WORKSHOPS
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OUTDOOR FITNESS
JC Rienton | G | He/Him
JC is the National Program Director for LGBT Outdoors and leads our Ambassador Program. For JC, nothing in his life has ever been as fulfilling as living every moment of it in the great outdoors. As a place of adventure and personal healing, the outdoors has become a big part of his life. It’s taken him to beautiful places and given him the opportunity to get to know some of the best people there are on this planet. I hike, snowboard, run, snowshoe, climb… all things that have helped me appreciate the planet we live in and everything it has to offer. JC has had so many people help him through his journey and he desires to pay it forward!
Who needs a gym when you can take your fitness outside?! The outdoors is a great place to get fit and stay fit! Join me on an 80s-themed workout that will get your blood pumping while having fun at the same time! Learn different movements that will get you in shape for the trails and beyond! It’ll be a high energy session with music from all the different decades so be ready for whatever comes… on the speaker! Come dressed in the funniest workout outfit you have (not required) and let’s hit it!!!
BACKPACKING
Josh McNabb | G | He/Him
Wether you’re looking to get started with your first backpacking trip or you have miles of experience, all are welcome! Come look and learn some of the basics, gear suggestion, tips, tricks and stories along the way. Josh will go over his favorite gear and give out advise on where to get started to hit the trails.
KAYAKING
Robyn Tackett | L | She/Her
Robyn been ambassador for the Waco, Texas area going on 3 years now. She has led kayaking events and enjoy showing different activities to folks that have never experienced them before.
Few things can be more relaxing than getting out into the water in a kayak. You get to see the natural world from a new perspective. In this workshop, we'll cover the basics of kayaking - including water safety, local rules and regulations, and some technique to help make the most of your time exploring on the water. Then, weather-permitting, we'll grab our kayaks and hit the water for a short time on the lake. Kayaks and gear will be provided - but are very limited, so be sure to sign up quickly for your spot.
FISHING 101
Justin Yoder | G | He/Him
Justin founded LGBT Outdoors in 2019 out of his passion for the outdoors and desire to create and welcoming space in the outdoors for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Ever since Justin was a kid he was running barefoot through the creeks on his grandparents farm and would go camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and enjoyed our National Parks.
Justin has enjoyed fishing since he was a small boy and has caught a wide verity of fish species, but some of the more unusual are Hybrid Bluegill, Fathead Catfish and Paddlefish. In this workshop, Justin is going to teach you about different types of rods and reels, different line types and their benefits, types of lures, jigs and spinners, common types of fish we have here in Texas and in the US, and set ups to use to catch them. You will also gain hands-on experience learning to set up your rod as well as tying different hooks and lures.
NATURE
Carly Aulicky | L | SHE/HER
Dr. Carly Aulicky is a wildlife biologist by training, with 10 years of experience in natural resources and ecology. Carly spent much of this time researching birds, working in Scotland, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the prairies of Kansas and Texas. Her current role as North Texas Director of Outreach and Stewardship for the Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT) allows her to work for the conservation of native prairies, and to teach Texans about grassland ecosystems across the state.
In this workshop you will be provide an introduction to some of the tools to help folks start with plant and animal ID, talk about how to inexpensively become a nature nerd, and then see what we can turn up on a hike.
WILD EDIBLES
Brodie Meche | G | He/Him
With over 10 years of experience as a biologist, Brodie has spent his entire life learning about nature and the outdoors. Self-taught and certified through Boulder Outdoor Survival School, Foraging and primitive survival are some of his favorite hobbies.
This workshop will be a small trail hike to provide some basic knowledge on wild edible foraging and identification of common species found throughout North America and species found more locally to East Texas. Knowledge that may be useful if you’re in a pinch during your next outdoor adventure.
LANDSCAPE & ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY 101
Matt Bloomfield | G | He/Him
Matt has been shooting landscape/adventure photography ever since he moved to the southwest from Indiana 10 years ago. Matt has degree in Geology and his passion for outdoor adventure led him into the hobby. As he visited more places, he felt an increased desire to accurately capture the beauty of the landscapes he experienced. Matt now work as a hiking guide in the national parks and also makes time for his own adventures in between guide trips - always with a camera in tow to capture the landscape and the adventure along the way.
In this workshop, Matt will teach you the skills and technique to take better shots on your next adventure. We'll discuss proper camera settings, image framing, compelling story telling, and everything in between! Matt uses these techniques frequently for his work as a hiking guide and product photographer and as a means to document his own outdoor adventures throughout the southwest. Matt is confident you'll be taking better photos after this workshop!
ARCHERY 101 and 102
Jacob Boudereaux | G | He/Him
Jacob was one of our first Ambassadors and serves in Houston, Texas. Jacob is an outdoor opportunist, he enjoy walking in the woods to identify plants and trees, any kind of fishing but his favorite is bow fishing, archery hunting or tournaments, camping, photography, or meditation.
For Archery 101 you will be learning the fundamentals of archery. Becoming grounded, the difference between bows, how to string the bow, finding your anchor points for aim, proper stance and determining your desired bow resistance weight.
Archery 102 will be more intermediate. Jacob will do a brief refreshing on anchor points and posture then straight into more advanced target practice and trick shots.