Our overnight camping trips and weekend workshops are designed to give students a taste of adventure, leadership, and outdoor skills in a safe and supportive environment. Led by our staff, teachers, and volunteers, these experiences include environmental service projects, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and fishing in Texas State Parks, National Forests, and and green spaces near and around the greater Houston area.

These activities help students build confidence, self-reliance, and leadership skills while providing a preview of the challenges they will encounter during our summer programs.

Weekend Camping Trips

Duration: Overnight (Saturday–Sunday)
Location: Texas State Parks or Overnight Camping Areas (1-2 hours from Houston)

Our weekend camping trips take students to nearby state parks, where they experience a full weekend of outdoor adventure. Participants meet at our office Saturday morning and travel by school bus to the park. Trip activities include:

• Hiking, backpacking, biking, and kayaking
• Environmental and nature center tours
• Evening campfires and night hikes
• Service projects with the parks

Students set up camp, enjoy a day of outdoor exploration, and return Sunday afternoon. Our past camping locations include:

• Brazos Bend State Park
• Huntsville State Park
• Galveston Island State Park
• Stephen F. Austin State Park
• Lake Houston Wilderness Park
• Little Thicket Nature Sanctuary
• Sam Houston National Forest
• Big Thicket National Preserve
• …and more!

These trips provide a fun and immersive way to develop independence, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Weekend Workshops

Duration: Morning–Afternoon (One-Day)
Location: Various Houston locations (no transportation provided)

Our weekend workshops are one-day events held within the Houston area. Students are given a specific arrival time and are guided through a variety of hands-on activities. Workshop options include:

• Backpacking along Memorial Park trails
• Biking the Brays Bayou
• Guided tours of local natural landmarks such as the Waugh Bat Bridge, Armand Bayou Nature Center, and Sheldon Lake State Park
• Art in the Park and other creative outdoor experiences at The Menil
• Service Projects at Memorial Park Conservancy

These workshops are a perfect introduction to outdoor adventure while building teamwork and leadership skills.