Letter from the CEO
Dear Friends,
As Explore Austin supporters, you understand the value of immersive time in nature. It’s essential for our physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. Interaction with nature and social groups positively impacts youth’s cognition, sense of self, and overall psychological well-being. Studies find that outdoor education is particularly effective at helping low-income students perform better in school and problem solve. Furthermore, youth who have mentors are far more likely to stay in school, enroll in college, become leaders and generally pursue higher goals than those who do not.
championed or empowered a child in one way or another, family member, educator, or volunteer. The need has never been the U.S. surgeon general warned of a “devastating” mental adolescents.
Mentors are uniquely positioned to help young people process traumatic experiences by providing a safe space for them to express their emotions, ask for help and channel feelings of uncertainty into positive, constructive action. A 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General lists mentoring as a recommended strategy for supporting youth who are experiencing social disconnection and associated challenges.
Explore Austin has been there for our youth. We were there pandemic, when students were grieving the loss of school, sports and activities, and their friends. Because the communities in which disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, many also became the death of family members, and faced economic uncertainty.
We are thrilled to report that in the last two years, the Explore Austin program has experienced the highest retention rates ever, with both Mentors and Explorers averaging 82% from program year one to program year six. This denotes deep connection and belonging, and incredible commitment. In 2023, our focus was on continued stabilization efforts post-pandemic, and we rebuilt Explorer participation to 260 youth. We also began an internationally recognized accreditation process with the Association for Experiential Education (concluding in 2025) to show Explore Austin meets AEE's standards for excellence in program design, implementation and evaluation, and to allow us access to resources for continued improvement and development of our program.
essential for our physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. caring adult Mentors and adventurous time outside facilitates well as courage and perseverance. Explore Austin provided hours outside with their Mentors in 2021 and 169 opportunities for families to spend quality time outside.
In 2023, we also formulated our 10-year vision of offering outdoor education programming to every youth in Austin’s disadvantaged communities, knowing it will be imperative to build an Explore Austin headquarters to serve as a “basecamp” for expanding our reach. In May 2024, we purchased land as the first step on the path of bringing this vision to fruition. Our new headquarters, which will combine our warehouse and administrative offices, will be located less than a half mile from Walter E. Long Park, Austin’s largest and most underutilized green space.
Explorer, Anthony overcame many challenges, including a chronically ill mother, and responsibility for his siblings. male role model consistently in [his] life until EA.” Last accepted a scholarship to play college basketball, a dream realized! knew he would need continued support, so they checked in with graduated from the Explore Austin program, and they helped scholarship and financial aid applications.
2024 also saw us welcome our largest incoming class ever – 55 new Explorers and 20 new Mentors – which included a pilot team of sophomore girls. We're operating with a waitlist and are buoyed by the fact that so many families and schools understand the importance of spending time outside while trying and doing hard things.
Over the last two years, our roster of Summer Wilderness Trips continued to grow. For the first time in Explore Austin’s history, we headed east in 2024 to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park where our senior teams did Capstone trips for rock climbing, canoeing and whitewater rafting. Between 2023 and 2024, our Explorers and Mentors went on Summer Wilderness Trips in six states: Arkansas, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.
academically her sophomore year, at the height of the confided in her Mentor while they kayaked during a Saturday they made a plan to help her get back on track with her headed to college this fall. She received a full scholarship to the to study Mechanical Engineering.
We've also seen higher levels of trauma in our youth in the last two summers than in years past. This is in line with national and local trends, with higher rates of suicidal ideation and mental health concerns. Your generousity enables us to support youth in these challenging times.
One-hundred percent of our youth qualify for public assistance when they enter the program, giving them access to opportunities and resources they would not likely have otherwise. When you’ve climbed a mountain from 7,000 to 10,000 feet; slept at the side of an alpine lake and seen snow for the first time; and felt the authentic care of adults who are there just because they want to be; you are forever changed.
investment in Explore Austin’s mission! Because of your continue being a trusted, consistent, and safe presence in the lives and Elyse.
Thank you for your investment in Explore Austin’s mission! It is only through your continued support that we can empower nearly 300 youth annually as they explore nature, grow in leadership skills, and connect with supportive adults. As we reflect on the last two years and look to the future, our vision of Outdoors for All will continue to guide us forward.
With gratitude,
Kathleen Schneeman, CEO Onward and upward!
