Support programs that get people outdoors

Gear Up & Give to Venture Outdoors - Now through Dec 31

Donate $35 or more and we'll send you a dry bag as a "thanks for supporting us"!

Donate $50+ and we'll stuff that dry bag with gear and gifts.

Do you remember your first outdoor experience?

Maybe you were gardening with your grandma, or learned to fish with your dad. These first outdoor experiences are imperative to creating a lasting relationship with nature and the joy it can bring, especially for people like Eli Shumaker.

For Eli, kayaking started as a way to have fun, and quickly became a way to address stress. Now, Eli is a volunteer trip leader and hosts Pride Paddles to share his love of kayaking with LGBTQIA family. “I always thought that kayaking would be fun, but I don’t think I ever really had the opportunity before there was a place like Kayak Pittsburgh around. After I went out for the first time I was like, ‘holy crap I love this!’”- Eli Shumaker

Not everyone has access to the equipment, knowledge, or guidance to try new outdoor experiences. Your gift can change this.

“Kayaking makes me more relaxed, more calm, and better able to deal with things. During the pandemic, I was going three or four times a week. It was kind of a life saver.” - Eli Shumaker. Just like Eli, many people have flocked to the outdoors to find safe ways to decompress. They find a place to smile, explore, play, and connect. Everyone should have access to this healing.

When you give you’re opening the door for people who experience barriers to getting outside. Your gift will provide knowledge, equipment, and guidance to connect people to the joy of nature.

Giving now means you can provide first experiences that will generate a lifetime of love for the outdoors.

Meet Eli