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 (4+)
See all- Canceled due to lack of signups: Honey Tasting!TBD Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs, TX$25.00
This event has been canceled due to lack of signups. This was surprising because the various tastings and educational talks regarding honey that we have done have been very well received by all ages and backgrounds. We may try again in the future.
Come test your tastebuds with a sampling of 10 honeys, including some from around the world and those of unique nectar varietals!
I collect honeys and am excited to offer the chance to learn more about how honey is produced, what can affect its taste, texture, and appearance, and why honey inspires black markets and crime syndicates.
You will get to sample and take notes on 10 unique honeys and their flavor notes, clarity, color, and texture. After we sample the honeys on their own, we will enjoy a charcuterie layout and taste the honeys on a variety of meats, cheeses. etc. to learn which honey varieties pair well with foods.
Feel free to bring any drinks, additional charcuterie foods, or even recipes or foods that include honey in them.
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.
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 "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.
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! As usual, well-behaved kids are welcome to attend.
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.
***
The Hill Country Cultural Cooking Club is part of a NEO (Nature and Eclectic Outdoors) initiative to promote cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation through delicious food and great conversation. NEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
- Backpacking 101: Lake Somerville State Park - adults onlyLake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek, Ledbetter, TX
More details are to come, but I wanted to get this up as soon as possible so you can start planning.
The RSVP fee includes your campsite. You will need to pay your entrance fee at the park.
Some NEO members are doing a Havasupai backpacking trip in September. This is a practice backpacking trip that will allow attendees to test their gear in a safe environment before taking it on the big Havasupai trip. All NEO members are welcome to join us on this Backpacking 101 adventure! No experience is necessary, but this is an adults-only event.
Again, more details are to come, but we will simulate our Havasupai conditions as closely as possible. This includes coming in on Friday, getting to be relatively early with all of our gear ready to go, and setting off on a 13-mile hike with our backpacking gear starting at about 5:00 AM as we will do at Havasupai. The terrain is not terribly difficult... it's really more about the length of the hike and the weight on your back. There will be some bugout points for you to lighten your gear or stop backpacking along the way.
We will start off at Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek where we will camp Friday night. Starting at about 4:00 AM Saturday morning, we will hike the Lake Somerville Trailway to Birch Creek where we will camp Saturday night. Once in camp Saturday afternoon, we will be able to enjoy whatever activities we like at the lake.
While our campsites will have water, electric, bathrooms, and showers, I encourage everyone to test themselves as if they are primitive camping. I'll leave it to you to decide on your comfort level.
Come to test yourself and your gear in a safe space with backpackers of all experience levels.
More details soon.
***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 under-served 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!
- READ POST!! Trail Ride at Lake Somerville State ParkLake Somerville State Park & Trailway, Somerville, TX
YOU MUST READ THIS ENTIRE POSTING THOROUGHLY. No riding experience is necessary to participate in this event. For privacy reasons, you will not RSVP here. Read full details and apply to participate using this REGISTRATION FORM.
NEO has been given generous grant funding to offer this opportunity to kids who do not generally have access to this type of programming due to socio-economic challenges. Kids must be accompanied by at least 1 parent or adult guardian. 1 parent/guardian must accompany their child on the trail ride. A parent/guardian may bring more than one child, but all children who ride must be 9-17 years old. For the health and safety of the horses, riders must be under 250 pounds. Riders will be weighed (privately) to confirm their weight and match them with an appropriate horse.
If you sign up, you MUST show up. Space is limited. If you register and are accepted for this event, you are taking a space that could otherwise be granted to another child. If you are selected for this event and do not show up, you and your child will most likely not be selected for future opportunities. You will receive confirmation of your attendance within 48 hours of submitting this registration form.
Attendees must arrive by 3:30 PM for orientation and a safety lesson. The group of attendees will be broken up into groups of 10 riders who will each take a 1-hour trail ride. While one group rides, the other attendees will enjoy park activities. All rides will be completed by dark. Read full details and apply to participate using this REGISTRATION FORM.
There is a second follow-up Horse Ranch Weekend event taking place as well on August 9-10. Please find more details and the registration form for that event HERE.
For those of you who do not feel like you are the right fit for this event, be on the lookout for future equestrian events that will be open to everyone.
***
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 under-served 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! - READ POST!! Horse Ranch WeekendBandera, TX, Bandera, TX
YOU MUST READ THIS ENTIRE POSTING THOROUGHLY. No riding experience is necessary to participate in this event. For privacy reasons, you will not RSVP here. Read full details and apply to participate using this REGISTRATION FORM.
NEO has been given generous grant funding to offer this opportunity to kids who do not generally have access to this type of programming due to socio-economic challenges. This free event will be an amazing weekend at a working horse ranch in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and will include:
- Lodging in a cowboy bunkhouse.
- 2 meals in the ranch hand chow hall
- 2 horseback rides
- lasso lesson roping dummy calves
- wagon ride to feed cows
- campfire with s'mores
- an amazing view of the huge dark night sky with bright stars and the milky way (on a clear night)
- use of ranch amenities (pool, game room with ping pong, etc, hiking trail with small obstacle course, horseshoe pit, etc)
Kids must be accompanied by 1 parent or adult guardian. That parent/guardian must accompany their child on all activities. The parent/guardian may bring more than one child, but all children must be 9-17 years old. For the health and safety of the horses, riders must be under 250 pounds. Riders will be weighed (privately) to confirm their weight and match them with an appropriate horse.
If you sign up, you MUST show up. Space is limited. If you register and are accepted for this event, you are taking a space that could otherwise be granted to another child. If you are selected for this event and do not show up, you and your child will most likely not be selected for future opportunities. You will receive confirmation of your attendance within 48 hours of submitting this registration form.
Attendees must arrive by 11:00 AM on Saturday for orientation and a safety lesson. We will wrap up by 12:00 PM on Sunday. Read full details and apply to participate using this REGISTRATION FORM.
Ahead of this event we have scheduled a trail ride at Lake Somerville State Park on July 26th. Please find more details and the registration form for that event HERE.
For those of you who do not feel like you are the right fit for this event, be on the lookout for future equestrian events that will be open to everyone.
***
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 under-served 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!
