meetup/friend groups

Submitted by watami66 t3_y86qof in vermont

Hello! I've been living in Vermont with my wife and daughter since May when I left the military. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for meetup/friend groups either on something like discord or other community groups in the Burlington/Essex/chittenden county area.

The transition from the military was pretty hard on me and I don't really know anyone in the area, and all my friends are back at my last duty station. Just kind of trying to feel out if there's anything in the area geared towards making new friends for adults, preferably not revolving around bars and what not.

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Coachtzu t1_isygka4 wrote

Climbing gyms are a great non alcoholic way of meeting people, people are usually pretty chatty, open to meeting people, good way to stay in shape too.

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watami66 OP t1_isyhkxh wrote

Unfortunately I have severe knee issues and ongoing dislocation issues with it, so most sports type stuff isn't really much of an option for me, aside from fishing or maybe hiking type stuff that's lower impact and I have more control.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

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BooksNCats11 t1_iszhl4a wrote

There's a Hiking it Easy group on Facebook if you're on there. Great group of people.

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willowbeest t1_iszcb4m wrote

You might see if Outdoor Gear Exchange has any groups for some of those lower impact group sport activities. Group hikes and kayak rentals come to mind as possibilities!

Another thought is to check out art, craft, and/or maker spaces or music dojo if you have an urge to be creative in any way. Pottery, painting, sewing, building stuff, cooking classes, jamming with others if you play any instruments, maybe?

And then I also hear there are local DND groups, the Board Room (board game place), and Meetup.org events happening from time to time. Good luck in your search!

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Jerry_Williams69 t1_it0rc4o wrote

I was diagnosed with MS 3 years ago. When it really had me down and I couldn't do anything, I picked up Elder Scrolls Online. Made a lot of gamer friends who helped me get through the worst of it while I got myself back together. Online gaming is a great outlet. Side note, I'm definitely more of an introvert.

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haloofsin t1_isyrt9b wrote

Hiking, (whitewater)kayaking, hunting, fishing, archery, shooting, (mountain)biking and climbing groups are a good place to meet new people., depending on your interest.

Also, jointing a BJJ gym is a great way to meet new people. I have found most folks that train are super friendly.

You could also try volunteering somewhere.

I know when I transitioned out of the military, working on a farm was great way to transition.

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haloofsin t1_isys4ga wrote

I was going to also recommend snow shoeing and other snow related activities but I just saw your response to another reply re sports.

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Practical-Intern-347 t1_isyy0la wrote

Your local volunteer fire department is probably in need of some help. Great way to help, be directly involved in something and meet a bunch of your neighbors.

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billy_possum t1_isz9ow5 wrote

Have you found Josh's House yet? It is a kind of community space for vets and SMs. The crowd trends older, but more than a few younger folks cycle through there too. Even if you do not find it a good place to land, it can still be a good place to connect.

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watami66 OP t1_isz9z7n wrote

I actually just messaged them to see if it's the kind of thing I'm looking for! I actually got medically separated and they seemed to have a lot going on for disabled vets. Definetly a big thanks for the recommendation!

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billy_possum t1_iszbq0n wrote

I can't say enough good about that place. They do a lot of cool stuff and never let it get in the way of being super chill. I've seen everyone from new enlisted to WWII vets (seriously, WWII). It borders Camp Johnson, so family programs and similar is around the corner. Plus, free food always.

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watami66 OP t1_iszc3cf wrote

Im definetly going to take a look at it, thank you for the recommendation.

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BooksNCats11 t1_iszh1du wrote

If you enjoy reading at all check your library to see if they have an adult book group! I won't lie, the members of my local one are almost all on the older side but they've all been friendly and welcoming!

If you are near Colchester and still able to be around other former soldiers you might check out Josh's House on google and see if it might be a good place to meet some people.

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masterofnewts t1_iszrk1y wrote

I have a friend looking for more DnD players, if you're into that kind of thing!

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watami66 OP t1_isztiy7 wrote

I might be interested, I'm a bit of a rookie player though, only played 5e generic campaigns a few times

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Deuce-anda-half t1_iszc6vg wrote

Essex Junction Fire Dept and Essex Town Fire Dept could always use new members. They both have tightly knit communities within themselves of friends in service.

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watami66 OP t1_iszcm9y wrote

I am unsure if I would be able to, I have some debilitating knee issues that basically exclude me from doing anything that involves running and things like that unfortunately.

That said, if there's other volunteer opportunities I get a week of volunteer time per year I could use to help out in ways that I potentially can

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Deuce-anda-half t1_iszghoy wrote

Inquire about being station personell, perhaps. No physical firefighting, more geared towards running that station.

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watami66 OP t1_iszgoev wrote

One struggle I might have with that is I already work 50 hrs a week, and have a 9mo daughter, I'll take a look, definetly thanks for the rec

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serenity450 t1_it0p1b1 wrote

Seven Days personals.

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Quick_Audience_6287 t1_isybi97 wrote

I’m a recent Vermonter myself. I got into some extracurricular sports (kickball,hockey) and went to some Trivia nights around town (I know you said no bars but it IS fun) there’s also hiking and running/biking clubs that I know are around. It’s tough first getting out, stay strong and don’t become a statistic! Reach out if you feel yourself start going down that road. 22 a day.

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