Outdoor Expeditions

The Guardian Alliance is more than a program — it’s a commitment to safeguarding boys from foster care and hard places while building bridges between youth and the justice community. Born out of Hearts of the Father Outdoor Expeditions, this partnership connects law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and probation officers with young men who need strong role models, a safe environment, and a reason to believe in the good of the badge.

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Our story began with a simple realization: too many youth programs wait until a crisis happens before involving law enforcement. We decided to reverse that. By inviting agencies into our programs from day one, we create visible accountability, deter the appearance of wrongdoing, and give our boys the peace of knowing their community is watching out for them.

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Through campouts, skills training, and mentoring, we provide neutral spaces where officers and youth can talk like people, not suspects and enforcers. Along the way, we’ve seen powerful moments — a deputy teaching a foster teen how to tie a fishing knot, a judge sharing life lessons around a campfire, an officer joining a game of pickup basketball after a long shift. These are the moments that shift perceptions and plant seeds for change.

Our core values are safety, transparency, and relationship. We are intentional about creating protocols that protect our youth, and we are relentless about keeping the trust of our families and community. The Guardian Alliance stands out because it’s proactive — not reactive — and because it builds real relationships where they matter most.

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We believe every boy deserves a chance to grow in an environment that’s both safe and inspiring. With your support and partnership, we can set the standard for youth program safety nationwide. Join us in guarding the mission, the boys, and the future.