent and the fishing is spectacular! The weekends are very informal and feel like a family reunion. On each trip, the ROR staff, volunteers and fishing guides have one priority: maximizing the enjoyment of our participants.
The participants stay in a 3 bedroom house in the small town of Dutch John, UT (population 80) located near the river. All fishing is done with professionally licensed guides from specially designed fishing boats called "drift boats." This program is low-impact, requires very little walking and does not require participants to get wet. Take a look at our "Past Trips" photo gallery for images of the river, boats and fishing.
Our program is offered at no cost. Participants are responsible for transportation to their nearest major airport. We provide airfare to Salt Lake City, local transportation in Utah, lodging, guiding and meals. This program represents effective rehabilitation and a "Thank You!" for the sacrifices our participants have made on behalf of all Americans.
2010 Schedule
Our Thursday-to-Sunday programs will run on the following schedule:
June
June 3-6
June 17-20
June 24-27
July
July 8-11
July 15-18
July 22-25
July 29-31
August
Aug 5-8
Aug 12-15
Aug 19-22
Aug 26-29
September
Sept 2-5
Sept 9-12
Trip itinerary and activities
Thursday
- Pick up participants at Salt Lake City airport in the morning
- Transport participants to the Green River (about a 3.5 hour drive)
- Unpack and settle in to lodging
- Dinner around 7:30pm
- Introduction of staff, volunteers, discussion of activities and schedule
Friday
- Self-catered breakfast
- Assemble for brief casting instruction
- 8:00am: Meet guides, establish fishing partners and drive to river (5 minutes)
- Load up the boats and begin fishing
- Entire group meets for riverside lunch
- 4:00pm: Finish up fishing, entire group meets at boat take-out
- Relax until dinner; fly tying instruction
- Dinner
- Relax around campfire, enjoy good conversation, play cards or watch movies/TV
Saturday
- Repeat of Friday
Sunday
- Self-catered breakfast
- Load gear into van
- 8:00am: Head back to the Salt Lake City airport for mid-day flights home
Medical Study
One of our goals is to prove the value of outdoor-based rehabilitation. Ultimately, we would like to see "Fly Fishing" or "River Rafting" as an option along with the more conventional therapies offered to combat veterans and active duty military. To achieve this, we need to provide evidence of the benefits of our program.
Q. How do we prove that our program reduces stress and anxiety while increasing self-assuredness and sleep quality?
A. We ask that you complete a questionnaire before and after your participation.
Q. How do we prove that our program results in positive physiological changes, such as a reduction in the hormones that manage stress and the strengthening of the immune system?
A. We ask that you saturate cotton swabs with saliva and provide samples of urine.
The questionnaire usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete and the physiological samples require a total of 2 minutes for the entire weekend. That’s it!