Veterans Program Type: CRU Programs

CRU: Sailing

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Scuba Diving

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Hiking

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Equine Therapy

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

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. All required gear, safety equipment, and instruction will be provided by professionals.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: April 19, 2025
  • What: Equine Therapy & Lunch
  • Where: Warsaw, NY (Wolcott Farms)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Edwin Gadson
📧 EdwinG@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Golf

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 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: April 25, 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:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Disc Golf

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

Disc golf isn’t just a fun sport, it’s a powerful tool for veterans looking to improve their physical and mental health. Disc golf is a low-impact, full-body workout that involves walking, stretching, and reaching, which can help veterans stay active and improve their strength and flexibility. Disc golf encourages mindfulness, and promotes healthy movement. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: April 14, 2025
  • What: Disc 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:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Golf

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 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: April 11, 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:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Hiking

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

A one-day hiking experience 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 hike at “Stars and Stripes Park”, and enjoy a lunch in the park afterwards.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: April 5, 2025
  • What: Hiking & Lunch
  • Where: Oklahoma City, OK (Stars and Stripes Park)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Stephanie Moore
📧 StephanieM@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

April 2, 2025

CRU: Kayaking

  • 1 minute read

  • April 2, 2025

A one-day kayaking experience designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in a natural setting. The event aims to strengthen muscles, improve social interactions, and provide stress relief. Guided by experienced instructors, participants will launch a local marina and enjoy a morning on the water, followed by a meal together nearby.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: June 7, 2025
  • What: Kayaking
  • 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:

Higher Ground

Published on:

April 2, 2025