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Backyard Skeptics

4.7•2190 ratings

1,323 members · Public group

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What we’re about

We are a group of scientific skeptics (as opposed to 'conspiracy skeptics') with a heavy emphasis on critical thinking. If you don't believe in paranormal ability, ouija boards or ghosts then this group is for you.

FOUNDED IN 2008, we have many field trips and casual get-togethers just to socialize with other critical thinkers as well, and of course our great pot-luck summer and winter solstice parties.

Our goal: To support the agnostic/athiest/skeptic/humanist community with local meetings, potluck parties, and other social events. To spread the word that scientific skeptics and non-believers that promote secular values and the separation of church and state. We cherish humanistic values over any supernatural superstitions and encourage others to look at their worldview with critical thinking skills.

I hope you join our group and enjoy the conversations we have!

This meetup is a subgroup of Atheists United

Upcoming events

4

Thu, Nov 6 · 5:00 PM PST
Death Valley: 2025 Atheist Adventure (Camping Trip)
Furnace Creek Campground (Group Campsites), Furnace Creek, CA, US
Grab your family, friends, and tents for an unforgettable camping adventure in the largest national park in the continental United States.

GET TICKETS HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/death-valley-2025-atheist-adventure

Known for its sizzling summer heat and colorful spring blooms, Death Valley is one of the most extreme spots on planet Earth and offers outstanding views of the Milky Way on a clear, moonless night. Death Valley is also a hiker’s paradise with an eclectic mix of slot canyons, salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful rock formations.

All atheist adventures include a pre-planned group sightseeing itinerary and a Saturday evening science talk under the stars. This year, we're hosting former park ranger Kristin Hindershot, who will present on "The History of Women in Astronomy!"

Tickets do not include meals or park fees. Everyone is also responsible for their own camping gear (tents, lights, coolers, etc.). Get tickets now to reserve a spot in our group campsite!

We do not recommend you bring your pets. Here are Death Valley's pet policies.
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At Atheists United, we are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environments at all of our events. By participating in this event you agree to follow behavior outlined in our Event Code of Conduct Policy and Dog Policy.

Please contact Evan Clark at evan@atheistsunited.org with any questions.
2 attendees
Sun, Dec 7 · 11:00 AM PST
Sunday Morning Discussion Brunch
Luna Grill Market Place, 13774 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA, US
NEW LOCATION STARTING FEBRUARY 4, 2024

We changed our location for our Meetup from Corner Bakery to Luna Grill 13774 Jamboree Blvd, Irvine, Ca in the Irvine Marketplace, just north of Corner Bakery, across West Drive. There’s plenty of parking in front of Luna Grill. And if you are still yearning for breakfast foods for our Sunday Brunch Discussion group, you can get some takeout and bring it to Luna Grill to enjoy! This location will give us a fully covered patio to be out of the rain or sun, or if it’s cold, we can move inside to a large table we can share.

COME JOIN US !

This meetup is held the 1st Sunday of every month.

It's a laid back meetup designed to provide a less formal atmosphere and an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics. Enjoy a casual meal with your fellow free thinkers.

We are a group inclusive of different ideas and perspectives, but we do not tolerate trolls. If your purpose is to simply disrupt the group, you will be asked to leave.

Please update your RSVP if you're unable to make it.

Hope to see you there!
1 attendee
Sun, Dec 21 · 6:00 PM PST
Winter Solstice Party!
Bruce's House, 9782 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA, US
Time for another 'celestial'Solstice party!

Join us for interesting conversation and the sharing of ideas. We will have a short trivia game as well (for those know-it-alls!) Bring a meal if you like. We'll have water and soft drinks available.

This event is one of four annual events for scientific skeptics and those who do not believe in supernatural events (agnostics/atheists/skeptics) but all are welcome to discuss religious views in a rational manner.

We hold these meetings on both equinoxes and solstices each year. New members are welcome.

Scientific skepticism is also referred to as skeptical inquiry, which is a position in which one questions the veracity of claims lacking scientific evidence. In practice, the term most commonly refers to the examination of claims and theories that appear to be unscientific.

For those familiar with our property, please park on Blueridge just south of our property or in the school parking lot on Serrano just north of the property (a little bit longer walk). For newbies or handicapped, park in the parking area under the shade sails in front of our garage or in the rocky area. (you'll know the area when you see it - follow the signs). If these areas are full you can park on the concrete area near the wood gate.

Bruce
14 attendees
Thu, Jan 29, 2026 · 4:00 PM PST
The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: TP's Service During the Revolutionary War
Location not specified yet
Please plan to join us for the yearly celebration of the official birthdate of one of the most important founders of the United States of America, Thomas Paine. The online event, entitled “The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: Thomas Paine’s Service During the Revolutionary War,” will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM PDT/7:00 PM EDT. Here is the registration link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw

The logo for this event is a photo of a memorial to Thomas Paine. The memorial depicts Paine writing The American Crisis papers during the Revolutionary War. It was sculpted by Georg Lober. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 1950 in Morristown, New Jersey.

The January 2026 event is sponsored by the Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA), Black Nonbelievers, Thomas Paine Historical Association, Freethought Society, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Thomas Paine Society, Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, American Atheists, Secular Coalition for America, American Humanist Association, and Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation for Science and Reason.

TPMA president Margaret Downey and TPMA board member Christopher Cameron will host the live online event.

Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD District 8) and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) will deliver opening words.

Little known facts about Paine’s military service will be disclosed and Jack Kelly, author of Tom Paine’s War, will be the keynote speaker.

Actor Ian Ruskin will read excerpts from Paine’s The American Crisispapers, which were often written in battleground locations.

Gene Jones from Florida Veterans for Common Sense will talk about Paine’s heroism and how the government repaid his service.

A video created by caretakers of the Thomas Paine Cottage, Suzanne Tanswell and Gary Bush, will be shown. The cottage is located in New Rochelle, New York.

The Question-and-Answer segment will feature Thomas Paine expert Gary Berton along with TPMA Board Members Downey, Frances Chiu and Joy Masoff.

The event will end with a casual social hour and toasts to Paine’s legacy are welcomed. The first toast will come from sculptor Zenos Frudakis as he shows us the progress he has made creating a statue of Paine.

Pre-registration is required at the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw
4 attendees

Past events

1422

Organizers

Atheists United 3 and 11 others

Members

1,323

Related topics

Freedom From Religion

Cognitive Science