Kathleen Lyons Schneeman, CEO
PAST AND FUTURE
Mountains Climbed in 2023-2024
• Increased Explorer and Mentor program attendance to pre-pandemic numbers
• Formulated our 10-year vision of offering outdoor education programming to every youth in Austin’s disadvantaged communities
• Received Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant
• Welcomed our largest incoming class of Explorers ever, including piloting a new team of sophomore girls
• Headed east for our first-ever Summer Wilderness Trips in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
• Purchased land on which to build an Explore Austin headquarters
• Launched a “Friends of Explore Austin” group for alumni and other young professionals to stay and get involved with our mission
THE TRAIL AHEAD
• Continue exploration of expanding our Summer Wilderness Trip offerings
• Complete our accreditation process through the Association for Experiential Education to deepen the program’s quality and rigor
• Continue developing partnerships with community organizations, city programs and school districts to increase our reach
• Expand training offerings for Mentors
• Build our Explore Austin headquarters on our newly purchased land, which will combine our warehouse and administrative offices
2023 ADVENTURE BY THE NUMBERS
YOUR IMPACT A Legacy of Firsts Continues
Guillermo Flores is the first participant to complete the Explore Austin program both as an Explorer and a Mentor. He recounts what drew him to apply to the program and why, 10 years after joining, he returned as a Mentor.
In 2007, Guillermo Flores was a freshman at KIPP Austin Collegiate. He’d heard about an outdoor-adventure program that had just been established the year before, intended for youth who wouldn’t otherwise have access to activities in nature such as camping, backpacking and mountaineering. When he applied to the Explore Austin program, his only camping experience had been while visiting his grandparents in Mexico to help them manage the cattle on their ranch.
After hearing about Explore Austin through classmates, he joined the second-ever class of Explorers to expand his outdoor skillset.
Raised in Austin, Guillermo’s curiosity about life beyond Central Texas was first piqued as a result of his father, who owned a trucking company.
“I had been out of state before joining Explore Austin, but mostly at warehouse districts and truck stops, not enjoying the outdoors. Sometimes I’d see mountains or other landscapes in the distance, and I wanted to explore them.”
With Explore Austin, Guillermo’s dream of climbing mountains became a reality. He recounts a particular alpine hike during a Summer Wilderness trip in Colorado that required them waking up at one o’clock in the morning to experience sunrise at the peak.
“The wind was howling, it's miserable, cold. But then the sun peeked over the horizon, the sky was changing, and the light hit us and heated us up. Being at the top of that mountain, with my friends – tired, smelly, and beyond recognizable for all the ways we’d grown on that summer trip – we sat there in silence, taking in the view.”
When joining the Explore Austin program, Guillermo had looked forward to having adventures like this one; but what he didn’t know is that his metaphorical worldview would be equally opened up by his Mentors, with whom he still maintains strong bonds, nearly 18 years later.
Guillermo learned that his Mentors lived lives he’d not yet been exposed to. They had different kinds of jobs from the adults in his community, including his own parents. With the encouragement of his Mentors, Guillermo began planning his next steps after high school graduation, including college and the goal of finding work about which he was passionate.
In 2007, Guillermo joined the Explore Austin program as a member of the second class of Explorers.
“Most of the parents whose kids are in the program work in service jobs. Explore Austin gives minority kids, just like me, the opportunity to take the blinders off and achieve dreams higher than what’s expected of them.”
Guillermo completed his degree in Construction Science at Austin Community College while simultaneously working as a project manager for local company Joe Bland Construction. After some time of working day and night shifts in the field, Guillermo realized through the guidance of his Mentors that there were other possibilities. He told his supervisor he was interested in transitioning to office work so that he could learn project management skills and, not long after that, he was promoted.
“Explore Austin helped me open my world to paths I never thought would be possible. One of my Mentors taught me that when you walk in a room, always say hi to everyone because you never know who you're going to meet. It’s given me the courage to step up and not be scared, and to be able to walk into a room and have conversations with people from all different walks of life. I was able to climb a 15,000-foot mountain, so why can't I say ‘Hi!’ to a stranger I've never met? Today, I own my own construction business. It made me realize I wanted to pay it forward.”
Ten years after becoming an Explorer, Guillermo returned to the Explore Austin family by becoming a Mentor on the ‘24 Hermanos Team. His team consistently had one of the highest attendance rates for Explorers and an impressive retention rate, starting out with 15 youth and ending with 12 finishing the program.
