Great Outdoors Month
Explore Austin hosts a variety of free community programming and events in the month of June in honor of Great Outdoors Month. Check out 2024’s offerings below!
2024 Events
Panel Discussion – Accessibility in the Outdoors: Changing the Narrative
Thursday, June 13 | 6:30-8:30 pm
Motion Media Arts Center
There is a pervading narrative that only certain types of bodies can be classified as “outdoorsy.”
This stereotype often excludes individuals with chronic illness, disabilities, neurodivergence and folks of size, all of which are populations Explore Austin serves via a social-emotional learning-based outdoor adventure curriculum. This panel discussion will focus on the ways that natural spaces are frequently inaccessible or unwelcome to bodies that don’t fit the “traditional” outdoor enthusiast profile.
Special Video Introduction By
Amy Denton-Luke, Disabled in the Wild
Moderator
Dr. Demekia Biscoe, Director of Education, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Panelists
Ragen Chastain, Founder of Sized for Success
Leslie Jordan Garcia, Founder of Leslie Jordan Wellness
Syren Nagakyrie, Founder & Director of Disabled Hikers
Pickleball Tournament Benefiting Explore Austin
Hosted by Sam McCathren | Landy Frost Group at Twelve Rivers Realty
Saturday, June 22 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pickle Hub ATX
Work up a sweat while supporting Explore Austin! Music, food and beverages, DJ, competitive corn hole, a raffle and — of course — Pickleball, with 100% of proceeds supporting local youth in the Explore Austin program. Free to attend, and kid friendly!
Panel Discussion – Eco-Justice in Austin & Beyond
Tuesday, June 25 | 6:30-8:30 pm
Motion Media Arts Center
Environmental Justice is defined as the equal treatment and involvement of all people in environmental decision making.
However, that decision-making frequently excludes discussion that, firstly, recognizes the original land stewardship by Native communities, and, secondly, addresses the long-term consequences of those decisions, many of which disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The youth that Explore Austin serves via our social-emotional learning-based outdoor adventure curriculum come primarily from such marginalized communities. This panel discussion aims to provide examples of environmental justice, demonstrate ways that youth are getting involved, and showcase how various communities are responding, both nationally and here in Austin.
Reading of
“To Greet Ancestors of Place,” written by Naomi Ortiz, poet, writer & visual artist
Moderator
Rocío Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager (Immigrant Affairs) for City of Austin Government & Explore Austin Mentor Alum
Panelists
Dr. Amanda Masino, Chair for the Department of Natural Sciences, Huston-Tillotson University
Beth Wright, Attorney for Native American Rights Fund
Garden Project at Guerrero-Thompson Elementary
Saturday, June 29 | 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School | 102 E. Rundberg Lane | Austin, TX 78753
Guerrero-Thompson Elementary is looking for volunteers to assist with a garden project.
Tasks include picking vegetables; tending to plants that need pruning or removal; assembling a greenhouse (all materials avaiable onsite); weed pulling; and lawn mowing/trimming.
Interested in volunteering?
Please contact Blair Adams, Explore Austin Events Manager, to sign up:
blair.adams@exploreaustin.org | (812) 322-5996
Enter the Great Outdoors Month Raffle
Proceeds benefit Explore Austin! Purchase raffle tickets through June 30; winners announced July 1.
Adventure is Out There Package
1 YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler (color: Charcoal)
1 Kammok Single Roo hammock
1 Kammok Mesa Single Mat
1 set of Kammok Python 10 Hammock Straps
3, 8-packs of Rambler Sparkling Water (flavor: Blackberry)
1 All-Day Pass at Rowing Dock
Pack It In, Pack It Out Package
1 Patagonia Black Hole 70L Duffel Bag (color: Ink Black/ Teal)
1 Patagonia Atom Sling 8L (color: Nouveau Green)
1 Deuter 8L Waterproof Dirt Bag (color: Red)
1 Kammock Single Roo Hammock (color: Aloe Green)
1 Kammok Mesa Single Mat (color: Granite Gray)
3, 8-packs of Rambler Sparkling Water (flavor: Blackberry)
1 All-Day Pass at Rowing Dock
Become a Sponsor
Explore Austin’s free Great Outdoors Month programming is made possible by our generous sponsors.
Explore our sponsorship levels and benefits, and be in touch with us to reserve yours today.
