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Explore Austin Girls are a “Force of Nature”
Adventure, Leadership, Mentoring

Written by Explore Austin Trip Leader: Lydia Huelskamp Edited by Explore Austin Development Intern: Sophia Cantor   “I’d like to… more

August 1, 2018
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Ten Things You Learn as an Explore Austin Trip Leader
Adventure, Leadership, Mentoring

By: Explore Austin Trip Leader Extraordinaire, Lydia Huelskamp   1.“ Almost there” doesn’t really mean almost there The Explorers will… more

July 1, 2018
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    Explore Austin uses mentoring & outdoor adventure to empower youth to reach their full potential.
    Click link to refer an Explorer or make a donation!

    Explore Austin
    📔 MENTOR APPLICATIONS CLOSE OCT 8 📔 Apply at 📔 MENTOR APPLICATIONS CLOSE OCT 8 📔 Apply at our #linkinbio to join the Explore Austin family! Explore Austin is recruiting new volunteer Mentors for 2024. Being a Mentor is a 3-6 year ongoing volunteer experience with youth in 6th-12th grades, with a commitment of one Saturday a month during the academic year and one week in the summer. Mentors have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills such as mountain biking, hiking, canoeing and navigation along with their mentees (although no previous experience is required!) at beautiful locations throughout Austin. Each summer, they are also fully supported in going on a week-long out-of-state backcountry trip to some of the most breathtaking places in the US, from Utah to New Mexico to Arkansas and beyond. Being a Mentor with Explore Austin allows you to make a difference in the lives of Austin youth, join a close-knit network of other Mentors and travel to natural wonders in and out of state. JOIN US! 🥾🌲🧗‍♂️🛶🏜️ #volunteerwithexploreaustin #exploreaustin #austinmentors #austinmentorship #austinnonprofit #austinnonprofitopportunity #nonprofitopp #outdooradventure #outdoorleadership #austincamping #austinoutdoors #austinoutdooradventure #austintexas
    Our corporate supporters gathered this morning for Our corporate supporters gathered this morning for tacos, coffee and updates from Explore Austin at @rudysbbq 🌮 ☕ As part of the program, we were THRILLED to have Explorer Luis and Mentor Buck @buckbracey24 (photo #1) give remarks. They really drove home what the program is all about: community, teamwork, mentorship and outdoor adventure! ⛰️ Interested in becoming an Explore Austin Corporate Partner? Check out options and benefits at our #linkinbio. #exploreaustin #austinnonprofit #outdooradventureaustin #rudysbbqaustin #corporatebreakfast #corporatepartners #exploreatx #youthempowerment #getoutside #teamwork #outdooradventure
    Explore Austin Trip Leaders are paid, part-time st Explore Austin Trip Leaders are paid, part-time staff who are responsible for providing safe and effective outdoor education for Explorers (youth in 6th-12th grades) and their volunteer Mentors. Programming takes place in the greater Austin area on Saturdays during the school year and on week-long Summer Wilderness Trips in June and July, many of which are out-of-state. We currently have a particular need for guides with experience instructing any of the "three C's": canoeing, caving and climbing! 💦 🛶 🧗‍♂️ ⛰️ Interested? Fill out the Trip Leader Interest Form at our #linkinbio! To apply, you must be 21+ years old, have a valid Driver's License and have experience instructing any of the following outdoor disciplines: canoeing, rock climbing, navigation, mountain biking, caving or multi-day river/backpacking trips. #workwithexploreaustin #austintripleaders #exploreaustin #austinoutdoorguides #guidejobs #austinguidejobs #austinjobs #workwithus #austinnonprofit #austinnonprofitopportunity #nonprofitopp #outdooradventure #outdoorleadership #austincamping #austinoutdoors #austinoutdooradventure #austintexas
    🛍️ Shop for Good 👍 is still going strong! 🛍️ Shop for Good 👍 is still going strong! Don't forget that Explore Austin was selected as a recipient of the Buffalo Exchange @buffaloexchange Tokens for Bags® program through December 2023! You can donate to Explore Austin by shopping at Buffalo Exchange in Central Austin at the corner of 29th and Guadalupe Streets! Instead of a plastic bag, the Tokens for Bags® program offers every customer who makes a purchase one “token” valued at five cents (the cost to produce a bag) to donate to one of several local charities selected by the store. The program has generated over $926,025 for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations since 1994 and has saved over 18.5 million plastic bags from the landfill ♻️ #buffaloexchange #buffaloexchangeaustin #tokensforbags #tokensforbagsbuffaloexchange #austinnonprofit #exploreaustin #supportnonprofits #supportexploreaustin #nonprofitsupport #charity #shopforgood
