Let's Skyrocket

Skyrocket

The Program

Skyrocket programming involves a mix of daily recovery activities, life skills and economic empowerment lessons, community service and the majestic outdoors. Skyrocket itineraries are created based on proximity to national parks and other scenic areas throughout the United States.

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Skyrocket

The Lead Guide

Dave Garvey is an entrepreneur, investor and operator with successes spanning two decades. His experience led to an innovative curriculum built for people starting over in life who want to excel. He has 25+ years in continuous recovery, 2,000+ students served and 200,000+ cross-country miles logged.

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Skyrocket

The Vehicles

Skyrocket's touring vehicles are custom converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. Over 15 years of cross-country education adventures have informed our van design decisions, which enable comfort, collaboration and lifelong memories.

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Skyrocket

More info

Criteria

Skyrocket attendees arriving directly from residential treatment typically have 28 days or more sober. Other attendees can have more time in continuous recovery, sometimes years. When space is available, individuals with sufficient, verifiable clean time are welcome to apply. Once enrolled there is an unwavering zero tolerance policy.

Programming

Standard itineraries run 4 weeks long but allow for rolling enrollment. Lodging is booked in 1-2 week increments. Recovery activities are 12 step based. Community service occurs in designated locales. Outdoor activities are beginner level. Nutrition and fitness are foundational. Economic empowerment lessons involve education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Locations

Skyrocket touring locations include areas around Yosemite NP, Yellowstone NP, Glacier NP, Zion and Arches NP's, the Pacific coast, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Olympic NP, Acadia NP and the White Mountains, the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Badlands NP and southwest South Dakota, the Rocky Mountains and more.

Founder

One June 28, 1998 Dave Garvey was given the gift of continuous recovery. At 23 years old he went on to earn his BS and MBA from the global leader in entrepreneurship education. He then joined General Electric through a highly selective leadership program. Dave spent over 10 years doing transaction and investment work that exceeded $1 billion (VC, PE, real estate). He then spent over 10 years leading professional services practices, two in Big 4 firms (Deloitte and EY), with combined revenue of $130 million. In 2020 Dave founded a nonprofit called Vanscend, that teaches entrepreneurship to underserved populations, for free. Innovative recovery programs like Vanscend and Skyrocket are Dave's purpose in life.

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