Explore Austin

♦️📸 PHOTOS ARE IN! Swipe for more, and view the full album here 👉 https://ow.ly/e31o50Z4v1y

The Aces for Adventure Charity Poker Tournament benefiting Explore Austin raised over $100K in to support the 380+ youth we serve. Wendy and Jay Papasan of Papasan Properties Group are the visionaries behind this event, and have supported Explore Austin in many impactful ways since Wendy joined our Board of Directors in 2023.

This year's Aces for Adventure hosted over 150 guests for a night of dinner, drinks, and poker at The Austin Club. Also in attendance were '19 Mentor and Explorer Alums who gave testimonials from their time in the program 🙌

🌲 From May 31-July 25, Explore Austin will send over 200 youth, their Mentors, and their Trip Leaders on weeklong Summer Wilderness Trips to premier backcountry destinations across the U.S. At Explore Austin, we often talk about the power of tradition—and the Garcia family is a beautiful example of that impact.

🧡 SUPPORT THE YOUTH GOING ON OUR 2026 SUMMER WILDERNESS TRIPS 👉 https://ow.ly/w3bT50YYqz6

When Sebastian Garcia joined Explore Austin as a sixth grader, he was stepping into the unknown. Over six years of consistent mentorship, challenging outdoor adventure, and leadership development, his confidence grew. He uncovered his potential:

“Explore Austin helped me see what I could become…It took a little guy from a small neighborhood in Austin and showed me a different world.”

Sebastian’s younger brother, Alonzo, watched closely, seeing not just the trips and experiences, but his personal growth. Inspired, Alonzo followed Sebastian and began his own six-year journey as an Explorer with many firsts: learning how to ride a bike, traveling away from home, and taking his first plane ride.

Today, both brothers have completed the program, with Alonzo enrolling at The University of Texas at San Antonio this fall.

Your investment helps provide the mentorship and opportunities that make stories like the Garcia brothers’ possible. Will you consider making a gift to support the youth going on our 2026 Summer Wilderness Trips?