Since he’d gone through the program himself, Guillermo was already adept in the skills his Explorers would learn: how to start a fire, hang bear bags, set up a tent, cook in the outdoors and, generally, try and do hard things. He was only 24 years old when he became a Mentor, and he learned that “There’s not only one way to mentor, and no ‘special ingredients.’ You have to follow your gut and find your own proven technique.”
One-hundred percent of the Explorers on Guillermo’s team graduated high school in 2024, with several starting college at Texas A&M, Texas State and UT Austin, one joining the Marines, and others attending trade school.
Though Guillermo has grown through his experiences as both an Explorer and Mentor, one thing remains constant regardless of his role: His love for the Explore Austin program.
The ‘24 Hermanos Team completed their Summer Wilderness Trip during their backpacking year in Oklahoma (Guillermo is pictured in the back row, yellow shirt).
Guillermo (far left) and the ‘24 Hermanos Team backpacked the Wasatch Mountains, Utah for their Capstone Summer Wilderness Trip.
Guillermo (center, white t-shirt) with the ‘24 Hermanos Team at their Explore Austin senior graduation.
IN THEIR WORDS
Explorers
Our Explorers on the ‘25 teams went on their final Summer Wilderness Trips in summer 2024 and are looking towards high school graduation in 2025. They took a moment to reflect on their experiences in the Explore Austin program:
“My experience with my Trip Leaders, Mentors and Explore Austin staff has been truly wonderful. Everyone has a great personality and is very outgoing.”
-BRIANNA, ‘25 ADVENTURE SEEKERS TEAM
"“All the trip leaders we had on this trip were very encouraging and always answered our many questions. And our Summer Wilderness Trip location – West Virginia – was beautiful! The breeze felt so nice, especially when we were rock climbing!”
-BRITTANY, ‘25 ADVENTURE SEEKERS TEAM
“I really cannot thank my Mentors and Trip Leaders enough for introducing me to adventure and getting me out of my comfort zone. I will miss them. I loved the location for our senior trip (West Virginia). It was a lot different than Texas!”
-JAYDEN, ‘25 BEAST BOYZ TEAM
“All Explore Austin staff and Mentors were guides through the physical challenges as well as the mental ones, which was a huge aid in our journeys.”
-LUIS, ‘25 OUTDOOR OGS TEAM
“My experience with the Trip Leaders and Mentors as well as the Explore Austin staff was such a wonderful experience that could not have been better, and is something that I will remember as I embark on the rest of my life.”
-JESUS, ‘25 OUTDOOR OGS TEAM
Mentors
Our Mentors dedicate six years to the Explore Austin program. With an 82% Mentor retention rate over the 6 program years, they have the opportunity to form strong bonds with the Explorers on their teams, modeling leadership, teamwork, and courage:
“We were ready for the backcountry! Seeing the Explorers settle into the campsite, making friends and looking out for one another were highlights of our Summer Wilderness Trip. The gear, the Trip Leaders, the food, and the campsites were really fantastic!”
-MEGAN, ‘30 GIRLS BLUE TEAM
“Among the roses we’ve experienced are the opportunity to begin building a sense of community among our Explorers and Mentors, and our success in encouraging participation, cooperation and enjoyment from a few of our Explorers who require more individualized support.”
-BEN, ‘30 BOYS TEAM
“Bonding with the Explorers and Mentors and getting to know the Trip Leaders are the highlights of the Explore Austin program for me. I’m really looking forward to next year's challenges and preparation with the girls.”
-JENNIFER, ‘27 STARGAZERZZZ TEAM
“I love the quiet mornings in nature with birds chirping and sunrises and the beautiful wilderness, as well as watching the kids have fun and explore a new environment. I’m very excited about future camp trips and exploring new regions, as well as watching the kids grow and develop new skills! Already from last year to this year I’ve witnessed a lot of change and maturity on behalf of the Explorers and am looking forward to continuing to accompany and witness this process.”
-MARIO, ‘29 MYSTICAL PHOENIX TEAM
“I’ve really enjoyed our time together as a group (of Explorers and Mentors); we all get along so well and have developed deeper bonds. And I loved five days in nature and disconnected from phones while on our Summer Wilderness Trip in New Mexico! I'm so excited for our next two summer trips. I really enjoyed our time together this year and am eager to rock climb with the girls.”
