CRU Programs Archives - Page 7 of 12 - Higher Ground

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: July 18, 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

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: August 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:

July 11, 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: August 12, 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:

July 11, 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: August 2, 2025
What: Kayaking
Where: San Jose, CA
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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 11, 2025

A one-day archery experience designed to support the mental and physical well-being of veterans by introducing them to the practice of archery, fostering improved focus, stress relief, physical coordination, and a renewed sense of purpose through structured training and community engagement. Participants will gather and develop a sense of belonging and worth through community and archery. Lunch will be provided.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (up to 6)
When: August 5, 2025
What: Archery
Where: Cupertino, CA (Stevens Creek 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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 11, 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: July 28, 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:

July 8, 2025

A single-day Top Golf experience designed to offer CRU participants a meaningful opportunity for physical activity and social connection in a relaxed setting. Topgolf is a fun and inclusive experience that offers several benefits; It’s a social activity that promotes physical activity, provides an opportunity to improve golf skills, and offers a relaxed atmosphere with good food and (non alcoholic) drinks.

No experience necessary, no gear required! Simply come as you are, dressed for the weather (bays are covered and open to the outdoors). Clubs, training, tips & tricks, etc. will all be provided.

Participants will meet afterwards at the Brass Tap restaurant nearby for a follow up dinner.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (up to 10)
When: July 19, 2025
What: Top Golf & Dinner
Where: Colorado Springs, CO (Top Golf )
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

Point of Contact:
Jeremy Davis
JeremyD@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 8, 2025

Higher Ground is pleased to offer a full-day White Water Rafting trip on Lower Deschutes River in Maupin, Oregon.

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 Long Bend put-in in Maupin where they will receive a trip briefing and paddle instruction. Afterwards, rafting begins! Participants will have a riverside lunch near Maupin City Park, with an optional swim. After some more rafting, participants will arrive at Sandy Beach for 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: July 13, 2025
What: White Water Rafting
Where: Maupin, Oregon (Lower Deschutes 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
DevinC@highergroundusa.org

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 7, 2025

This “Committed to Serving Others” this event aims to bring together 30 Active Military, Veterans, and First Responder personnel for an engaging half day of Yoga and Indoor Rock Climbing with team building and facilitated discussions focused on what it means to be “Committed to Serving Others” and Higher Ground-related values. This program fosters healing, resilience, and connection for veterans and first responders through immersive experiences in nature, physical activity, and peer interaction — all core tenets of Higher Ground’s mission.

All yoga and climbing gear and instruction, and food, will be provided; you need only bring or wear appropriate clothing for activity and weather.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (up to 30)
When: Aug 9, 2025
What: Rock Climbing & Yoga
Where: Arlington, VA (Movement Crystal City)
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 7, 2025

Higher Ground is hosting a summer series of surf camps in partnership with VB Surf Sessions to deliver therapeutic outdoor experiences through surfing, mindfulness, and community engagement. Each camp includes a half-day surf session, a mindful warm-up/cool-down, and a community-building lunch discussion.

This program fosters healing, resilience, and connection for veterans and first responders through immersive experiences in nature, physical activity, and peer interaction — all core tenets of Higher Ground’s mission.

All surfing gear, instruction, and food will be provided, you need only bring or wear appropriate clothing for activity and weather.

Who: Veterans & First Responders (up to 12)
When: Sep 12, 2025
What: Surf Camp
Where: Virginia Beach, VA (Croatan Beach)
Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs (excluding transportation to the event)

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

Written by:

Adam Rund

Published on:

July 7, 2025