What we're about

Welcome to the Natural Highs Community! Together we find incredible joy in our natural states of consciousness through outdoor adventures, music / dance, and other activities! Wether you are sober / in recovery or just want social connection, adventure and fun that is NOT drug & alcohol centered, our events will be perfect for you!
A variety of Natural Highs will be provided and will often incorporate healing & self development elements (such as group sharing, games & meditation) facilitated by professional instructors. Member feedback is encouraged, and leadership opportunities are available for those interested in organizing their own events!

We require 24 hours of sobriety prior to participation in our events and ask that all participants and guests respect the sober-friendly nature of the space and are never under the influence -- or in possession of -- any mind altering substances during events (with the exception of course of prescription medication taken as prescribed).
IG: @naturalhighsrecovery | naturalhighsrecovery.org

****By joining this Meetup group and / or participating in any events listed here, you agree to the below waiver****

NATURAL HIGHS RECOVERY LIABILITY WAIVER

THIS LIABILITY RELEASE, WAIVER AND INDEMNIFICATION AND EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK (“Waiver”) is executed as of the date set forth below. Please read this Waiver carefully.
FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, including without limitation in consideration of and for being permitted to participate in any and all activities or social events arranged by or otherwise being involved in any way with Jacob William Yoder, dba NATURAL HIGHS RECOVERY. and its and affiliates (collectively, “NHR”), I, on behalf of myself and my executors, administrators, successors, assigns, insurers, attorneys, spouse, children, heirs, and any other person or entity that could or might act on my behalf (HEREINAFTER “I,” “ME” OR “MY”), agree as follows:
1. I hereby confirm that I have read this Waiver in its entirety. I FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT THIS WAIVER HAS IMPORTANT LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AND THAT THIS WAIVER IS LEGALLY BINDING AND ENFORCEABLE AGAINST ME.
2. I understand that participation in outdoor and indoor programs involves risk. The following is a partial list of the potential risks associated with the activities at NHR. This list does not include all inherent risks but serves to provide examples and promote an understanding of the risks, any of which could result in damages, loss, injury, illness, mental stress, permanent disability, or even death (HEREINAFTER “INJURY, ILLNESS, LOSS OR DEATH”).

  • Complications associated with exposure to weather (including extreme cold, wet or icy conditions, heat, sun, lightning), altitude and physical exertion
  • Perils and hazards arising from unintended contact with others, including participants and members of the general public
  • Perils and hazards arising from lifting weights or participating in strength training disciplines
  • Perils and hazards arising from unintended contact with both natural features such as rocks, trees, plants and animals, as well as man-made features such as curbs, pot-holes and weight training equipment.
  • Risk of infectious disease exposure.

I understand that in addition to the risks inherent in all activities at NHR, more specific risks accompany each type of activity. For example, rock climbing exposes participants to a danger of falling or being injured from falling rock. Indoor activities such as strength training and yoga carry the risk of injury from pulled muscles, being hit by weights and the actions of other participants. Cycling exposes participants to risks of falling, being injured by traffic or other riders or equipment failure. I recognize, understand and assume all the foregoing risks, as well as similar unforeseen risks, and accept personal responsibility for the POTENTIAL OF ANY INJURY, ILLNESS, LOSS OR DEATH resulting from participating in any NHR activity.
Additionally, NHR has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, NHR cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, attending The Phoenix events could increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.
3. By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending NHR and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at The Phoenix may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, NHR employees, volunteers, and program participants.
4. I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE NHR or its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, contractors, successors, assigns, or representatives in connection with ANY INJURY, ILLNESS, LOSS OR DEATH to me or my property which occur during or in connection with any NHR activities or while participating in any other events or activities NHR sponsors or co-sponsors or is otherwise involved with. I AGREE THAT NHR AND ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTIVITIES.
5. I KNOWINGLY, INTENTIONALLY, AND VOLUNTARILY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, PROTECT, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS NHR, from and against any and all lawsuits, actions, claims, damages, costs, fees, liabilities (including attorneys’ fees and costs) arising out of or related to any damages. I assume all the foregoing risks, as well as similar unforeseen risks, and accept personal responsibility for the damages due to ANY INJURY, ILLNESS, LOSS OR DEATH resulting from participating in any NHR activity.
6. I agree to immediately advise NHR if I cause any damage or notice damage to any equipment. I agree to abide by all NHR rules and regulations, infectious disease precautions, and if NHR or any instructor, guide, coach, or other person working with NHR makes a specific request of or instruction to me, I agree to immediately comply.
7. I am responsible for my health and it is my responsibility to determine if I am capable of participating in the events I attend. It is my responsibility to alert NHR staff at the start of an event to any conditions, illness, or limitations I may have that may preclude me from fully participating in an event. NHR staff are not medical personnel and cannot provide medical advice or opinions, however NHR staff can offer activity modifications and help you work within your limits to the degree their training permits, however, NHR is not responsible if you injure yourself. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A NHR ACTIVITY, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. I am aware that NHR will not provide any insurance or benefits to me.
8. I acknowledge and agree that NHR and the Released Parties may photograph, videotape, or otherwise document my participation in the Activities, and I consent and agree to the same, with the exception if I am participating with NHR as part of an in-patient treatment program, only for the time I am in this program. If I continue to participate with NHR at their community events I agree with the aforementioned and hereby give NHR permission to use my name and likeness for any purpose whatsoever. I acknowledge and agree that NHR has no control over third party photographs or videotape.
9. I understand NHR operates as an independent contractor providing services to certain treatment facilities and is not a healthcare provider. If I need healthcare assistance while participating with NHR, I am responsible for contacting my healthcare provider directly.
10. If and while I am a patient at a substance abuse treatment facility where NHR is providing programs under contract with such treatment facility, I understand NHR employees reserve the right to share information regarding me, the patient, to the healthcare team at the facility as NHR staff in their sole discretion deems necessary and I hereby consent to NHR employees doing so.
11. During the course of the attending NHR activities it is possible that participants may discover information related to the background of another participant. In some cases discovery can cause concern especially in the cases of previous violent offenses and sexual offender designation. NHR does not exclude participants on the basis of previous life experiences and makes no guarantee as to the actions of participants. Should you have concerns about a participant, or concerns about your safety, please immediately bring those concerns to NHR staff.
12. I hereby give permission to NHR to contact me regarding participation in future NHR research-related studies, fundraising activities, and all other NHR communications. Giving permission to NHR to contact me does not obligate me to participate in any way, nor will declining to participate affect my ability to attend and participate in NHR events in any way.
13. I recognize that any disputes will be resolved in California, in the county of Santa Cruz, and not in any other jurisdiction.
14. By typing your name below, you agree your electronic selection is the legal equivalent of your manual/handwritten signature on this Agreement. By typing your name below using any device, means or action, you consent to the legally binding terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Upcoming events (4+)

