Adventure Outpost

Outdoor archery classes are offered in spring, March through May, and in fall, September through November. During the outdoor archery season, try a compound or recurve bow in the beginner class, or sign up for the whole series to hone in your archery skills. All equipment is provided. For ages 10 and up; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

From reading a map to traveling off trail, hanging a bear bag to practicing Leave No Trace principles, you can build your skill set for creating your own outdoor adventures. Classes run winter, spring and fall.

On-the-water classes are offered May through September. Start with the basics on Winton Lake and build up to trips on the Little Miami River and the Great Miami River! All equipment is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the water. 

Set your team up for success with a full or half day of team building at Winton Woods. Adventure Outpost facilitators will lead your group through a package of group challenges designed to help your team become strong, agile and efficient.

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Hikers and runners, are you up for a challenge? Whether you enjoy trails solo, with your family, or accompanied by your furry friend, Great Parks has a challenge for you to achieve your miles all while working toward a personal goal!

Get outside before November 1 to complete one or all three milestones:

• Trek seven Great Parks’ trails
• Complete 50 miles
• Log a hike/run at all 14 participating Great Parks

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Venture into our community destinations to cultivate your skills, discover new friends, and begin your next great adventure. Join our female guides on the trail, on the range and on the water as we build confidence and community together in an inclusive environment. Classes run spring through fall.

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Tom Buckley, Manager

Tom is the Adventure Outpost Manager and has been teaching outdoors for longer than he wants to admit. He is committed to helping others discover their own adventures and challenge themselves, all within their ‘backyard parks’. He is certified as an American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 3 River Canoe Instructor, Level 2 River Kayak Instructor, and holds the Adaptive Paddling endorsement; a Wilderness First Responder with CPR; a USA Archery Level 1 Instructor; trained as a United Kingdom Mountain Leader; a Leave No Trace Master Educator; and a Level 1 MovNat Certified Trainer. In 2023 Tom will complete his ACA Level 2 River Canoe Instructor Trainer certification.

When not at work, Tom enjoys doing the same things he teaches, his favorites being climbing and river trips with his son. He believes there is no such thing as bad weather.

Allison Cone, Coordinator

Allison joined Great Parks in 2010 after completing her undergraduate degree in International Studies at the University of Dayton and interning for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

During her career in experiential education, Allison has served as a River Guide for the Great Ohio River Paddle, volunteered as an Adventure Team Specialist with the American Youth Foundation, coordinated the Ohio River Foundation’s River Explorer program, and co-created the Women in the Outdoors series and the Trek & Run Trail Challenge at Great Parks.

Allison holds certifications as an American Canoe Association Level 2 River Canoe Instructor, Level 2 River Kayak Instructor, Level 1 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor, and the Adaptive Paddling endorsement; Association for Challenge Course Technology Challenge Course Manager and In-House Inspector; Leave No Trace Trainer; USA Archery Level 1 Instructor; and is certified in Wilderness First Aid/CPR.

When not working outdoors, Allison can be found on the ice, playing broomball.

Olivia Landers, Instructor

Olivia has always had a love for the outdoors. With her first canoe trip at 7 years old, and multiple family campouts since she was young, Olivia has been a great addition to the Adventure Outpost team. Olivia received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Cincinnati and has worked with Scouting groups across the Cincinnati area through planning and leading out of state river trips with local Boy Scout troops, and volunteering teaching STEM programs for the Girl Scouts of America.

In addition to her various camping and day hiking experience, Olivia has become an American Canoe Association Level 1 Canoe Instructor and will soon be adding river kayaking to her list. She is also trained in stand-up paddleboard and archery instruction, team building facilitation, and is First Aid, CPR, and AED certified.

When she's not teaching outdoors, Olivia loves birdwatching at Fernald Nature Preserve, organizing personal paddle expeditions, and plays euphonium in the Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band!

Interested in a private program or just want to know more about Adventure Outpost? Contact us at adventureoutpost@greatparks.org.