Venture Out
Combining passion for the great outdoors with their mission to provide a safe and fun space for queer, trans and LQBTQ+ people to experience the natural world, The Venture Out Project (TVOP) team is working to create an inclusive and welcoming community to foster leadership skills and confidence through outdoor activities. By hosting a variety of guided adventures for the queer and transgender community, they seek to reach individuals who range widely in their interests and skill levels. No matter where the trip may take them, from running rapids on the Colorado River to forest bathing in the Maine woods, the team works hard to foster a supportive environment for those who might not otherwise feel like they have a place in the outdoors.
Image courtesy of The Venture Out ProjectStarting as an organization in 2015, TVOP has led over 200 day and overnight trips and served over 1500 participants through guided outdoor adventures, workshops and community events. Their team, consisting of staff, instructors and volunteers, work each year to support their values and pillars of focus, including environmental stewardship, social justice, diversity and inclusion, challenge as a choice and community.
"I think TVOP is awesome. You take great care of folks, feed them well, allow them space and make them feel welcome. I thank you for testing me to my limits and helping me when I couldn't do it alone." - A.P
In addition to leading outdoor adventures and activities, TVOP offers Trans Inclusion educational workshops(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre). These services are a resource that help to enhance existing programming in schools, universities, camps and outdoor brands alike, with the goal of making these settings more inclusive and affirming of trans and non-binary individuals. Moreover, outdoor brands are utilizing these workshops to create more equitability within their internal work environments and merchandise.
Image via The Venture Out ProjectUpcoming Events
TVOP’s event schedule includes a variety of activities, including backpacking, canoeing, rafting, homesteading & skill-building workshops, LGBTQ+ family campouts, forest bathing, and more!. These adventures are led by trained instructors, and prioritize safety, inclusivity and a sense of community above all. Whether you are attending an event as a solo adventurer or with a group, there is something for everyone. All adventures are priced on a sliding scale, so you can find the best investment for you. You can learn more about what to expect on a TVOP adventure here(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)!
Image via The Venture Out Project
Queer Backpacking - New England
Tue, Jun 6, 2023 Sun, Jun 11, 2023
Queer Gym Program + Backpacking - New England (WAITLIST)
Sat, Jun 17, 2023 Tue, Jun 20, 2023
Queer Advanced Backpacking - PNW (WAITLIST)
Mon, Jun 19, 2023 Fri, Jun 23, 2023
LGBTQ+ Family Campout: New England (WAITLIST)
Fri, Jun 23, 2023 Sun, Jun 25, 2023
Queer Backpacking - New England
Sat, Jun 24, 2023 Tue, Jun 27, 2023
Queer Backpacking - New England
Sat, Jul 1, 2023 Tue, Jul 4, 2023
Queer-centered Ecology (Advanced Backpack/Kayak) - Rockies
Thu, Jul 6, 2023 Sat, Jul 15, 2023
Queer Backpacking - New England
Sat, Jul 8, 2023 Tue, Jul 11, 2023
Queer Herbalism and Papermaking Skillshare Weekend
Sat, Jul 15, 2023 Sun, Jul 16, 2023
Queer Plus Size Backpacking - New England
Sat, Jul 15, 2023 Tue, Jul 18, 2023
Queer Canoeing - New England (Waitlist)
Thu, Jul 20, 2023 Wed, Jul 26, 2023
Queer Youth (Grades 9-11) Adventure Campout: New England
Fri, Jul 28, 2023 Sun, Jul 30, 2023
Queer Backpacking - New England
Fri, Jul 28, 2023 Mon, Jul 31, 2023
Queer Youth (Grades 6-8) Adventure Campout: New England
Fri, Aug 4, 2023 Sun, Aug 6, 2023
Queer Advanced Backpacking - New England
Sat, Aug 5, 2023 Thu, Aug 10, 2023
ALUMNI Queer Canoeing - New England
Sat, Aug 12, 2023 Wed, Aug 16, 2023
Queer Plus Size Backpacking - PNW
Sat, Aug 19, 2023 Tue, Aug 22, 2023
Queer Sober Rafting - Cataract
Sat, Aug 19, 2023 Fri, Aug 25, 2023
Queer Advanced Backpacking - New England
Sat, Aug 26, 2023 Thu, Aug 31, 2023
Queer Advanced Backpack/Canoe - New England
Thu, Sep 7, 2023 Thu, Sep 14, 2023
LGBTQ+ Family Campout: New England (Waitlist)
Fri, Sep 8, 2023 Sun, Sep 10, 2023
Queer Forest Bathing Retreat with Toadstool Walks (WAITLIST)
Fri, Oct 6, 2023 Mon, Oct 9, 2023
Queer Green Woodworking and Forest Exploration
Fri, Oct 13, 2023 Sun, Oct 15, 2023
“The instructors were so kind, welcoming, knowledgeable, and really created an open space for everyone to feel at ease & connect with each other.” - Queer Backpacking Participant
Support and Follow Along Today
Interested in participating in an event(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)? Want to make a donation(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)? Curious to learn more about what it takes to become a volunteer(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) or an instructor(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)? The Venture Out Project website(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) has all the resources for you! You can also follow along on Instagram(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) and Facebook(S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) to stay up to date on upcoming events and more information!
Image via Leah Nash with The Venture Out ProjectHeader image via Leah Nash with The Venture Out Project