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 MOGA 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 families from across the country. Volunteers are needed in a variety of realms, including helping with the annual banquet, serving as a Big Hearts ambassadors, running booths at various events, and more.
While Big Hearts Under the Big Sky was founded in 2007 (with our first trips 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.
Most Big Hearts nominations come from trusted partner organizations after a thorough vetting process and in consideration with the longstanding relationships held with these organizations. However, we understand there are many deserving families across the United States that would benefit from a Big Hearts trip, so we will consider nominations from individuals or other organizations outside of the Big Hearts Family to the best of our ability.
If you know of a family that would benefit from a Big Hearts trip, please submit your nomination below
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, with each trip providing a premier outdoor adventure that makes 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 the Swan River, 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.
Martin is a retired veteran who served 12 years in the Army as a Green Beret and 10 years assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group. Throughout his service, he completed 7 deployments overseas and earned two Purple Hearts. Martin, his wife, and two sons travelled from Florida to spend 5 days at West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, MT for a luxurious stay and fully-guided elk hunt. They also enjoyed some fishing, horseback riding, soaking at Chico Hot Springs and a visit to Yellowstone National Park.
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.
April 11th, 2026
Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel