First Climb Fears

“So, who wants to go first?”

It was time for our first rappel on a recent beginner rock climbing trip and Alex, our Exkursion Outfitters climbing guide, glanced around the group.  Eleven participants greeted him with blank stares and nervous laughter –no one was quite ready to take the plunge.

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Group Climbing This Weekend!

This Sunday, August 16 is your next chance to bring your group to Allegheny Commons for an afternoon of outdoor recreation close to home. Reserve a block of time to climb the Climb Pittsburgh Climbing Wall and kayak on Lake Elizabeth for just $3.00 per person. Don’t worry if you don’t have a group- you can still come enjoy the climbing wall and kayaking. Walk up pricing is available: $5 to kayak, $1 to climb the wall.

Groups must be 6 or larger to receive the discount. The climbing wall will be set up until 4:00 PM and kayaking in is available until dusk; both activities begin at 11:00 AM. Allegheny Commons is located on Pittsburgh’s Northside across from the National Aviary.

Reserve a spot by for your group by emailing: lcooney@ventureoutdoors.org.

Get Climbing, Pittsburgh

Outdoor organization makes it easy and affordable to try rock climbing this summer

(Pittsburgh, PA – July 8, 2009) – Over 5,000 Pittsburghers are already taking advantage of the many outdoor activities provided by Venture Outdoors. Starting this summer, Climb Pittsburgh, a project of Venture Outdoors, has set up a temporary home for their rock climbing wall on Pittsburgh’s North Side, allowing groups and individuals many opportunities to try this exciting sport.

Rock wall climbing is quickly becoming a challenging addition to many fitness programs and can provide organizations with team building exercises. And they encourage would-be climbers to try a high energy sport in a safe, controlled environment.
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Venture Outdoors in Allegheny Commons all summer long!

Local nonprofit kicks off new programs and summer events in the North Side

(Pittsburgh, PA) – Kayak Pittsburgh has become a must-do for the Pittsburgh community’s summer recreation list, and now the excitement is growing with one more location at Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons. Open seven days a week, this unique, beginner-friendly destination is the perfect place to put a paddle in the water for the first time…or make it a regular part of your family’s summer routine. Offering scenic views of the downtown skyline from elegantly designed shallow lake, it’s ideal for families and beginners, either after work or on weekends.

“This year we are putting special emphasis on growing the diversity of the outdoors community to include even more people from urban neighborhoods through our new Kayak Pittsburgh location in Allegheny Commons and our Family and Community Programs initiative,” said Sean Brady, Assistant Executive Director of Venture Outdoors and North Side resident.
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Deep Discounts on Group Climbing

Instead of paying to bring a climbing wall to your next party – bring your party to the climbing wall! On select days this summer the Climb Pittsburgh climbing walls will be set up inside the Allegheny Commons on Pittsburgh’s Northside. Groups larger then 6, adults included, can reserve a block of time to climb on the climbing wall and to kayak on Lake Elizabeth.

Group Party Dates:

• Sunday, June 21
• Saturday, July 18
• Sunday, August 16
• Saturday, September 19

For more information on pricing and to reservations visit www.climbpittsburgh.org

These days are made possible by the Charm Bracelet Project Fund through a grant from the Grable Foundation.

Introducing Family & Community Programs!

Beginning in May, Venture Outdoors and our Partners want to take you and your kids on fun, affordable outdoor adventures. We’ve launched an entire schedule of programs with the beginner in mind and have plenty of treats built-in! The fun kicks off at the free Venture Outdoors Festival, May 16 at Point State Park!

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Great Outdoors Week Brings Venture Outdoors Festival

New Family and Community Programs initiative kicks-off

(Pittsburgh, PA – May 1, 2009) The Ninth Annual Venture Outdoors Festival, the region’s premier outdoor recreation event, will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009, rain or shine at Pittsburgh’s Point State Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year, the Venture Outdoors Festival will kick off the organization’s new Family and Community Programs initiative.

“The Venture Outdoors Festival itself brings together the numerous outdoor recreation groups of the region,” said Sean Brady, Assistant Executive Director of Venture Outdoors. “This year we are putting special emphasis on growing the diversity of the outdoors community to include even more people from urban neighborhoods through our Family and Community Programs initiative.”

The Venture Outdoors Festival, sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, is a free event where individuals and families can sample the many outdoor activities available in our region. The event features kayaking, biking, dragon boating, rock climbing, fishing and more. Participants can hone their skills or try these activities for the first time — with experienced instructors to provide guidance — and learn where to enjoy these activities all season long.
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Climbing a Hit at Sportsman's Show

The annual Sportsman’s Show was Wednesday, February 18 through Sunday, February 22 at the David Lawrence Convention Center. Venture Outdoors was there with our portable climbing walls. The walls were a huge attraction for the younger crowd and over 800 kids strapped on a harness and helmet and attempted to climb the 24 foot wall.

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AutumnFest this Sunday October 12

Looking for a way to fill your BYE WEEK afternoon this Sunday?
Join us for the first-ever Members’ Day AutumnFest at the newly-renovated Chapel Shelter in Riverview Park. Our friends at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts will be there with another great art activity all day long, and our friends from REI will be there to get the autumnal spirit going with marshmallow-toasting over a small campfire and a prize give-away.
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