A gathering of CRU participants, Veterans and First Responders, to get out and enjoy a day of rafting, tubing, surfing, and live music together. This event aims to improve camaraderie, strengthen connections, and instill a greater sense of purpose than self.
Point of Contact:
Stephanie Moore
StephanieM@highergroundusa.org
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Scuba diving offers numerous benefits for veterans, including stress relief, improved mental health, and increased confidence. The peaceful underwater environment helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation, while diving also fosters physical fitness through a full-body workout. It provides opportunities for teamwork and social connection, combating isolation by building camaraderie with other veterans. Additionally, the sensory experience of diving can enhance mindfulness, and the challenges of the activity can aid in emotional healing and personal growth, making it a valuable therapeutic tool for veterans and first responders. All required gear, safety equipment, and instruction can and will be provided by certified and experienced dive masters.
Point of Contact:
Derek Akers
DerekA@highergroundusa.org
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A short review of the local flyfishing opportunities and how to gain success on our local waters through correct techniques, gear needed and fellowship. Followed by a casual dinner at one of our local restaurants.
You must contact Jamie, our local CRU staff member, to register/confirm. Jamie will have more local CRU event opportunities in the future, reach out to him to stay connected!
Point of Contact:
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
Jamie@highergroundusa.org
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A one day stand-up-paddleboard yoga lesson/event. Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga event exclusively for military veterans and first responders. This special session combines the serenity of yoga with the calming rhythm of the water, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating experience designed to introduce yoga in a new light and overall promote wellness.
Guests arrive at the waterfront location and get fitted for paddleboards. We will begin with a land-based warm-up & orientation, then gentle stretching on land to wake up the body, and finally a brief safety talk and SUP basics (how to balance, paddle, and anchor). PFDs are provided. We will then paddle out & enjoy a guided paddle to the designated floating yoga zone where we will be anchoring our boards in a calm area. After a short seated breathwork or centering exercise, we will begin our SUP Yoga Flow on the water, this will be a 30-minute beginner-friendly yoga sequence on paddleboards where we focus on balance, breath, and mindfulness (adaptations provided for all levels). We will then wrap up with a cool down & floating meditation, followed by gentle stretches and final relaxation (Savasana) on the board. This is a great opportunity and time to connect with the water, nature, and each other.
Point of Contact:
Jessica Houfek
HG CRU Ambassador (Raeford, NC)
JessicaH@highergroundusa.org
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This is a single-day introduction to scuba, no certification or experience is required. All required gear, safety equipment, and instruction can and will be provided by certified and experienced dive masters. Scuba diving offers numerous benefits for veterans, including stress relief, improved mental health, and increased confidence. The peaceful underwater environment helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation, while diving also fosters physical fitness through a full-body workout. It provides opportunities for teamwork and social connection, combating isolation by building camaraderie with other veterans. Additionally, the sensory experience of diving can enhance mindfulness, and the challenges of the activity can aid in emotional healing and personal growth, making it a valuable therapeutic tool for veterans and first responders.
Point of Contact:
Kesha Bruington
KeshaB@HigherGroundUSA.org
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A single-day Top Golf experience designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in a relaxed setting. Topgolf is a fun and inclusive experience that offers several benefits; It’s a social activity that promotes physical activity, provides an opportunity to improve golf skills, and offers a relaxed atmosphere with good food and (non alcoholic) drinks.
THIS EVENT IS THEMED: Please dress in your classic (appropriate!) Independence Day clothes and colors. The more Red/White/Blue the better! We will have friendly competitions, and a prize for “best dressed”! We realize it wil be July 5, not July 4, but Patriotism does not end on a Friday!!!
No experience necessary, no gear required! Simply come as you are, dressed for the weather (bays are covered and open to the outdoors). Clubs, training, tips & tricks, etc. will all be provided.
Point of Contact:
Adam Rund
Adam@highergroundusa.org
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A half-day chartered fishing experience in Stevensville, MD. This “Committed to Serving Others” Fishing event aims to bring together 20 Active Military, Veterans, and First Responder personnel for an engaging day of fishing and discussions focused on what it means to be “Committed to Serving Others” and Higher Ground-related values. This event will also provide participants with unique opportunities for teamwork, reflection, and camaraderie.
The event will include all necessary fishing gear and instruction from Chesapeake Bay Sports Fishing. Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and lunch will be provided at a local eatery after the boat tour.
Point of Contact:
Kareem & Teiko Terrell
KareemT@highergroundusa.org
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Participants will be given an introduction to riding and safety, followed by a Horse Back ride on a trail offered by Kays Acres. Participants will also practice mindfulness at the petting zoo as well as use that time for socialization and check-in. All required gear, safety equipment, and instruction will be provided by professionals. Lunch will be provided afterwards nearby at Placid Turnip Restaurant.
Equine therapy offers several benefits, including improving emotional awareness, enhancing communication skills, and promoting trust and relationship-building. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by encouraging participants to connect with horses, fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. Additionally, it boosts confidence, self-esteem, and social skills, while also providing a safe space for individuals to work through trauma and past experiences. The therapy can also improve physical coordination and motor skills through activities like riding and grooming.
Point of Contact:
Kesha Bruington
KeshaB@highergroundusa.org
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This “Dedicated to Serving Others” team-building event aims to bring together 8 Active Military, Veterans, and First Responder personnel for a Day of Golf lessons focused on team building and Higher Ground-related values. The event will include specialized Golf Lessons, providing participants with unique opportunities for teamwork, reflection, and camaraderie.
Point of Contact:
Kareem & Teiko Terrell
KareemT@highergroundusa.org
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Higher Ground is pleased to offer a full-day White water rafting trip on the Chattooga River in Long Creek, SC.
Participants will raft for a full-day on the wild and scenic Chattooga River with a guide in each raft and lunch on the river. Class II and III rapids abound with the added challenge of Class IV Bull Sluice: a cascading drop of over ten feet from top to bottom. A sandwich lunch on the river is included with this trip. PFD, helmet, paddle and paddle jacket are included in addition to transportation to and from the river from the meetup location, Wildwater HQ, who are the guides for this trip.
Dress appropriately for the weather; and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
*This event is offered on both June 22 and June 29, be mindful of which you are inquiring about to register/confirm.*
Point of Contact:
Adam Shick
AdamS@highergroundusa.org
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