I posted this on that "other" board yesterday, but it occured to me that there might be a few folks here that might be interested but don't frequent that other place. So here ya go:

There's this program, paid for by the Sierra Club and run by Outward Bound, where basically they pay for an entire vacation, for you to enjoy some sort of a wilderness excursion. There's probably 10 different programs, and they all run through most of the year.

I spent last week backpacking/rock climbing at the Joshua Tree National Park through there. Exhausting as hell, but it was definitely an experience worth it. They pay for literally everything. Including airfare and a hotel the night before and after the trip. If you're a US OEF/OIF Veteran, you should really consider it. It is military vets only, so you can't bring any family or buddies.. but it's a pretty fun time regardless.

Don't be put off if they say that the program is full when you apply, they did that for me too. They'll put you on a wait list, and since something like 80% of people on the trips are from the wait list, you have a good chance of going anyways.

Let me know if you want any more details.

The website is: http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/cp.veterans