CRU: Rock Climbing

A single-day rock climbing adventure for veterans and first responders in the LA area, free for qualified participants. All climbing skill levels are welcome, even newbies! All climbing gear and instruction will be provided by our partner organization, “Rock’n’Rope Adventures”.

  • Who: (10) Veterans & First Responders
  • When: Apr 30, 2025
  • What: Rock Climbing
  • Where: Canoga Park, CA
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Adam Rund
Adam@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Yoga, Golf, and BBQ

A one day yoga & golf event ending with a family-style BBQ. Designed to offer CRU participants an introduction to or continued practice of yoga, followed by a golf outing where participants have the opportunity to strengthen muscles, challenge activity skills, improve social interactions and provide stress relief with recreational therapy in an outdoor setting. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 8)
  • When: May 25, 2025
  • What: Yoga, Golf, & BBQ
  • Where: Boise, ID
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Kyle Taylor
📧 KyleT@highergroundusa.org

CRU: E-Bike Adventure

A single-day e-bike adventure for veterans and first responders in the LA area, free for qualified participants. E-biking offers numerous benefits for veterans, including improved physical and mental health, enhanced mobility, and a sense of community.

  • Who: (6) Veterans & First Responders
  • When: Apr 23, 2025
  • What: E-bike Adventure in the hills of Malibu, CA
  • Where: Malibu, CA (Sycamore Canyon)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Adam Rund
📧 Adam@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Scuba Diving

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.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: April 19, 2025
  • What: Scuba Diving
  • Where: Steilacoom, WA (Sunnyside Beach)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Ashley Arnold
📧 AshleyA@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Golf

A one-day golf experience designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting. The event aims to strengthen muscles, improve activity skill, improve social interactions, and provide stress relief.  Participants will receive instruction from an experienced instructor and enjoy a a day on the green, followed by a shared meal together nearby. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: May 26, 2025
  • What: Golf & Lunch
  • Where: San Jose, CA
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Michael Malone
📧 MichaelM@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Golf

A one-day golf experience designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting. The event aims to strengthen muscles, improve activity skill, improve social interactions, and provide stress relief.  Participants will receive instruction from an experienced instructor and enjoy a a day on the green, followed by a shared meal together nearby. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: May 12, 2025
  • What: Golf & Lunch
  • Where: San Jose, CA
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Michael Malone
📧 MichaelM@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Top Golf

This Top Golf Scramble is poised to be a significant event hosting an attendance of 30 participants, thanks to the active involvement of our partnering organizations. We’re fortunate to have ASIS International, National Capital Chapter on board for this event, as well as Western Governors University, and also about the valuable contributions of our Veterans, Dog Tag Inc and the Fort Belvoir Soldier Recovery Unit. This event is set to be a truly collaborative and impactful experience for participants.

Partnering organizations will provide information pamphlets and giveaways.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (30)
  • When: May 17, 2025
  • What: Top Golf Scramble & Lunch
  • Where: Oxon Hill, MD
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Kareem & Teiko Terrell
📧 KareemT@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Sailing

A single-day sailing program for veterans and first responders in San Diego, CA. Free for qualified participants. Sailing offers several benefits for veterans, including stress relief, improved mental health, and increased self-confidence. The focus required for sailing helps reduce anxiety and promotes mindfulness, while being on the water provides a calming, therapeutic environment. It also fosters teamwork and camaraderie, as veterans work together to navigate and manage the boat, building strong social connections. Sailing improves physical fitness through strength and coordination, and it offers a sense of achievement and purpose, which can be particularly beneficial for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD or other challenges. Overall, sailing provides both emotional and physical healing opportunities. Any required gear, safety equipment, and instruction can and will be provided by sailing captain and crew.

  • Who: (6) Veterans & First Responders
  • When: May 17, 2025
  • What: Sailing in and around San Diego Bay and possibly the ocean (weather dependent)
  • Where: San Diego, CA (Harbor Island)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Adam Rund
📧 Adam@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Scuba Diving

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. This is a 2-day (overnight camping) program. All required gear, safety equipment, and instruction can and will be provided by certified and experienced dive masters.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: April 27, 2025
  • What: Scuba Diving
  • Where: Rawlings, VA (Lake Phoenix Dive Park)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Derek Akers
📧 DerekA@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Hiking

A one-day hiking adventure designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in a natural setting. The event aims to improve social interactions, provide exercise, and relieve stress. Participants will carpool from Anthem, AZ up to Sedona, AZ, hike throughout the day, and enjoy a lunch in together afterwards. Alternatively, participants may meet at the parking/hiking location. Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a water source for hydration.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: April 25, 2025
  • What: Hiking and a Meal
  • Where: Sedona, AZ
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Leonard Cataudella
📧 LeonardC@highergroundusa.org