My Nonprofit Reviews

I had heard of Healing Waters Wilderness Adventures right after it started from my roommate in 1996, who was HIV+. He had an amazing weekend, with great food, excellent guides and all the gear provided for the weekend. When he came back from the weekend he seemed more relaxed and at peace. He stated he felt rejuvenated.

After seeing the change in him, I have always recommended people to Healing Waters for a transformative, fun and safe experience with Healing Waters, whether it is whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, canoeing, hiking in the Redwood Forest, Cross Country skiing or snow shoeing.

When I had the opportunity, in 2014, to book a trip for my clients of Positive Force, a program of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, I jumped at the chance. We brought up 20 participants, who loved it from the moment we arrived at camp. We were shown how to set up our tents, got our river gear, received a safety talk and instructions on how to be safe on the water. We ate a great lunch and then we were off down the river.

We splashed each other and swam while enjoying the river and being in the healing effects of the beautiful nature on the South Fork of the American River. We were greeted back in camp with homemade (actually camp made) fresh guacamole and chips while waiting for the guides to get back to camp and then had an incredibly fresh, healthy dinner.

Later, we enjoyed the camp fire, songs, stories and looking at the millions of stars in the Milk Way, because there were no city lights.

Before we boarded the van to go back to San Francisco, all 20 participants and my two staff members made me promise to bring them the following year. The next summer we brought up 50 people from three programs from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. And they all LOVED IT!!!

Thank you to everyone at HEALING WATERS, the volunteers and the donors.