    BECOME AN EXPLORER 🥾🥾 Are you or the youth i BECOME AN EXPLORER 🥾🥾 Are you or the youth in your life interested in becoming an Explorer? Our Explorer Interest Form is now live! Fill out your information, and we'll let you know when the application period officially launches in the early part of 2024. Youth accepted to the program will begin in May 2024! ✅ EXPLORER INTEREST FORM >> See our #linkinbio! Explore Austin is a 💯% FREE program for youth from local economically disadvantaged communities. Explorers participate by joining a team of 15 kids and five adults Mentors, and the team stays together for six years, from May of 6th grade through 12th grade. Explorers and Mentors complete one Saturday Challenge monthly during the school year and an out-of-state, weeklong Summer Wilderness Trip each summer. 📷 Photos by @kaartikgphoto #exploreaustin #austinnonprofit #explore #explorers #youthempowerment #youthnonprofit #austintexas #freeprogram #exploreaustintexas #youthprogram
    We'd like to congratulate Explore Austin Mentor an We'd like to congratulate Explore Austin Mentor and supporter Buck Bracey @buckbracey24 of Alotten on being named a finalist for the Austin Chamber of Commerce - Austin Gives 2023 Volunteer of the Year award 🏆 @austinchamber Says Buck, "Yesterday, I got back from Wyoming and Idaho with a nonprofit, Explore Austin. What I like about [this organization] is that it empowers the next generation of leaders...it's where my passion and purpose come together." 🧡 The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a stellar employee of a generous company who demonstrates exceptional leadership and dedication to address community challenges and make an impact through volunteerism while inspiring others to serve. Go, Buck! #austinchamberofcommerce #volunteeroftheyear #exploreaustin #mentor #mentorship #youthempowerment #outdooradventure #leadership #leadershipatx #mentorshipatx #austinvolunteers #austinnonprofit
    Yes, you read that right. The early bird gets the Yes, you read that right. The early bird gets the worm...AND discounted registration! Prices go up tomorrow for the ATX Paddle Dash benefiting Explore Austin, so register today at our 🎟️ #linkinbio 🏁 Race 🎉 Festival 🛶 Open Paddle Time courtesy of @rowingdock The 💨 Fastest Race in Texas💨 takes place Saturday, October 21: 💦 Competitive, Open & Kids Race Divisions 💦 Interactive activities, beverages and food 💦 Open paddle time on Lady Bird Lake 💯% of proceeds benefit Explore Austin's mission of empowering youth through outdoor adventure and mentorship. #atxpaddledash #paddledash #kayak #canoe #kayakrace #canoerace #exploreaustin #austinnonprofit #rowingdock #atxpaddledash2023 #youthempowerment #race #registertorace
    Our first ⭐Mentor Alumni Meetup⭐ last week at Our first ⭐Mentor Alumni Meetup⭐ last week at @betterhalfbar was a blast! Seeing familiar faces and updating our Mentor alums on the trail ahead for Explore Austin was so much fun -- never mind the delicious snacks and drinks, plus all the catch-up time! 🍹🥂 Missed the meetup but interested in joining our new Mentor Alumni & Friends group? DM us to get started! 📧 #exploreaustin #exploreaustinalums #austinnonprofit #nonprofitopportunity #youthempowerment #menorship #leadership #exploreaustinmentors #mentorshipatx #volunteerwithus
    What a great feeling it is to be back in the swing What a great feeling it is to be back in the swing of programming! Our first 🍂 fall Saturday Challenge over the weekend was a combined day with ALL TEAMS at Pease Park. Enjoy the photo dump! #exploreaustin #youthempowerment #leadership #mentorship #peaseparkaustin #outdooradventure #kidswhocamp #getoutside #getoutsideatx #austintexas #parksoftexas #saturdaychallenge #austinnonprofit
    ⚡MENTOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE⚡ Interested ⚡MENTOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE⚡ Interested in becoming a volunteer Mentor with Explore Austin in 2024? 📔 Applications are being accepted through October 8 at our #linkinbio Explore Austin recruits new volunteer Mentors from the community each year. Being a Mentor is a 3-6 year ongoing volunteer experience with a commitment of one Saturday a month during the academic year and one week in the summer. Mentors have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills such as mountain biking, hiking, canoeing and navigation along with their mentees (although no previous experience is required!) at beautiful locations throughout Austin. Each summer, they are also fully supported in going on a week-long out-of-state backcountry trip to some of the most breathtaking places in the US, from Utah to New Mexico to Arkansas and beyond. Being a Mentor with Explore Austin allows you to make a difference in the lives of Austin youth, join a close-knit network of other Mentors and travel to natural wonders in and out of state. JOIN US! 🥾🌲🧗‍♂️🛶🏜️ #volunteerwithexploreaustin #exploreaustin #austinmentors #austinmentorship #austinnonprofit #austinnonprofitopportunity #nonprofitopp #outdooradventure #outdoorleadership #austincamping #austinoutdoors #austinoutdooradventure #austintexas
