Helping People Heal Through The Power Of The Outdoors

Founded by a 15 year old battling cancer on a mission to give back after having his life saved by his dream hunt, an Oregon Elk. He now strives to create meaningful outdoor experiences for children with life-altering illnesses and wounded veterans. Explore ways to take part through hunting, fishing, fundraising, volunteering, and sponsorship.

Don’t Stop Believing!

To offer life-changing hunting and fishing experiences for children with life altering illnesses/ disabilities and wounded veterans. We believe in the power of the outdoors to heal, inspire, and create lasting memories. By facilitating these hunts, we empower individuals to overcome challenges, foster hope, and forge connections that transcend their struggles. Through our efforts, we aim to ensure that every deserving child and veteran can embark on a hunt of their dreams

Uplifting Outdoors; CJ's Journey

Our founder, CJ Coudriet, was diagnosed with cancer at just 12 years old. Over the next several years, CJ faced an incredibly difficult battle that no child should ever have to endure. Throughout his fight, he experienced 3 life flights, spent 90 days in the hospital, received more than 60 blood transfusions, and battled infections, fevers, severe weight loss, and overwhelming exhaustion. Even in the midst of his own battle, CJ made the decision to do more than just fight back, he chose to give back. Driven by a desire to help others facing difficult circumstances, CJ founded Uplifting Outdoors, turning his own fight into a mission to uplift others.

What we do to give back.

Every opportunity is centered on bringing people together around the outdoors and the support that makes these experiences possible. We work closely with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Big Snorter Lodge on our hunting adventures.

Life-changing hunting experiences for children with life-altering illnesses/disabilities and wounded veterans

We offer personalized hunting trips for children with life altering illnesses or disabilities and wounded veterans. These hunts are completely free of charge for the hunter and guest/s. The hunter fills out our application on our website and then we try to find a best fit. Our hunts are limited in number each year but we do the best we can to fit the hunter with their chosen type of hunt.

Explore Hunting Experiences

Fishing experiences for children with life-altering illnesses/disabilities and wounded veterans

We have access to fishing trips on Lake Erie and the Gulf of America to send children (up to 21 years of age) on their dream walleye or gulf experience. These trips are completely paid for by our generous donors and community support.

Explore Fishing Experiences

Community fundraising events

We have several events throughout the year that we participate in for fundraising. We attend the Central PA Outdoor and Sports Show, the Sinnemahoning Snake Hunt, Philipsburg Heritage Days, and the Elk Expo in Benezette. We also hold a Fishing Derby in May and a Trap Shoot in September.

See Fundraising Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our mission. We need volunteers at all of our events and at our meetings to help plan for events. We can also offer community service hours to students that wish to help during our events.

Volunteer With Us

Sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorships are what help us fund our trips and offer the best services and experiences for our hunters/fishers. Without local and nation wide sponsors we can not do what we do. We offer different level of sponsorships. Uplifting Sponsor - $3,000 Elevate Sponsor - $2,000 Adventure Sponsor - $1,000 Community sponsor - $500 and Friend of the Mission - $250. Each level gets different perks.

Become a Sponsor