What we’re about
If you love gardening, camping, backpacking, kayaking, paddleboarding, nature walks, hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching, photography, outdoor cooking, birding, wildlife viewing, travel, and anything else outdoors... Plus, if you enjoy throwing in some cultural activities, cooking, movie nights, and other one-off events with fun people, NEO is for you!
We are currently seeking volunteer activity hosts. Please message us if you are interested. We will provide training and logistics support for activities if needed.
If you like fun volunteer opportunities working with schools and the community to teach others how to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, we have that too! Welcome to NEO (Nature & Eclectic Outdoors)!
NEO is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping people of all ages and backgrounds lead more outdoor-oriented lives for better health, well-being, and resilience. Check out our website at [www.NEOproject.org](http://www.neoproject.org/)
If you like what we do, please consider becoming a monthly donor at [www.NEOproject.org/donate](https://www.neoproject.org/donate)
NEO events are open to everyone, and most activities are family, kid, and pet friendly! Events are free or low cost! We supplement our regular outdoor events with amazing cultural opportunities and affordable travel adventures. Our goal is to make outdoor activities and incredible travel events accessible to everyone.
We love being outdoors! We want to make sure everyone has the chance to experience hiking, camping, backpacking, cycling, kayaking, geocaching, and anything else they would like to try out. We love to travel and get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, and we want others to have this opportunity to travel with us in a safe and relaxed environment.
NEO may host an all-day hike at Brazos Bend State Park, a weekend camp at Pedernales Falls, or a cool mid-week night hike at Memorial Park. You could even find us introducing members to the Colorado Rockies on a long weekend! Whatever NEO does, we’re going to make some new friends, create amazing lifelong memories, and have a blast!
NEO has several special initiatives described on our website at**www.neoproject.org**, but one initiative in particular has gained us incredible respect and notoriety. Through our “Wilderness Kids” initiative, NEO encourages kids and families to get off the couch, away from the video games and cell phones, and OUTSIDE. With the help of contributions and donations, NEO hosts events and clinics designed to teach kids necessary skills for enjoying outdoor activities and thriving in the natural world. Kids develop leadership and teamwork skills while learning about water safety, hiking, camping, nature and wildlife, and much more! They are also introduced to people from all walks of life and from all over the world, giving them a broader understanding of the world and cultures around them.
We partner with schools, businesses, and other organizations to facilitate field trips, on campus events, and team builders. We also host private events that help support our nonprofit mission. Get in touch with us today to discuss these special programs and events.
If you would like to learn more about becoming involved in our NEO Volunteer Corps helping out at fun community outreach events and in our school partnerships, email us at [contact@neoproject.org](http://www.neoproject.org/?page_id=891)
Upcoming events
1
- $30.00
Cultural Cooking Class - Moroccan!
Wilson AC & Appliance, 4205 East Highway 290, Dripping Springs, TX, USCome learn how to cook a variety of traditional Moroccan dishes! Your rsvp covers the cost of all ingredients to make a fantastic feast with plenty of leftovers for everyone to take home.
This is a limited-attendance event. Payment can be made here via Paypal or Credit Card. You can also pay fee-free via your bank's Zelle feature to Zelle Tag "NEOproject" or email "contact@neoproject.org" or at this QR code link. If you pay via Zelle, please message me so I can add you to the attendee list.
The NEO Cultural Cooking Club is a NEO initiative to promote cultural diversity, appreciation, and understanding through great food and fantastic conversation. During Cultural Cooking events, we all chip in for the purchase of supplies. Then we come together to cook a large feast of traditional cuisine from whatever region of the world or the United States that we want to learn more about.
During these events, we usually discuss a bit about the region's history and culture while also listening to their music and potentially incorporating other things like traditional clothing or games. For example, we danced with dandiya sticks during our Pakistani cooking event, and several people wore saris at one of our Indian events.
Based on previous event feedback, we are trying something different this time. Participants will be broken up into teams that will each make this full multi-course meal together. Some groups will make a menu starring Tajin al-Dajaj (Chicken Tagine), and some groups will make a menu starring Siga Wat (Spiced Beef Stew). In addition, some teams will make their dishes spicier, and some will make milder options. People will get placed on teams based on their preferences in the order they RSVP. So RSVP early to make sure you get your first choices! As you RSVP, please post in the comments which Main/Dessert option you prefer.
In addition, we have upgraded our single-burner stoves that will supplement the full kitchens we will use to cook. We also have better utensils, pots/pans, etc., along with a much better organization system. I can't wait to try out our new system and goodies!
Please let me know if you need to eat vegetarian, vegan, or Kosher/Halal, and I will be sure to include options for you. If we have enough vegetarians, we may do a special vegetarian team,
All teams will make the following base menu along with one of two main dish/dessert options.
Base Menu:
- Harissa - smoky, spicy staple condiment in Moroccan cuisine
- Msemmen Batbout Bread - Traditional soft flaky bread
- Jibn al-Fita Mahalli - Baked feta cheese with olive tapenade
- Shakshuka - Spicy stewy poached egg comfort food dish
Main Course/Dessert Option 1:
- Tajin al-Dajaj - You'll learn a delicious Instant Pot version of the Chicken Tagine traditionally baked in a tagine pot. You'll get my recipe for a slow-cooked cast-iron version as well.
- Meskouta - Traditional orange cake
Main Course/Dessert Option 2:
- Siga Wat - Spiced beefy stew
- Mhencha - Stuffed and coiled filo pastry dessert
The location sponsor for this event is Wilson AC and Appliance on Hwy 290. We will use their spectacular demonstration kitchens, so be prepared to have some appliance envy.
Please check out our Signup Genius page to see if you can bring a kitchen tool that will help things go more smoothly.
Feel free to bring any additional goodies you would like. This is a bring-your-own-beverage event. You may bring alcohol as long as we are all being responsible adults.
I hope to see you there! Be sure to come hungry, and bring some to-go containers or zip-lock bags. As usual, well-behaved kids are welcome to attend, and kids under 14 can participate for free.
Because there is substantial planning for this event and supplies are purchased ahead of time, NO REFUNDS CAN BE ISSUED for this event unless it is canceled. If you cannot attend for any reason, you can give your spot to someone else or just consider it a much-appreciated donation. Thank you for understanding.
***
NEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to lead more outdoor-oriented lives for better health, well-being, and resilience. Much of our work serves schools and historically marginalized communities. If you like what we do, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at neoproject.org/donate. There are multiple donation options available. Your dollars make a difference!
Thank you!6 attendees
Past events
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