By: Sara Cardamone

In July of 2016, Sophie was looking to try something new. She had already planned to get away from the world for a while and decided to head to her grandparent’s house in upstate New York. Surrounded only by the sights and sounds of nature, it was the perfect place for her to relax and truly spend time with herself. As the end of the school year approached, her grandpa sent a message to her and her sister mentioning a club that he had heard a bit about called the Forty Sixers Club. The club was centered in the Adirondacks and the only way to get in is to reach all 46 high peaks in the mountain range. 

 » Read more about: The Forty Sixers Club  »

By: Stephanie Capilongo 

“We’re not selling an object, but rather an experience.”

Once a fashion major, I relied on material things to give me comfort. I have long forgotten that outlook and believe the experiences I have had in the outdoors is what has given me confidence to encourage others to do the same.

Throughout the last two years of working at Kayak Pittsburgh I realized how the things you’re passionate about can also be your job. Maybe it’s the constant dose of Vitamin D or the eager customers. Regardless, there is never a dull moment.

 » Read more about: The Beautiful Truth behind Kayak Pittsburgh  »

By: Patrick Panasko  

“Raise them on the water with a fishing pole, not in the house playing video games” 
-Bill Dance. 

When you see the North Shore of Pittsburgh you see sports stadiums where big catches are made by professional athletes. The sport of fishing can offer a more valuable catch to kids and adults alike. Over the past 16 years Venture Outdoors has hosted TriAnglers Lunch Time fishing. 

Many inner city youth and adults do not get the chance to go fishing and enjoy the pleasures of it. 

 » Read more about: To Fish or Not To Fish  »

By: Beth Zabiegalski   

As an organization, Venture Outdoors does some really awesome and exciting things with local youth in after-school and summer programs, getting them outside for the first time or teaching them something new to do in nature. Most of our outings are a couple hours or less, but when we build meaningful relationships with our students, we create formative outdoor experiences with memories that last more than just that afternoon. 

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a two-day Restorative Practices Training through Venture Outdoors’ partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools. I’ll admit I had next to no idea what to expect,

 » Read more about: Restorative Practices in an Outdoor Setting  »

A Day a Phipps 
By: Sara Cardamone 

Now that Spring is finally here, so is the rain! In Pittsburgh, sometimes it can be hard to find ways to be in nature when it is rainy and muddy. However, there are tons of fun alternatives if you look hard enough! Since I’m a student at Pitt, I pass Phipps Conservatory all the time but I always felt like I never had enough time to stop in. Fast forward to now, the first big rainy day of Spring was upon us and I was struggling to find a calming activity to take my mind off of school and then it hit me.

 » Read more about: Spring Inside  »