The first ever TU Veterans Service Partnership/Higher Ground Sun Valley Train-the-Trainer volunteer training event was a tremendous success. 30 TU VSP leaders from Connecticut to Oregon converged in Sun Valley, ID from September 23-28 for 4 days of training in a variety of topics designed to increase the quality of programming offered to veterans with disabilities and our nation’s military family through TU VSP programs. Presentations covered teaching adaptive fly fishing techniques, use of adaptive equipment, volunteer training resources, working with the VA, introduction to the care and handling of individuals with disabilities including a very educational hands on role playing exercise, and time for TU VSP leaders to network, socialize, and learn about each other’s VSP programs. Of course, there were ample oppotunities for TU’ers to scratch-the-fishing-itch on the nearby Big Wood River. Following the role playing exercise, we had a picnic lunch on the banks for the Big Wood, and it didn’t take long for the group to disburse up and downstream from the Sun Peak campground. Red Quill and Baetis mayflies were hatching, and there were still some ‘hoppers bouncing around, too. Big Wood River trout were rising, and plenty of Big Wood River rainbows and browns were caught and released by TU’ers! The accommodations at the Sun Valley Lodge Aparments and the meeting room at the Dollar Mountain Lodge were great, and the hospitalityoffered by Higher Ground staff and volunteers was the best! Thanks to everyone who participated in making the VSP/HGSV T3 event a grand success!
Veterans Service Partnership Training Event a Success!
