Interested in sponsoring a Big Hearts family? Learn more here.
Interested in sponsoring a Big Hearts family? Learn more here.
Once in a lifetime Montana adventures for
those who serve and overcome
Big Hearts provides unforgettable outdoor adventures—at no cost—for America’s heroes and courageous children battling life-threatening illnesses. Our carefully selected member outfitters don’t just provide trips; they craft personalized wilderness experiences that restore the spirit, celebrate resilience, and remind participants of life’s incredible beauty. In the heart of Big Sky Country, adventure becomes medicine, and every moment becomes a gift.
An integral part of the Big Hearts Under the Big Sky program is our volunteers. We could not do this program year after year without them and count ourselves lucky to have incredible people from near and far who help this organization function and be successful, all while touching the lives of men, women and families across the country. Volunteers are needed in a variety of realms, including helping with our annual banquet, serving as a Big Hearts ambassador and more.
While Big Hearts Under the Big Sky was founded in 2007 (with our first trips being offered in 2008), Montana’s outfitters and guides have been donating trips to deserving individuals for decades. Today, Big Hearts is the premier organization of its kind because of our commitment to working with the best guides available. Through Big Hearts, more than $1.75 M in trips have been donated to 110 deserving families, while the cost to the family is, and has always been, $0.
One of the most-loved elements of the Big Hearts Under the Big Sky program is our volunteer-made quilts. Much in the way the family is at the core of American society, our quilts – made up of a patchwork of fabrics stitched together by hand – represent becoming part of our Big Hearts family. Each trip recipient receives a handmade quilt at the end-of-the-trip celebration ceremony as they join the rest of our family, one that’s now made up of more than 500 individuals.
We want to give a special thank you to the MOGA member outfitters that have generously donated their time and resources for the past 18 years to make Big Hearts Under The Big Sky possible
Discover the life-changing adventures we’ve recently provided to deserving participants through the Big Hearts program in 2025.
In partnership with qualified and licensed MOGA outfitters, Big Hearts served 7 families this year, with each journey representing our commitment to deliver premier outdoor adventures that make a lasting impact.
Ryker is a 14-year-old from Washington who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2021 and had always dreamed of coming to Montana. In February, he joined Big Hearts on a shoulder elk hunt with his parents and sister at Big Spring Ranch in Laurel, MT.
Sophie is a 12-year-old diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2016. In June, she enjoyed a trip to Virginia City and a dude ranch adventure at Upper Canyon Outfitters in Alder, MT. Along with her parents and big sister, Sophie spent as much time as possible riding horses and exploring the Ruby Valley.
Mike is a retired Green Beret from Florida with 20 years of service and has spent over 6 years away from his family on deployments. Mike, his wife, and 3 kids spent a week with Swan Mountain Outfitters – fishing, touring Glacier National Park, horseback riding and taking a llama trek to a hidden waterfall.
Jeff is a combat veteran that has served 29 years in the Army National Guard. In addition to his years of service, Jeff continues to support veterans and their families as State Quarter Master of the Montana VFW. Jeff and his wife, Andria, who has been fighting brain cancer for many years now, enjoyed a relaxing stay at Rich’s Montana Guest Ranch. They visited Glacier National Park, rode horses, visited a ghost town, and had some much needed time away together in Seeley, MT.
Join our online family to celebrate these amazing journeys, share in the joy of each adventure, and help us spread the word about the life-changing experiences happening right here in Big Sky Country.
Donate With Us
Big Hearts Under the Big Sky covers all the hard costs for families to participate in outfitter-supported trips. Over the years, the organization has served hundreds of individuals and their families. Become part of making the world a better place, and help deserving people experience the healing wonders of Montana, by donating below.
Sep 26, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
Montana Outfitters & Guides Association
Big Hearts Under The Big Sky 2021 11th Avenue, Ste. 12 Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 449-3578
