CRU: Paddleboard Yoga

A one day Paddleboard yoga lesson/event. Paddleboard Yoga event is exclusively for military veterans and first responders (active, veteran, or retired). 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.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 6)
  • When: September 6, 2025
  • What: Paddleboard Yoga
  • Where: Southern Pines, NC (Hot Asana Yoga Studios)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Jessica Houfek
HG CRU Ambassador (Raeford, NC)
JessicaH@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Female Recreation Retreat

A single-day Recreation Retreat at a private property with a pool and pond for water sports, acres of land for hiking and forest bathing, adaptive Pilates equipment inside the house along with an aromatherapy table, and ample space for yoga or other exercising.

Activity options include but are not limited to: hiking, forest bathing, water aerobics, kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, qigong, and Pilates.

A home-cooked healthy and filling meal will also be provide on-site.

  • Who: Female Veterans & First Responders (Up to 10)
  • When: September 6, 2025
  • What: Recreation Retreat
  • Where: Ballston Spa, NY (Private Property)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must contact Maggie, our local CRU Ambassador, to register/confirm. Maggie will have more local CRU event opportunities in the future, reach out to her to stay connected!

Point of Contact:
Margaret Currier
CRU Ambassador (NY)
MargaretC@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Kayaking

A half-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: September 6, 2025
  • What: Kayaking
  • Where: San Jose, CA (Alviso Marina County Park)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must register for this event using the Eventbrite Registration Page!

Point of Contact:
Michael Malone
MichaelM@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Golf (Driving Range)

A half-day of Golf Practice At The Driving Range experience for Veterans & First Responders designed to offer participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting.

Come join us for a fun day of hitting balls at the Driving Range located at Villages Golf & Country Club. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this event is perfect for anyone looking to improve their golf game. Grab your clubs and swing by for some practice and friendly competition. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to work on your swing and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. See you there! Lunch will be provided to the group at a nearby location. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

Please do not register if you believe that you will not be able to attend. This will allow space for another Veteran or First Responder.

Only one registration per person.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: September 2, 2025
  • What: Golf & Lunch
  • Where: San Jose, CA (Villages Golf & Country Club)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Michael Malone
CRU Ambassador (NorCal)
MichaelM@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Golf

A half-day 9-Hole Golf with Group Lesson golf experience for Veterans & First Responders designed to offer participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting.

Come on out to the Villages Golf & Country Club for a special event tailored just for our amazing veterans and first responders! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, this group golf lesson is a great way to improve your skills and enjoy a day out on the course with fellow heroes. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others who share your experiences and love for the game. Sign up now and get ready for a day of fun and camaraderie. Lunch will be provided to the group at a nearby location. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

Please do not register if you believe that you will not be able to attend. This will allow space for another Veteran or First Responder.

Only one registration per person.

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

Point of Contact:
Michael Malone
CRU Ambassador (NorCal)
MichaelM@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Golf

A half-day golf experience designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting.

Come on out to the Villages Golf & Country Club for a special event tailored just for our amazing veterans and first responders! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, this group golf lesson is a great way to improve your skills and enjoy a day out on the course with fellow heroes. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others who share your experiences and love for the game. Sign up now and get ready for a day of fun and camaraderie. Lunch will be provided to the group at a nearby location. Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather.

Please do not register if you believe that you will not be able to attend. This will allow space for another Veteran or First Responder.

Only one registration per person.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: September 15, 2025
  • What: Golf & Lunch
  • Where: San Jose, CA (Villages Golf & Country Club)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Michael Malone
CRU Ambassador (NorCal)
MichaelM@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Fly Fishing Fridays

All Veterans and First Responders (active or retired) are welcome to join a new half-day fly-fishing series for the Wood River Valley, being hosted every other Friday evening.

We are excited to guide and help you learn casting, catching, local access, tips and tricks, and proven techniques for fly fishing. No experience or gear required!

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: September 26, 2025 (and every other Friday thereafter)
  • What: Fly Fishing
  • Where: Ketchum, ID (locations vary, you will be notified in advance)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must register for this event using the Eventbrite event page (you are only registering for this specific date event, any future events of this series must be registered separately!)

Jamie, our local CRU staff member, will have more local CRU event opportunities in the future, reach out to him to stay connected!

Point of Contact:

Jamie Briscoe Higher Ground Staff
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
(208) 309-2621
Jamie@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Fly Fishing Fridays

All Veterans and First Responders (active or retired) are welcome to join a new half-day fly-fishing series for the Wood River Valley, being hosted every other Friday evening.

We are excited to guide and help you learn casting, catching, local access, tips and tricks, and proven techniques for fly fishing. No experience or gear required!

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: September 12, 2025 (and every other Friday thereafter)
  • What: Fly Fishing
  • Where: Ketchum, ID (locations vary, you will be notified in advance)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must register for this event using the Eventbrite event page (you are only registering for this specific date event, any future events of this series must be registered separately!)

Jamie, our local CRU staff member, will have more local CRU event opportunities in the future, reach out to him to stay connected!

Point of Contact:

Jamie Briscoe Higher Ground Staff
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
(208) 309-2621
Jamie@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Tee-Off Tuesdays (Golf)

An evening golf experience designed to offer local Higher Ground CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting. Activity gear will be provided.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event is perfect for golf enthusiasts of all levels. Enjoy beautiful scenery and friendly competition as you tee off with fellow golf lovers.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: September 30, 2025 (and every other Tuesday thereafter)
  • What: Golf on the course
  • Where: Ketchum, ID (Bigwood Golf Course)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must register for this event using the Eventbrite event page (you are only registering for this specific date event, any future events of this series must be registered separately!)

Jamie, our local CRU staff member, will have more local CRU event opportunities in the future, reach out to him to stay connected!

Point of Contact:

Jamie Briscoe Higher Ground Staff
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
(208) 309-2621
Jamie@highergroundusa.org

CRU: Tee-Off Tuesdays (Golf)

An evening golf experience designed to offer local Higher Ground CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in an outdoor setting. Activity gear will be provided.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event is perfect for golf enthusiasts of all levels. Enjoy beautiful scenery and friendly competition as you tee off with fellow golf lovers.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders
  • When: September 16, 2025 (and every other Tuesday thereafter)
  • What: Golf on the course
  • Where: Ketchum, ID (Bigwood Golf Course)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must register for this event using the Eventbrite event page (you are only registering for this specific date event, any future events of this series must be registered separately!)

Jamie, our local CRU staff member, will have more local CRU event opportunities in the future, reach out to him to stay connected!

Point of Contact:

Jamie Briscoe Higher Ground Staff
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
(208) 309-2621
Jamie@highergroundusa.org