Sober Sailing on the Harbor - Worries to the Wind

Santa Cruz

Free weekly sailing trips in an inclusive, recovery friendly environment. Subject to cancellation if raining. ***This event is hosted & organized entirely by our partner non-profit Sweaty Sheep. RSVP is necessary - Tickets are free but must be acquired ahead of time on Eventbrite. All details & tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salty-sheep-spirited-satuday-sails-tickets-339964321437

Please direct all questions to the event organizer on Eventbrite through the link provided.

"Join us for fun, fellowship and a few philosophical musings Meet at d dock (Aldos restaurant) at 2pm. call Capt Ryan at[masked] with ?'s. All sails are free and inclusive of all!... Learn more about our program at www.sweatysheep.com and share in promoting our mission of 'utilizing art and recreation to break through faith, social and economic barriers."

Sober Sailing on the Harbor - Worries to the Wind

Santa Cruz

Free weekly sailing trips in an inclusive, recovery friendly environment. Subject to cancellation if raining. ***This event is hosted & organized entirely by our partner non-profit Sweaty Sheep. RSVP is necessary - Tickets are free but must be acquired ahead of time on Eventbrite. All details & tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salty-sheep-spirited-satuday-sails-tickets-339964321437

Please direct all questions to the event organizer on Eventbrite through the link provided.

"Join us for fun, fellowship and a few philosophical musings Meet at d dock (Aldos restaurant) at 2pm. call Capt Ryan at[masked] with ?'s. All sails are free and inclusive of all!... Learn more about our program at www.sweatysheep.com and share in promoting our mission of 'utilizing art and recreation to break through faith, social and economic barriers."

Sober Sailing on the Harbor - Worries to the Wind

Santa Cruz

Free weekly sailing trips in an inclusive, recovery friendly environment. Subject to cancellation if raining. ***This event is hosted & organized entirely by our partner non-profit Sweaty Sheep. RSVP is necessary - Tickets are free but must be acquired ahead of time on Eventbrite. All details & tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salty-sheep-spirited-satuday-sails-tickets-339964321437

Please direct all questions to the event organizer on Eventbrite through the link provided.

"Join us for fun, fellowship and a few philosophical musings Meet at d dock (Aldos restaurant) at 2pm. call Capt Ryan at[masked] with ?'s. All sails are free and inclusive of all!... Learn more about our program at www.sweatysheep.com and share in promoting our mission of 'utilizing art and recreation to break through faith, social and economic barriers."

Beach Volleyball (All Levels Welcome!)

Santa Cruz Beach Volleyball Courts (18)

If you have any questions, contact Hugo:[masked]

Beach volleyball with Hugo!! Receive professional instruction and play ball with other folks on the sober / mental health journey. This event is completely free, though donations are greatly appreciated. Donations go directly to our volunteer facilitators / instructors as well as providing equipment & lowering cost barriers to healthy recreation for the recovery community. Follow the instructions below to find the group.

Park at the Cowells Beach Main parking lot or (near the traffic circle) or on the Wharf. Meet near the boat / kayak rental rack (by Venture Quest Kayaking). Your instructor, Hugo, will walk you down to the courts. Volleyball will take place at the courts at Main Beach, Santa Cruz, CA (by the boardwalk) so if you arrive late, just walk down to the courts.

Past events (47)