Higher Ground

10/07/2026

Sometimes, having a place to breathe, connect, and simply be is everything.

At Wood Ranch Photography program, our veteran and first responder participants had space to step away from the weight they carry for everyone else and focus on themselves, through creativity, connection, mindfulness, and time in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

One participant shared:
“HG offered me an stress-free, non-judgmental safe environment where I could breathe, connect with others, and express my feelings in real-time through photography, creativity, and mindfulness.”

Another put it beautifully:
“We wear our hearts on our sleeves for everyone else and sometimes forget that we matter too. It has been beyond a blessing to stay at the Rising Star Ranch and connect with your program.”

We’re grateful to be part of a community that reminds veterans and first responders that they matter, too.

10/05/2026

09/18/2026

We know. We know. It’s only September.

But Thanksgiving is just 70 days away, which means the mountain will be open before we know it, and we’re already thinking about our Higher Ground instructor team.

We have a few positions open for the winter, including Adaptive Snowsports Instructors and Adaptive Sports Front Desk Staff.

Never taught adaptive sports before? That’s okay. Adaptive instruction experience isn’t required. We’ll teach you the adaptive side of things. We’re looking for good people who love being outside, like working with people, and want to spend their winter doing something meaningful.

A few of the perks:
Face glitter on any given day
Unlimited hot chocolate WITH marshmallows
A great management team (and trust us when we say GREAT)
Lots of mountain time
Getting to be part of something bigger than just a winter job

Learn more and apply at highergroundusa.org/careers

09/15/2026

Last call to get your team on the course!

The 4th Annual Higher Ground Invitational is Friday, September 25 at Trail Creek Golf Course, and we’d love to have you out there.

Bring your friends, your coworkers, your family, or whoever you think can help you take home the belt buckle. It’s a day of golf, good people, a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of fun, all in support of Higher Ground programs for people with disabilities, including veterans and first responders.

Friday, September 25
Trail Creek Golf Course
Registration at 10 AM | Sh***un start at noon
Grab your team and join us.

https://highergroundusa.org/event/hgi/

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the first responders who ran toward danger in service to others.

Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to their communities continue to inspire us.

We remember those we lost. We honor those who served. And we remain grateful for the first responders who continue to answer the call every day.

09/01/2026

We know this is a long testimonial, but we hope you’ll take the time to read it. It captures so much of what Higher Ground is about: connection, trust, challenge, community, and realizing you don’t have to do everything on your own.

This year, we introduced something new to Higher Ground: our Hiking and Expressive Arts Program in Sun Valley. And boy, are we glad we did.

Kylesha came to Higher Ground after years of intensive mental health work, following a su***de attempt and a long road toward feeling ready to take this next step. What happened during her week with us is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people feel supported, challenged, and surrounded by a community they can trust.

As Kylesha put it:
“I first learned of Higher Ground in 2019 while I was inpatient at the VA after a Su***de Attempt. At that time I knew I had a great deal of work ahead of me before I would be ready to apply to a program with Higher Ground. After 7 years of intensive mental health work I finally felt ready to apply. I knew when the time was right I would be selected for the program that was the best fit for me. In early 2026 that time finally came. I applied and was accepted into the Hiking and Expressive Arts Program in Sun Valley Idaho.
I was quite nervous about being physically capable, but I went anyway. I am So Grateful that I did. My Sisters and I hit it off right from the start. I have always depended on myself and found it difficult to trust others, but this trip changed that. We did everything as a team. On one particular hike I almost fell out and everyone rallied around me and took care of me, supporting and encouraging me. With that support I realized I don’t have to do everything on my own and there are people that are trustworthy. That was a game changer for me.

Needless to say, I made it to my destination and was rewarded with a Beautiful View and time spent with new found family. I will not be going home the same person I was when I arrived. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and I will carry what I have learned in this program with me for a lifetime! Thank You So Much!”

— Kylesha

Thank you, Kylesha, for being so raw, open, and honest about your experience. We are incredibly grateful that you trusted us with your story, and we hope sharing it might reach and inspire someone else who needs to know they aren't alone.
Su***de affects far too many people, and conversations like this matter. Talk to the people around you. Check in on someone you care about. And if you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help and connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline or local Thecrisishotlineidaho
Kylesha, thank you for reminding us why this work matters. We’re so glad you said yes to this program.

08/28/2026

What does adaptive recreation sound like?

Turns out, it sounds like recreation.

Skis swishing through snow. Bike chains moving. Wheels turning over dirt. The grunt that comes with a hard push. Laughter after a fall. Friends cheering each other on.

No soundtrack needed.

Because adaptive recreation isn’t a different kind of recreation. It’s finding the right equipment, support, and opportunity so everyone can experience the challenge, freedom, connection, and pure fun of getting outside.

Turn the sound on and hear it for yourself.

08/26/2026

We’re grateful to Forterra for continuing to stand alongside Higher Ground and for recognizing the value of getting veterans outside, creating meaningful experiences, and building community along the way.

In this video, you’ll see just one example of what that looks like through a Higher Ground Fly Fishing Program. Time on the water becomes more than learning how to cast or landing a fish. It creates space to slow down, try something new, build relationships, and spend time with others who understand the transition from military service to civilian life.

As one participant put it, so much of life in the military is spent in service to others. When that chapter ends, finding a new sense of purpose and connection can be challenging. Experiences like this can be an important part of moving forward.

Partnerships like this make more possible. We’re better together.

Thank you, Forterra, for continuing to be a part of this work.

Learn more about Forterra here: https://www.forterra.com