For Carvers

Your craft can change
someone's life.

We're building a guild of carvers across the country who want to put their skills toward something that matters. One stick at a time, one veteran at a time.

Apply to Join the Guild

Why Join

More Than a Hobby

📖
You Read Their Story First

Before you ever pick up a tool, you read the veteran's application. You know who you're carving for. That changes everything about how you work.

🏅
Your Name Goes With It

Every stick ships with a certificate that includes the carver's name. The veteran knows who made their stick. That connection lasts forever.

🌲
Guild Membership

You join a community of carvers who share techniques, wood sources, and a mission. Use the guild badge on your own work and social media.

📦
We Cover Costs

Shipping is covered by the nonprofit. We work to reimburse finishing materials too. Your time and skill are the contribution — not your wallet.

⏱️
Your Pace, Your Terms

You commit to what you can. One stick a month, one every few months — whatever works. No pressure, no quotas, no burnout.

🎖️
Carver for Veterans

Some of our carvers are veterans themselves. The act of making something by hand for someone who served — that's its own kind of healing.

Requirements

What We Ask of Guild Carvers

We're not looking for perfection. We're looking for carvers who care.

FAQ

Common Questions

Not at all. We welcome carvers from all backgrounds. Many of our carvers are veterans, and that shared experience can create a powerful connection — but it's not a requirement. What matters is the quality of your work and the sincerity of your commitment.
When a veteran application comes in, we review both the veteran's story and our available carvers. We match based on carving style, personality, and sometimes shared background. You'll receive the veteran's story with their permission before any work begins.
We can help. Our guild network shares wood sources, and we're working on a wood donation program where members can share blanks with each other. You can also use reclaimed wood, fallen timber from your yard, or sourced blanks — the spirit of the project is what matters.
Most carvers complete a stick in 4–8 weeks from the time they're matched with a veteran, depending on drying time and their schedule. We communicate expected timelines to veterans up front, so there's no pressure to rush.
Yes — with your permission, your name and a brief carver profile appear on the gift certificate that ships with the stick. Veterans often want to know who made their piece. We think that connection matters.
Life happens. Just let us know as early as possible and we'll reassign the veteran to another carver. No judgment — we'd rather you tell us early than struggle alone. The veteran won't be left without a stick.

Join the Guild

Carver Application

Tell us about your carving, your availability, and why this mission speaks to you.

About You
Your Carving

If you don't have a link, describe your work in the field below — or email us photos at hello@thelongwalkproject.org after submitting.

Why This Mission

We review all carver applications within 2 weeks and reach out personally.