After receiving a Heinz Mini-Grant in the amount of $7,500 from The Forbes Fund, Venture Outdoors will now be able to extend its services to more of the area's youth by creating modules for younger age groups within the outdoor leadership program.

The grant was allotted to Venture Outdoors as part of the Youth Philanthropy Project of The Forbes Fun and Heinz Endowment.

Venture Outdoors offers Outdoor Leadership Training several times a year. The next Outdoor Leadership Training Weekend, Oct. 5-7, instructs prospective and past Venture Outdoors leaders on group dynamics, trip planning, risk management, accident scene management and teaching skills, etc. With The Forbes Fund grant, Venture Outdoors was able to expand the training to create individual modules for youth with a focus on high school students and recent graduates. Each youth leader, after about 12 hours of development, will be fully trained in a course that fits their community's needs and interests. They will graduate with the knowledge and ability to lead groups outdoors, continuing the effort to raise awareness of the value in the area's resources. The final step is to gain experience by assisting experienced outdoor leaders.

YOAP, Youth Outdoor Adventure Program, serves over 1,000 children per year with a focus on underprivileged youth who may not otherwise receive the benefits of the experience. Venture Outdoors adopted the youth program in 2004 as a way to expose inner city youth to the workings of their environment. Youth are provided a safe and stimulating outdoor setting within the greater Pittsburgh area where they will have the opportunity to participate in educational and recreational activities. Young adults will learn they can be the agents of change for their environmental conditions.

Venture Outdoors, a nonprofit organization, seeks to transform the Pittsburgh region into a place where
the outdoors is an integral part of our culture, our identity and our lifestyle. Venture Outdoors does this by
increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity. This in turn creates a sense of community among
participants, an increased awareness of the region's excellent quality of life, and a better understanding of
and a deeper appreciation for the environment and wilderness among the residents of and visitors to
western Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit www.ventureoutoors.org or call 412.255.0564.