-KATE, ‘27 STARGAZERZZZ TEAM
EXPLORER / MENTOR DEMOGRAPHICS
EXPLORER DEMOGRAPHICS
Spanish speakers: 66%
Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
Black/African American: 8%
Hispanic: 82%
Multiracial: 7%
White: 3%
MENTOR DEMOGRAPHICS
Spanish speakers: 36%
Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 8% Black/African American: 5% White: 69% Hispanic: 17%
Multiracial: 1%
2023 REVENUE
CORPORATE PARTNER PROGRAM*
*Corporate Partner Program members make an annual gift of $5,250 or more to invest in Explore Austin’s mission. If your business or organization is interested in partnering with Explore Austin, email us at lauren.zurbrugg@exploreaustin.org
EVENT UNDERWRITERS
SUMMIT GIVING SOCIETY*
SUPPORTERS
$20,000+
Anonymous
Buena Vista Foundation
The Cooper Matthews Foundation
Lisa & Brad Garner
L-X Ranch Foundation
Marjorie & Mark McClain
Scott Munro
Wendy & Jay Papasan
Shield-Ayres Foundation
The Springhouse Foundation
The Tecumseh Foundation
Winkler Family Foundation
$10,000+
Morgan & John Burnham
Edith & You Kin Chin
Crews Kolodzey Foundation
Weslie & Stephen Elliott
Ana & Blake Magee
Danielle & Cory Older
Cheryl & Walt Penn
Crystal & Daniel Perry
Lee & John Rippel
Kevin Walbrick
Christine & Christy Yonge
$5,000+
Sophia Bera Daigle & Bryan Daigle
Christine & Abe Dashner
Laura & Paul Detke
Jessica & Carter Fields
Kiersten Flint & Justin Chiumenti
Morgan & Ben Gaddis
Regan & William Gammon
Meredith & Jamie Knight
The Pine Foundation
Kamila & Kent Radford
Mary Lou & Ed Robbins
The Schneeman Family
Anne & Richard Smalling
$2,500+
Austin Bouldering Project
Malia & Steve Aycock
Carson Family Foundation
Cara & Mike Clifford
Carrie & Nick Dyer
Meredith & James Edsel
Dottie & Justin Godfrey
Emily & Matt Greer
Christina & Geoff Hangartner
The John A. DePizzo Jr. Foundation
Carlotta & Bill McLean
Pat Medlock
Susie & Greg Meserole
Obra Capital
The Ornelas Zurbrugg Family
Janet & Robert Rice
Kevin & Kemper Richardson
Dyan Rody & Warren Walters
Audrey & Derek Romano
Jennifer & Rusty Stein
Andrea Torres & Lawrence Lyman
Jennifer & Casey Wenzel
Elena Zifkin & Josh Winkler
$1,750+
Blair Adams & John McGlothlin
The Barilla Foundation
Natalie & Drew Betzer
Christine & Simms Browning
Alex Castillo
Rich DePalma
Madeline Dorflinger & Francisco Salas
Leslie & Brandon Easterling
Naphtalie & Olatunde Gbolahan
Susan Goldberg
Jenni Greer & Brian Jones
Anna & Jason Herd
Kathy Bowles Hughes & David Hughes
Jessica & Robert Malina
Caroline Newman Phillips & Jacob Phillips
Audrey & James Poche
Lindsay & Matt Rohler
Shirley Caris Family Foundation
Elwin & John West
Kathy & Ross Wilson
Amy & Harvey Zinn
Catherine & Anton Zurbrugg
GRANTORS
The Campbell Foundation
Clif Family Foundation
ECG Foundation
Hispanic Impact Fund | Austin Community Foundation
Lonestar Legacy
Moody Foundation
Q2 Philanthropy Fund
Swantz Family Foundation
WoodNext Foundation
*Members of the Summit Giving Society gave $1,750 or more last year to provide the program to at least one child for a year. Now the Society begins at $2,000. For more information, scan the QR code
2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Caroline Newman Phillips, Chair • Simms Browning • Lenar Cantu
Alex Castillo • Bryan Daigle • Laura Detke • Olatunde Gbolahan
Rodolfo Galvan • Brad Garner • Robert Malina • Wendy Papasan
Daniel Perry • Scott Phillips • Alexia Rodriguez • Adrienne Sturrup
• Deep understanding of how their actions can affect nature 94% 92%
of Explorers report an overall positive opinion of Explore Austin of our Explorers report:
• Feelings of belonging at Explore Austin
• Trust in their Mentors
• Belief in their ability to make a positive impact in their community
