Upcoming events.
Full Moon Hike
$10
Take advantage of the short, winter days by joining the OIC on a Full Moon Night Hike in Riverview Park! We will meet at the visitor’s center at 6:30pm, just as the full moon rises to help illuminate our way through the forest. Time will be taken to discuss local flora and fauna, moon phases and constellations, as well as any other exciting things we stumble upon. We will conclude the hike at the visitor's center by 8:00pm.
To register, click here.
There are 2 scholarship spots available. Please apply by Tuesday, January 7th.
Questions? Contact jeremy@theoic.org
Mindfulness Nature Experience
$10
Join the OIC for a Mindfulness Nature Experience at Frick Park on January 18th from 10:00-11:30 am. This experience will be OIC’s own adaptation on forest bathing. Forest bathing, known as shinrin-yoku began in Japan. It is a form of nature therapy that allows people to be outside in nature and connect with their senses. This session will give people a chance to be outside in nature and connecting to their surroundings. Anyone who would like to disconnect from our normal fast-paced lives and truly slow down, this is for you! We will be moving a little, but by no means is this a streneous hike. The session will start with light movement/meditation to set the tone and from there we will begin to connect to our surroundings. We will offer a booklet for you to use as a guide. At the end, there will be a guided group discussion. We advise participants to dress appropriately for the weather and bring any water or snacks you may like to have with you. There will be a limit of 8 paying spots.
To register, click here.
There are two scholarship spots available. Please apply here by January 9.
*please note date subject to change based upon weather conditions
MLK Day Event
Join OIC for a free ski lesson at Boyce Park in Plum, PA in celebration of MLK Day! OIC will be offering free 1 hour ski lessons in 2 blocks for the BIPOC community, ages 10+. The first block will begin at 3:30pm and the second block will begin at 5:30pm. No experience is required.
This lesson will be led by a former ski instructor who has experience working with people of all ages and abilities.
All gear including ski rentals, boots, jackets, gloves, and snow pants are included. Please provide your sizing upon registration if gear is needed. All participants must register prior to the event. Please arrive promptly at your selected time to get fitted for gear and we look forward to seeing you!
Questions? Contact faith@theoic.org
Mindfulness Session
$10
Join the OIC for a Mindfulness Session. This space is meant for people to come together, recharge for the new year, set intentions, and find a moment of introspection and meditation. The session will start with a guided meditation and then will be followed by a discussion around breathing techniques and mindfulness tips that can be used in our everyday lives. After this, participants will have time to reflect on their intentions for the upcoming year individually as well as in a group setting. If you would like to do this session virtually, that is also an option.
This event is taking place at Field Day. They will have cups and kettle water if you want to bring tea or coffee.
To register, click here.
There are 2 scholarships available. Apply here by Thursday January 16th.
Questions? Contact elisa@theoic.org
Wood Carving Class
Join the OIC for a morning of woodcarving at the Frick Enviornmental Center! Perfect for new and experienced carvers alike, each participant will receive instruction on proper use and handling of knives, safety precautions, and carving techniques. Additionally, each participant will get a carving knife, a pair of cut resistant gloves, sandpaper, and several pieces of wood for the event.
One scholarship opportunity is available. Please apply by Sunday, November 15th.
Virtual Yoga Class
Join us for a one-hour virtual yoga class taught by Elisa Varlotta (OIC staff and certified yoga teacher). In this flow class, you can expect to find a slow warm up into a breath per movement flow with balance postures added in, as well as meditative moments. All levels are welcome, so come join us on your mat from wherever you are!
Winter Camping Seminar
$10
As winter approaches, the OIC will be hosting a virtual information session to cover all things winter camping! We will discuss layering, sleep systems, and other gear considerations to ensure that you are comfortable and prepared to tackle winter camping. Upon completion of the session, participants will receive suggested packing lists, tips, and recommendations on great local areas to go camping this winter!
Sign up here.
Virtual Yoga Class
Join us for a one-hour virtual yoga class taught by Elisa Varlotta (OIC staff and certified yoga teacher). In this flow class, you can expect to find a slow warm up into a breath per movement flow with balance postures added in, as well as meditative moments. All levels are welcome, so come join us on your mat from wherever you are!
