CRU Programs Archives - Page 10 of 12 - Higher Ground

This is a combined “discovery / refresher” class. “Discovery” meaning anyone brand new and interested in scuba can test the waters to see if getting certified is something they would be interested in pursuing, or “Refresher” meaning you have been certified before but would like a refresher on skills and gear to get back into diving confidently.

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 (up to 8)
When: Aug 30, 2025
What: Scuba Diving (Discovery / Refresher)
Where: Port Orchard, WA (South Kitsap Community Pool)
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Ashley Arnold
AshleyA@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 20, 2025

This is a combined “discovery / refresher” class. “Discovery” meaning anyone brand new and interested in scuba can test the waters to see if getting certified is something they would be interested in pursuing, or “Refresher” meaning you have been certified before but would like a refresher on skills and gear to get back into diving confidently.

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 (up to 8)
When: July 28, 2025
What: Scuba Diving (Discovery / Refresher)
Where: Port Orchard, WA (South Kitsap Community Pool)
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Ashley Arnold
AshleyA@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 20, 2025

A full-day White water rafting trip on the Arkansas River in Salida, CO, in partnership with High Country Veterans Adventures.

Members will embark on an beautiful yet exciting day trip on the renowned Arkansas River in Salida, CO, where we’ll navigate up to class 3 rapids and soak in the scenery. This adventure aims to bring Veterans and First Responders together in a challenging yet stunning environment. It’s an opportunity for both new and seasoned members of Higher Ground to connect and build resilience as a team. Each member will play a crucial role in how the boat responds to the dynamic waters, fostering camaraderie and teamwork amidst the excitement of the rapids.

Participants will receive (provided) safety equipment, gear, and professional instruction from experienced guides from “Independent Whitewater“. Lunch will be provided along the river, as well as dinner together nearby afterwards. Dress appropriately for the weather; and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 18)
When: July 14, 2025
What: White Water Rafting (up to class 3 rapids)
Where: Salida, CO
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Chad Prichard
ChadP@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 16, 2025

A half-day White water rafting trip on the Arkansas River in Salida, CO, in partnership with High Country Veterans Adventures.

Members will embark on an exhilarating and challenging day trip on the renowned Arkansas River in Salida, CO, where we’ll navigate the thrilling “Numbers” section featuring class 4 and 5 rapids. This adventure aims to bring Veterans and First Responders together in a challenging yet stunning environment. It’s an opportunity for both new and seasoned members of Higher Ground to connect and build resilience as a team. Each member will play a crucial role in how the boat responds to the dynamic waters, fostering camaraderie and teamwork amidst the excitement of the rapids.

Participants will receive (provided) safety equipment, gear, and professional instruction from experienced guides from “Independent Whitewater” followed by a shared meal together nearby. Dress appropriately for the weather; and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 15)
When: June 13, 2025
What: White Water Rafting (up to class 4 & 5 rapids)
Where: Salida, CO
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Chad Prichard
ChadP@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 16, 2025

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 (Up to 8)
When: June 18, 2025
What: Golf & Dinner
Where: Seaside, CA
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Josaf Rodriguez
JosafR@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 15, 2025

A one day golf range event ending with a meal at a local restaurant. Designed to offer CRU participants the opportunity to strengthen muscles, challenge activity skills, improve social interactions and provide stress relief with recreational therapy in an outdoor setting. We encourage you to bring your own clubs, but activity gear can be provided if necessary; simply dress appropriately for the weather!

Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 6)
When: May 22, 2025
What: Golf Range & Dinner
Where: Ketchum, ID (Bigwood Golf Course)
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 14, 2025

A one-day swimming 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 have the chance to enjoy a nice day of swimming in outdoor pool(s), followed by a shared meal together nearby. Simply dress appropriately for the weather and activity.

Who: Veterans & First Responders
When: June 17, 2025
What: Swim & 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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 8, 2025

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: June 16, 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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 8, 2025

A one day yoga & MTB clinic event. Designed to offer CRU participants an introduction to or continued practice of yoga, followed by a MTB clinic 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. Snacks and an early dinner meal will be served.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 8)
When: July 11, 2025
What: Mountain Biking Clinic, Yoga
Where: Boise, ID (Bogus Basin Downhill MTB Park)
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You can Register Here for this event.

Point of Contact:
Kyle Taylor
KyleT@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 8, 2025

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 12)
When: July 4, 2025
What: Yoga, Golf, & BBQ
Where: Boise, ID
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You can Register Here for this event.

Point of Contact:
Kyle Taylor
KyleT@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

May 8, 2025