Pack Light: Resourcing and Backpacking Basics Powered by BLK Beetles

You’ve got a few community hikes under your belt—now what? Join us on Saturday, August 23rd for the second part of our Home is the Outdoors summer series in collaboration with the REI Houston-Baybrook store.

This indoor experience is made for folks ready to venture beyond the basics and go a little deeper. Whether that means preparing for longer day hikes or dreaming of your first multi-day adventure, we’ll cover how to pack smart, stay safe in unfamiliar places, and understand your rights and responsibilities on the trail. You’ll be joined by REI outdoor experts, BLK Beetles community guides, and others walking a similar path.

This is about more than gear, it’s about feeling prepared and powerful every time you step outside.

Saturday's Experience Outline:

• Arrival and Welcome: 9:45am - 10:15am
• Hiking Essentials and Satefy Workshop: 10:15am - 11:15am (60 minutes)
• Community Building & Close: 11: 15am - 11:30am

Benefit - What You Receive:

• A hands-on workshop led by REI’s outdoor experts on how to plan, prep, and pack for more independent adventures
• Guidance on navigating public lands, knowing your rights, and staying safe while solo or in new spaces
• A practical checklist of gear and tips for making the outdoors feel more doable;
• Stories and lessons from community members
• Light refreshments, community vibes, and a chance to win some REI gear to support your journey

Exchange - What We Ask of You:

Community Re-Investment Suggestion Scale: $10–$20

When you join Home is the Outdoors, you’re saying yes to something bigger than a single workshop—you’re stepping into a movement rooted in belonging, healing, and joy in the outdoors. Your contribution keeps this summer series accessible while reinvesting in:

• Fair compensation for local, culturally responsive guides
• Resource materials, trail tools, and nourishing snacks
• Inclusive and welcoming spaces where folks can reconnect with the outdoors—on their own terms

Give what you can. Come as you are. We’ll meet you there.

Our Refund Policy: No refunds or credits unless the event is canceled. We will not be able to issue refunds, including for anyone testing positive for COVID or other illnesses. If the event is rescheduled due to inclement weather or any other preventative reasons, donations can be refunded, moved to the rescheduled event date, or paid forward for future experiences for others. If you have any medical conditions or injuries that might prevent you from fully participating, please consult your physician to confirm your ability to partake in the activities safely. If you have any questions, please email us at hello@blkbeetles.com.

BLK Beetles Community Vibes

Zero Tolerance: We come together to feel safe, seen, and celebrated in nature. There is zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or hostility of any kind—period. Everyone deserves to feel respected and included.

Rooted in Story, Open to Growth: Everyone here brings something unique. Share your story, listen with care, and stay open to learning something new—from nature and each other. We grow stronger when we grow together.

Waiver of Liability Agreement

“By participating in this Black Beetles (“Organization”) event, the participant (“Participant”): (a) agrees to voluntarily, freely and expressly assume all of the risks associated with his or her participation in all activities associated with this Organization event; (b) agrees to observe and obey all posted rules and warnings and follow any instructions or directions given by the Organization or its agents with respect to his or her participation in this Organization event; (c) warrants that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude his or her participation in this Organization event; and (d) agrees to waive, release, discharge, indemnify, hold harmless and promise not to sue Organization from, against and for any and all claims, damages, expenses and liability associated with his or her participation in this Organization event.”

Photo and Social Media Release Consent

I hereby grant the release permission to use photographs in any of the following:

1. Web-based publications
2. Print Advertisements
3. Social Media

I hereby affirm that such release to the releasee does not constitute any form of compensation, including royalties arising from the photographs, to my benefit.

I understand and agree that photographs in the possession of the releasee shall become the property of the releasee. The use and publication of the photographs however, shall conform to my rights as a subject of said photographs.

I hereby waive my right to inspect of approve the photographs by which my likeness appears.

I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.