Backpacking on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
$150
Come along with the OIC as we head out to Ohiopyle, PA to embark on a two-day, one-night backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. After meeting in Pittsburgh at 9:00am, we will assess everyone’s gear, load up in the van, and head out, planning to hit the trail just after lunchtime. The 6.5-mile hike to our campsite is strenuous, but rewarding, with a few scenic overlooks along the way. After a yummy dinner, good night’s sleep, and a morning return hike to the van, we should be back in Pittsburgh by 2:00pm the following day.
Sign up here!
This trip is geared toward beginner and first-time backpackers, though all are welcome! We will be taking time throughout the trip to learn about proper backpacking techniques, water purification, backcountry cooking and more.
Included in the cost of this event is transportation to and from Ohiopyle as well as dinner and breakfast while we’re out in the woods. Those who need to do so can add-on gear at additional cost via questions following registration. Every participant must bring or rent the following:
Backpacking backpack (at least 50 liters) ($5)
Sleeping bag rated appropriately for the time of year (likely a 20- or 15-degree sleeping bag will do) ($10 rental)
Sleeping pad ($5 rental)
Headlamp ($2)
Tent ($10)
Additional packing lists and details will be sent out closer to the trip date.
There will be one scholarship opportunity available for this event. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please do so here. You will be notified by October 22nd.
Breakneck Day Climbing Trip
$1oo
On Sunday October 26th from 9:30 am-4:30 pm, we will be offering a guided rock-climbing trip to Breakneck Rocks. OIC will provide transportation in our van for all participants to the area from Pittsburgh,PA. Spaces are limited.
Sign up here!
If you'd like to apply for a scholarship spot, sign up here.
The scholarship deadline is October 16th and you will hear back October 17th. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Elisa Varlotta, the Climbing Coordinator at OIC at elisa@theoic.org.
If you need any personal gear, you are able to rent with us for an additional cost.
How to Build Sport Climbing Anchors
$18
Join OIC guides Elisa Carlotta and Zoe Neal for a two hour course on how to build sport climbing anchors. This course will go over the fundamentals of building anchors. After the education portion, there will be time for participants to practice building their anchors!
Sign up here!
There are two scholarship spots available. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship spot, please do so here.
Yoga, Coffee and Art
$26
Join us for a morning in nature filled with yoga, coffee and pastries, and art on Saturday September 28th from 11:00am-1:30 pm at Locust Pavilion, Riverview Park. We will begin with a one-hour yoga class. We will not be able to offer yoga mats so don't forget to bring your own or a towel. This session will be followed by coffee, pastries, and art exploration (materials such as watercolor paper, watercolors, and brushes, will be provided). Spaces are limited. Sign up here!
If you'd like to apply for a scholarship spot here, please do so here.
The scholarship deadline is September 20th and you will hear back September 21st. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Elisa Varlotta, the Climbing Coordinator at OIC at elisa@theoic.org.
Introduction to Backpacking
$20
Join the OIC for an informational session with an experienced backpacker. This will be a 1.5 hour session covering the basics of backpacking, hygiene, LNT principles, food and meals in the backcountry, gear/packing strategies, and tips/suggestions for local places to go backpacking.
All participants will leave with a copy of packing lists and best spots close to Pittsburgh for backpacking.
Sign up here!
Learn to Belay Outdoors!
$23
Join OIC guides Elisa Varlotta and Zoe Neal for an introduction to belaying outdoors. This is a course designed for people who would like to learn to belay or those who are new at belaying and would like to improve their skills. Our guides will instruct participants on how to belay outdoors at Frank Curto Park.
Sign up here!
Two scholarship spots are available. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship spot here, please do so here.