    🏁 Race 🎉 Festival 🛶 Open Paddle Time. It' 🏁 Race 🎉 Festival 🛶 Open Paddle Time. It's the 2023 ATX Paddle Dash at @rowingdock, a kayak + canoe race benefiting Explore Austin! 🎟️ REGISTER at our #linkinbio! The 💨 Fastest Race in Texas💨 features Competitive, Open & Kids Divisions, plus a festival and open paddle time on Lady Bird Lake. 💯% of proceeds benefit Explore Austin's mission of empowering youth through outdoor adventure and mentorship. Register to race, or purchase General Admission to watch the races and get festival access and open paddle time! #kayakrace #canoerace #kayakaustin #canoeaustin #atxpaddledash #exploreaustin #austinnonprofit #supportexploreaustin #austintexas #austinwatersports #austinpaddlers #austinpaddles #kayaktexas #canoetexas #austinnonprofitbenefit #rowingdockatx #rowingdock
    Please join us in welcoming Wendy Papasan to the E Please join us in welcoming Wendy Papasan to the Explore Austin Board of Directors! A growth-focused visionary and co-founder of several companies in the real estate sector, including Papasan Properties Group, Wendy’s philanthropy and prior board service have focused primarily on women and children. ✈️ Wendy is an avid traveler and adventurer who caught the bug fresh out of college when she spent 18 months solo backpacking her way around the world. In joining the Explore Austin Board, she’s now looking forward to bringing together her love of adventure with her passion for empowering youth to reach their full potential 💪 Read more about Wendy at our #linkinbio! #exploreaustin #nonprofitboard #boardofdirectors #papasanpropertiesgroup #austinrealtors #boardmember #boardmemberspotlight
    🌲 {READ} 266 youth served. 95 active Mentors. 3 🌲 {READ} 266 youth served. 95 active Mentors. 36,000+ miles across 5 states on 18 Summer Wilderness Trips. Our 2022 Impact Report is here! 📔 We're proud of the mountains we've climbed and are looking forward to the trail ahead. Read the full report online, including stories from one of our Explorers and Explorer alumn/current Board member Rodolfo Galván @galvanitic at our #linkinbio. #annualreport #impactreport #exploreaustin #nonprofitannualreport #austinnonprofit #outdooradventure #youthempowerment #trailahead #mountainsclimbed #getoutside
    🔊 NEW STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT: We're thrilled that C 🔊 NEW STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT: We're thrilled that Christian Flores has joined the Explore Austin team as Operations Coordinator! Christian is a passionate advocate for outdoor adventure and community engagement. A graduate of Texas State University’s recreation administration program @txst_recmajors, Christian has a strong academic foundation that he put into practice for six years in the climbing-gym industry while taking on roles in operations management and retail buying. He now brings a blend of organizational knowledge and practical expertise to Explore Austin in his role as Operations Coordinator to manage the program’s warehouse and gear 🥾 🧗‍♂️ 🛶 🚵‍♂️ 🎒 In his free time, Christian loves playing disc golf 🥏 and passionately advocates for the sport. Read more about Christian @cmflores18 at our #linkinbio. #newstaff #exploreaustin #austinnonprofit #austinnonprofitprofessionals #nonprofitprofessionals #operationscoordinator #newstaffwelcome #outdooradventure #getoutside
    The Explore Austin offices are closed today in obs The Explore Austin offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day! We hope you and yours are enjoying the long weekend with friends and family -- and are perhaps getting into some epic adventures! 🚵‍♂️ If you traveled for the weekend, let us know where in the comments...🎒🥾 #exploreaustin #laborday #labordayweekend #getoutside #holiday #austintexas #labordayinaustin #texaslaborday #youthempowerment #outdooradventure #outdoorsforall #getoutside
    We had a fun afternoon at our ☀️End of Summer We had a fun afternoon at our ☀️End of Summer Celebration☀️ for our Mentors and Trip Leaders at @atxbouldering! We enjoyed drinks from @austinbeerworks, treats and — of course — climbing! 🧗‍♀️🧗‍♂️ Thank you to everyone who came out, and THANK YOU to ALL of our Mentors and Trip Leaders for making our Summer Wilderness Trips possible 🏕️ Now, excuse us while we take a moment to recognize we’re nearing September 1️⃣! Here comes the next school year of programming 😍 #exploreaustin #austinboulderingproject #climbing #climbinggym #thankyou #appreciation #gratitude #austinnonprofit
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    Monday, 11, Sep
    New Board Member Spotlight: Wendy Papasan
    Thursday, 6, Jul
    Trip Leader Tuesday: Liya Scott expects the unexpected
    Wednesday, 21, Jun
    2023 Summer Wilderness Trip Locations
    Friday, 26, May
    Trip Leader Tuesday: Henry Adamson is here for the Mission
    Monday, 15, May
    Trip Leader Tuesday: Mollie Binion knows resilience
    Wednesday, 15, Feb
    New Board Member Spotlight: Lenar A. Cantu

    Welcome back,