Veterans Program Type: CRU Programs

CRU: Water Sports

  • 1 minute read

  • August 1, 2025

A gathering of CRU participants, Veterans and First Responders, to come together and enjoy a day of Aquaventure on a 52 -acre inland (lagoon) playground; a sheltered haven for paddling, kayaking and other water adventures.

This event aims to improve camaraderie, strengthen connections, and instill a greater sense of purpose than self.

Parking is free and bento meals will be provided at the Wai Kai location.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (up to 8)
  • When: August 29, 2025
  • What: Water Sports (rafting, tubing, surfing, etc.)
  • Where: O’ahu, HI (Ewa Beach)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

You must Register using the Eventbrite Link

Point of Contact:
David Rodriguez
HG CRU Ambassador (O’ahu, HI)
DavidR@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

August 1, 2025

CRU: Army Ten-Miler (Running Race)

  • 1 minute read

  • August 1, 2025

This will be a large team (up to 20) of Veterans and First Responders in the area coming together to train for, and run, the Army Ten Miler in Washington, DC.

Three training runs will be led before the event in various locations around the Capitol Region area, and will be conducted about 3-4 weeks apart in the DC area. Breakfast will be provided afterwards. The team will meet before and after the race on race day.

This event is meant to build a strong team dynamic leading up to an event that will challenge participants physically, in addition to fostering new relationships within the veteran community and raising awareness about HG programs and charitable work.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (up to 16)
  • When: October 12, 2025 (+3 training runs leading up to this date)
  • What: Running Race (10 miles)
  • Where: Washington, DC (Pentagon)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Participants will be responsible for getting to the run location. Carpooling can be identified amongst teammates, and parking can be provided for those who need it.

You must register using the Eventbrite link

Point of Contact:
Derek Akers
HG CRU Ambassador (VA/DC)
DerekA@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

August 1, 2025

CRU: Tee-Off Tuesdays (Golf)

  • 1 minute read

  • July 29, 2025

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: August 5, 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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 29, 2025

CRU: White Water Rafting

  • 1 minute read

  • July 18, 2025

Higher Ground is pleased to offer a full-day White Water Rafting trip on the McKenzie River near Bend, Oregon, for all Military/Veterans and First Responders (LE, Fire, EMS).

This event is intended to build camaraderie and resilience through a shared outdoor experience that encourages confidence, connection, and a break from daily stressors. Participants will depart Sun Country Tours in Bend and arrive at McKenzie Bridge, where they will receive a trip briefing and paddle instruction. Afterwards, rafting begins! Participants will have a riverside lunch, with an optional swim. After some more rafting, participants will arrive at McKenzie Bridge take-out, change and gear load-up, and finally return to Bend.

Dress appropriately for the weather; and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 5)
  • When: August 1, 2025
  • What: White Water Rafting
  • Where: McKenzie Bridge, Oregon (McKenzie River)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Register for this event HERE

Point of Contact:
Devin Church
CRU Ambassador (Bend, OR)
DevinC@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 18, 2025

CRU: Mountain Adventures and Yoga

  • 1 minute read

  • July 17, 2025

Higher Ground invites active duty, veterans & first responders to join in a day of mountain adventures. Get out of the heat, soak up some nature and enjoy camaraderie. We’ll hike, challenge the ropes course, ride the mountain coaster, try rock climbing wall, enjoy lunch & finish with yoga session in a beautiful outdoor setting (sponsored by Bogus Basin, provided by Yoga for Life)

Please do not register if you think you may not be able to make it, as that can take a slot from another participant who could benefit from attending.

Activity gear will be provided, simply dress appropriately for the weather. Snacks and lunch meal will be served.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 8)
  • When: August 23, 2025
  • What: Mountain Adventures (Hiking, Ropes Course, Rock Climbing wall, Mountain Coaster), Yoga
  • Where: Boise, ID (Bogus Basin)
  • 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:

July 17, 2025

CRU: Stand-Up-Paddleboard Yoga

  • 1 minute read

  • July 17, 2025

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.

  • Who: Veterans & First Responders (Up to 10)
  • When: August 13, 2025
  • What: Stand-Up-Paddleboard Yoga
  • Where: Boise, ID (Idaho River Sports)
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Register HERE

Point of Contact:
Kyle Taylor
HG CRU Ambassador (Boise, ID)
KyleT@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 17, 2025

CRU: Golf Tuesdays

  • 1 minute read

  • July 14, 2025

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: July 22, 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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 14, 2025

CRU: Fly Fishing Fridays

  • 1 minute read

  • July 14, 2025

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: August 29, 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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 14, 2025

CRU: Fly Fishing Fridays

  • 1 minute read

  • July 14, 2025

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: August 15, 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 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 Higher Ground Staff
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
(208) 309-2621
Jamie@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 14, 2025

CRU: Fly Fishing Fridays

  • 1 minute read

  • July 14, 2025

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: August 1, 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 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 Higher Ground Staff
Jamie Briscoe
HG CRU Program Manager (Idaho)
(208) 309-2621
Jamie@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 14, 2025