Paddle FREE
VO North: Learn to lead for free!
This year’s outdoor Leadership Weekend has been scheduled for September, and 10 residents of Butler, Beaver, and Lawrence counties can take the course for free, thanks to a grant from the Richard King Mellon foundation. Normal admission to the program is $53. 95% of our public... [Read more...]
Summer Camp
Paddle FREE for one final week!
Lake Elizabeth will close for the season on Labor Day—Monday, September 6. For you, this means one last week of free kayaking Monday-Friday, $5 kayaking Labor Day weekend, and free kayaking on Labor Day! For us, this means we’ve served over 800 more people at this location,... [Read more...]
Kayaks on the Cover
Summer Dreamers students leading the way
This summer, the Pittsburgh Public Schools launched the Summer Dreamers Academy: a free, 5-week summer camp created just for students in grades 5-7. Morning activities were focused on literacy with awesome themes like “McDonald’s, Mars and Flying Cars: Spectacular Science,”... [Read more...]
Recent Trip Photos
Relay succeeds by the skin of their teeth!
Each year we set out to do something silly and challenging…ride from Washington DC to Pittsburgh in less than 24 hours. In 2008, we accomplished the mission with 150 riders and a big blowout for Pittsburgh’s 250th birthday. Last year we made it our goal to raise funds to finish the bike trail into Pittsburgh and rode in with minutes to spare. This year we were at it again, ready to pedal through any weather and dodge mammals big and small.
Inside the Organization
Welcome, Ashley Rieser!
The VO staff is excited to announce the newest member of our office family: Ashley Rieser. Ashley has accepted the position as our Customer Support Administrator. Ashley was born in Pittsburgh before spending a few years away at the University of Colorado in Boulder studying English. Since returning, she’s developed skills that knocked us off our feet—including a purple belt in Kung Fu. Watch out for her roundhouse kick!
Family and Community Programs
Meeting a lobster like creature!
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon as a group of hikers ventured into Frick Park for the Venture Outdoors Creek Adventure Hike along Falls Ravine Creek. Our thorough guide, Frick Park environmentalist Mike, introduced the hikers to many different creatures living in the mist.
Outdoor Happenings
African Arts in Allegheny Commons
Allegheny Commons is the place to be next weekend! The 6th Annual African Arts in the Park Festival is Saturday and Sunday, August 14 and 15 at Allegheny Commons. This year the festival is celebrating Many Cultures, One Community, by bringing together a variety of African artists and organizations for two days of celebration.
Featured Video
