About
Explore Austin is a six-year-long, year-round program for 6th-12th graders. Its activities include backpacking, paddling, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, navigation, wilderness medicine, hiking, and canoeing, along with Saturday Challenges and annual week-long Summer Wilderness Trips.
Programs
- Explore Austin — 6th-12th graders · Year round; six-year-long program · Leadership-based outdoor adventure curriculum with social-emotional learning and long-term mentoring. 100% free.
- Saturday Challenges — Explorers in 6th-12th grade · Saturday Challenges · Local natural-area outdoor adventures including backpacking, paddling, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, navigation and wilderness medicine.
- Summer Wilderness Trips — Explorers in 6th-12th grade · Annual, week-long excursions · Week-long backcountry trips where Explorers apply skills developed during the year.
At a glance
- Ages: 11–18 years old
- General schedule: Year-round immersive nature-based programming; Saturday Challenges and Summer Wilderness Trips.
About the provider
Explore Austin was founded in 2006. It is a 100% free program serving youth from economically disadvantaged communities and is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. The program lists a mission to empower youth through mentoring, leadership, and outdoor adventure. It is philanthropically funded with support from community members, donors, corporate sponsors, and volunteers.
- Become a Mentor — Adults · Volunteer adults commit to six years of service.
Explorers begin in sixth grade and mentors stay through high school graduation and beyond. The program states that each child is on a team of 15 Explorers and 5 Mentors. It is 100% free for Explorers and Mentors.
What families say
“Explore Austin changed my life from being a failing student in middle school to participating in the United States Military Academy Summer Leadership Seminar program, and becoming a graduating senior that has been accepted to the number-one aerospace engineering university in the country.” — Nicholas Explorer Alumnus
“I’d never be outside except for [my] front yard. Explore Austin introduced me to the beauty of nature.” — Dayana Explorer Alumna
“Thanks so much, this program has really meant a lot to Julian and to myself. I grew up camping and canoeing and basically spending my summers outdoors. Unfortunately, life being life, I was unable to do these things with Julian. It makes me so happy he has a chance to explore the outdoors and have such great mentors to guide him along the way. Thanks again!” — Janette Explorer Parent
Last updated October 25, 2026.
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