“TVOP events are one of the main ways I have been able to make friends as a queer adult. In queer spaces and in general outdoor spaces, I often do not feel fully comfortable being myself, but TVOP events are a space where I am able to be my authentic self, which helps me build lasting connections and community with people who like me for who I am. My partner moved to my town recently and is establishing themselves locally, and TVOP is one of the first places I'm trying to connect them to so that they can feel a sense of safety and community here.”
Our nationwide volunteer program began in 2023 with the mission of bringing LGBTQ+ folks together to get outside with their local communities, challenge themselves in positive group settings, develop and expand their wilderness skill sets, and find meaningful, long-lasting connections with each other and the outdoors.
We started with a small cohort of 10 enthusiastic LGBTQ+ leaders, hand-picked from choice locations across the country, and have since grown into a national network, with more than 50 volunteers leading a total of 28 chapters. Now, we are aiming to establish TVOP Chapters in every neighborhood LGBTQ+ folks call home. Our Chapter Leaders and Volunteers receive comprehensive training that equips them with the skills they need to host one-of-a-kind outdoor affinity programming. From day hikes to indoor climbing events, our volunteers are passionate about building queer and trans community in their own backyards. Want to bring TVOP to your hometown? Keep reading for more information on how to join our volunteer team!
We are currently accepting applications for our 2027 Volunteer Cohort.
Our goal for 2027 is to expand our current volunteer network by establishing chapters in areas we don’t yet have on the map! We are looking for LGBTQ+ folks who want to bring outdoor programming to their community by becoming TVOP Chapter Leaders. We encourage you to apply with a friend (or three!) to maximize your impact!
If you want to get involved at your local level by leading outdoor adventures for the LGBTQ+ community, apply here. The application closes at 11:59pm EST on December 7th, 2026.
We appreciate your interest in supporting your community, and we can’t wait to review your application!
Got questions? Reach out!
To better serve our nationwide LGBTQ+ community, we’ve hand-selected and specially trained chapter leaders all over the country. These 28 incredible queer outdoor communities each host events ranging from day hikes and birding to multi-day canoe trips. Going to a chapter event is a great way to get involved! Don’t see a chapter in your area? Help us narrow the gaps - consider applying to our next volunteer cohort!
Email: whitemountainsNH@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_whitemtns
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_whitemtns
Email: southernME@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_southernmaine
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_southernmaine
Email: rivervalleyma-vt@ventureoutproject.com
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/tvop-rivervalleyMA-VT
Instagram: @tvop_rivervalleymavt
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_rivervalleymavt
Email: centralMA@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_centralmass
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_centralmass
Email: knoxvilleTN@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_knoxville
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_knoxville
Email: seacoastNH@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_seacoastnh
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_seacoastnh
Email: traversecityMI@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_traversecity
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_traversecity
Email: twincitiesMN@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_twincitiesmn
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_twincitiesmn
Email: frontrangeCO@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_frontrange
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_frontrange
Email: northernaz@ventureoutproject.com
Instagram: @tvop_northernaz
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_northernaz
Email: bayareaca@ventureoutproject.com
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/tvopbayarea
Instagram: @tvop_bayarea
Linktree: linktr.ee/tvop_bayarea
Apply today to become a Chapter Leader and bring TVOP programming to your community!
Applications close at 11:59PM EST on December 7th, 2026.