Introduction to Wood Carving
$50
Join the OIC for an introductory course in wood carving at the Frick Park Environmental Center! Tailored toward adolescents ages 8+, this event will be led by a skilled wood carver who has multiple years of experience teaching adolescents about knives and woodcarving. Throughout the afternoon, participants will receive instruction on proper use and handling of knives, safety precautions, and carving techniques. Each participant will receive a carving knife, a pair of cut resistant gloves, and many pieces of wood for the afternoon. By the end of the day, all participants will leave with a handmade wand and spatula. Parents/guardians are welcome to stick around during the event and can purchase an additional ticket for themselves if they’d like to join in on the carving fun!
Sign up here!
There will be one scholarship opportunity available. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship spot here, please do so here.
You will be notified by September 16th.
Outdoor Leadership Training
The OIC provides Outdoor Leadership Training to educators of after school care providers and youth-serving organizations covering the necessary skills and safety information to provide a quality camping experience. Education topics include Leave No Trace principles, trip planning, site management, gear setup and teardown, day and nighttime youth activities that are site-specific, and safety protocol.
Introductory Wood Carving Course
Join the OIC for an introductory course in wood carving at the Frick Park Environmental Center! Tailored toward adolescents ages 8-15, this event will be led by a skilled wood carver who has multiple years of experience teaching adolescents about knives and woodcarving. Throughout the afternoon, participants will receive instruction on proper use and handling of knives, safety precautions, and carving techniques. Each participant will receive a carving knife, a pair of cut resistant gloves, and many pieces of wood for the afternoon. By the end of the day, all participants will leave with a handmade wand and spatula. Parents/guardians are welcome to stick around during the event and can purchase an additional ticket for themselves if they’d like to join in on the carving fun!
BIPOC Affinity Climbing Session August
The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, OIC, wants to foster a space and opportunities for BIPOC individuals to come together, connect, and climb. We host monthly sessions at the different climbing gyms in Pittsburgh and we hope that you will join us one of these days.
Breakneck Day Climbing Trip
Join us for a fun day of rock climbing at Breakneck on July 27th from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Climbing gear and transportation will be provided. Pick Up will be at Westinghouse Park (7051 Thomas Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15208) and drop will be at this location. OIC will be providing ropes and gear to set up anchors, as well as transportation. If anyone needs shoes, a harness, or a helmet, please let us know and you are more than welcome to rent one with us. This will be an added charge to the price. Food will not be provided so be sure to pack lunches, water, and snacks.
There will be a maximum of 8 spots available with 2 spots dedicated to scholarship recipients. You can apply for a scholarship here.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Elisa Varlotta, OIC's Climbing Coordinator at elisa@theoic.org.
Weather Cancellation Policy: In the case of rain, the trip will be pushed to the following Sunday with 48 hour notice. For those that cannot attend Sunday, a trip credit will be offered. In the case of inclement weather on both days, refund will be provided for all participants and the trip will be cancelled 48 hours prior.
BIPOC Affinity Climbing Session July
The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, OIC, wants to foster a space and opportunities for BIPOC individuals to come together, connect, and climb. We host monthly sessions at the different climbing gyms in Pittsburgh and we hope that you will join us one of these days.
BIPOC Affinity Climbing Session
The Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, OIC, wants to foster a space and opportunities for BIPOC individuals to come together, connect, and climb. We host monthly sessions at the different climbing gyms in Pittsburgh and we hope that you will join us one of these days.
Outdoor Leadership Training Recertification
Single Day Recertification Training for those who have already completed OIC's Outdoor Leadership Overnight Training
Ohiopyle Day trip
Join us for a day of family fun hiking, sightseeing, and climbing in Ohiopyle!
Gym to Crag bipoc clinic x ascend
OIC and ASCEND are excited to co-host Pittsburgh’s first ever Intro to Outdoor Climbing clinic for the BIPOC community at Frank Curto Park. The clinic will be run by one of ASCEND’s certified guides assisted by OIC staff. Cost will include lunch for all participants, transportation for those in need, and any gear participants do not currently possess. This gym to crag course is intended for those who have climbed in the gym and are excited to begin their outdoor climbing journey. This clinic will provide various outdoor top rope climbing skills and information at Frank Curto Park which is one of Pittsburgh’s local top roping and lead crags.