Upcoming events.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.