I left the ranch with new bonds and a renewed sense of strength to push through challenges.
Visit one of the pages below for details, typical trip schedules and more.
I left the ranch with new bonds and a renewed sense of strength to push through challenges.
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WQW provides a safe, secure environment – created by our volunteers, guides, and other veterans – that feels like a home.
Before coming to WQW, I felt very alone as a caregiver. I now know there is a whole community of people out there who understand me and my day-to-day and are here to support me.
Yes, Quiet Waters Ranch is accessible for people with disabilities. We work to accommodate all disabilities to the fullest extent possible. Our staff, guides, and volunteers are well-versed at accommodating various types of disabilities and conditions (including those who are visually and audibly impaired) to ensure a positive and rewarding experience.
Please use the application link to apply for one of these programs. Historically, Warrior Alumni have been able to email our program team, and we ask that you use this application for all future programs.
Yes. WQW has a service dog acknowledgment and agreement that allows service dogs to go fishing with participants.
Yes! Everything from clothing to equipment is yours to keep. Our goal is to set you up with everything you need so you can continue to tap into your new skills independently without gear as a barrier.
No, you DO NOT have to be a Purple Heart recipient to qualify for our programs.
Although volunteers for the 2022 cohort of Hunt for Purpose have already been selected, there are lots of others ways to empower post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive. Get started by submitting a volunteer application. Once we receive your application, we’ll connect with you one-on-one to best match your interests and skills with a volunteer opportunity.
The five applicants were chosen based on their ability to clearly communicate the need they have for participating in this program and their ability and willingness to commit to the requirements of the program.
WQW has an active zero alcohol policy on all experiences.
Absolutely. WQW strives to build long-term relationships with our participants and we are always looking to have you return for more experiences or as a volunteer. However, Warriors who attend their first experience are not guaranteed an invitation to return for future programs.
Yes, there is wifi and cell phone service at the ranch so that participants can connect with their loved ones as needed while they’re away. However, the ranch is an ideal place to take a break from your devices and reconnect with yourself and your community. We highly recommend being fully present as much as possible for this one-of-a-kind experience.
WQW programs are at no cost to the participant including paid-for air travel to Montana, comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals, professional instruction, and gear for trip’s activities.
For this proof-of-concept run of Hunt for Purpose, WQW opened applications to WQW program alumni in January 2022. Five participants were selected for the first cohort of Hunt for Purpose. Applications will open again in late Autumn 2023 for the second cohort of this new program.
All applications and service documents are thoroughly reviewed for qualifying criteria by our Chief Program Officer and Program Director.
Our experiences are for post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones who are looking for a new way to connect, grow, explore purpose, and thrive.
While our application is open to all post-9/11 combat veterans, our selection process strives to select and place applicants with the greatest need. Even if all selection criteria are met, selection for our programs (first-time and Alumni programs) is solely at the discretion of Warriors & Quiet Waters. Requirements for selection include:
Must be a Post-9/11 Combat Veteran
Must provide a DD214 Member-4 copy and current photos
If active duty, current service record will be requested
If you are a caregiver, we require the above information on your care recipient
Must be committed to positive growth
Must be willing to engage in a supportive group environment