Club de Exploradores

Let's go explore!

Club de Exploradores is a free, bi-lingual outreach program that recruits middle school aged students from the Hispanic communities of Transylvania County and surrounding areas to join FIND Outdoors team members on monthly, all-day adventures in Pisgah National Forest. This program was born to celebrate and amplify the participation of the local Hispanic/Latinx communities in the surrounding public lands.

FIND Outdoors believes that everyone can benefit from finding ways to connect with the natural world. From healthy lifestyles to the economic opportunities being taken advantage of by local small business owners, club members will see and feel the local community echoing the message that “these forests belong to you too!”

FIND Explorers Club Logo
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Explorers become Leave No Trace experts on monthly adventures

At the heart of Club de Exploradores is a desire to ensure there will be a new generation of advocates for our public lands. The Seven Principles of The Leave No Trace (LNT) ethic, taught by the FIND Outdoor’s LNT certified trainers, are the best tools we have to fulfill our mission and create the next generation of responsible outdoor lovers.

Explorers earn patches and outdoor gear

With each adventure, Club members earn a unique patch and new piece of gear to help them on their outdoor adventures. The more adventures Club members attend, the more patches and gear they earn to take home at the end of the season.

Check out the adventures from past years in our archive.

kids hiking
Adventure 1

Hiking

A group of 21 Exploradores kicked off the 2023 season with a visit to the Cradle of Forestry. They delved into the fundamentals of Leave No Trace, forged meaningful connections, equipped themselves with outdoor gear, and set out for an invigorating hike in the Pink Beds. As we begin another remarkable year, we invite you to embark on this journey filled with exploration and discovery. On this adventure, club members are introduced to Leave No Trace (LNT) principle #1 “Plan ahead and Prepare” and #2 “Travel on Durable Surfaces.”

Adventure 2

Waterfall Safety

The Explorers welcomed a special visit from the Transylvania Rescue Squad, who shared invaluable tips on waterfall safety. Inspired and equipped with knowledge, the Explorers embarked on their own thrilling waterfall adventure. They visited two breathtaking spots in the Pisgah National Forest. Dive into our newsletter to uncover the full story and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature’s wonders. LNT principle #4 “Leave What You Find” and #7 “Be Considerate of Other Visitors” were the focus of the adventure.

children at waterfall
Adventure 3

Waterfalls & Fire Skills

Join us on this extraordinary edition where we dive into the power of representation, ways to give back to our public lands, and more. Embark on an epic day of discovery as the Exploradores master fire skills and safety, embracing the LNT principle #5.

Adventure 4

Stream Investigation, Beach, and S'mores

Club de Exploradores set out on an exciting journey to Asheville, where they got to explore a different side of the Pisgah National Forest. Their day began with a warm welcome from the awesome educators at the NC Arboretum followed by beach time and s’mores! It was a day filled with discovery and cultural exchange amidst the beauty of the forest. Read the newsletter to learn more…

Adventure 5

Trail Work and Mountain Bike Day

Join the Exploradores as they embark on an adventure on two wheels, give back to the trails, and learn about trail etiquette and much more in partnership with our friends from Pisgah SORBA area and The Hub. 

Adventure 6

Weekend Camping

The last adventure of the season arrived filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a bit of nervousness as the Explorers prepared for their first overnight camp. Equipped with tents, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags, the group said goodbye to their families early on Saturday to head into the forest for a weekend full of outdoor activities. 

Join the Club

Are you interested in joining us for our 2024 season? We are now accepting applications!

Club Partners

FIND Explorers Club partners with local businesses and organizations to make this program possible. Each partner provides funds, gear, services, or instruction. Are you interested in partnering with us in the future? Contact us to learn more!

We are building for the future generations of explorers

With each trip into the Pisgah National Forest, Club members had a chance to interact with the forest in a new way. Whether on horseback or on foot, standing in its streams or on a mountain bike, club members were invited to explore how the forest can provide them with excitement, inspiration, or simply a place to set up a hammock and relax.

The first group of Los Exploradores will lead us into the future as we welcome a new generation of members to Club in successive years. This adventurous first group will have the opportunity remain active within the Club, take on leadership roles, and help guide the Club de Exploradores into the future.

Through Forest-Inspired Nature Discovery, we help people FIND Outdoors.

FIND Outdoors is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. As such, we rely on the generous support of people like you.

Lets Go Find Outdoors