N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission

N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission Encouraging N.C. youth to connect with nature by providing opportunities to engage with the outdoors.
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We tell kids to be careful. The research says the ones who aren’t — within reason — end up better off. A 2025 review of ...
09/03/2026

We tell kids to be careful. The research says the ones who aren’t — within reason — end up better off.
 
A 2025 review of outdoor risky play found that kids who take on manageable physical risk (climbing higher, crossing water alone, losing sight of an adult briefly) show better anxiety outcomes than kids who don’t. Not despite the risk — because of it. Navigating something scary and coming out fine is practice for every hard thing that comes next.
 
The flip side is just as well documented: less independent outdoor play, more anxiety in kids. Not just a correlation — researchers think it’s causal.
 
So next time on the trail: let them try first before you step in.

Did you know your porch light could be throwing off a migrating bird’s navigation?Fall migration is happening right now ...
09/02/2026

Did you know your porch light could be throwing off a migrating bird’s navigation?

Fall migration is happening right now through October, with billions of birds flying overhead at night using starlight and the earth’s magnetic field to find their way. Bright lights can pull them off course.

The fix? Simple: turn off exterior and unused lights overnight (11pm–6am) during migration season. It’s called “Lights Out” — no cost, no gear, just one easy habit that gives birds a safer flight path.

Lights out tonight = Safe passage for the birds flying over your house.

Discover Something New: Fall Outdoor Events & Programs for Raleigh Families Looking for a chance to teach your child to ...
08/31/2026

Discover Something New: Fall Outdoor Events & Programs for Raleigh Families
 
Looking for a chance to teach your child to appreciate NC’s outdoors? While summer it on its way out, these programs ensure NC youth can still get outdoors throughout the fall!
 
Zombie Survival Training at Briar Creek Community Center
Sep. 2-23, Every Wednesday, 5:00-6:00 PM | Age 8-11 yrs. Can you survive a Zombie Attack? Kids will learn to not only survive, but how to build a small fire & shelter, use a compass, and do some outdoor cooking. Outdoor clothes recommended. Fee: $41.
 
Family Fishing At Lake Johnson Waterfront Center
Sep. 26, Oct. 11, & Nov. 14 Age 7-12 yrs. Learn to fish for the first time with casting games and live bait! Kids will catch and release in the lake and leave with their own tackle box and official NCYOEC fishing patches. Fee: $7.
 
Family Frolic at Walnut Creek Wetland Park
October 24, 6:00-8:00 PM | Age 5-99 yrs. Join families from across Raleigh to learn about nocturnal animals that call the city home before sitting by the campfire to enjoy s’mores & hot chocolate! Fee: $6.
 
Beginner Tumbling at Barwell Road Community Center
Sep. 4-25, Every Friday, 5:00-5:45 PM | Age 4-11 yrs. Participants of all ages and abilities will learn basic gymnastics/tumbling skills – forward & backward rolls, handstands, cartwheels & more! Perfect for building up flexibility and strength. Fee: $56.
 
Youth Soccer at Sanderford Road Neighborhood Center
Sep. 5 - Oct. 17, Saturdays, 10:00-12:00 AM | Age 7-10 yrs. Just Kick It is a youth soccer programs for boys and girls of all levels. Aim to foster interest among young athletes & teach the sport’s fundamentals. Staffed by experienced volunteer coaches. Registration fee: $40. Contact [email protected] for details.
 
Save this post and share it with other Raleigh families — give your kids the chance to appreciate the world beyond the screen!

Time to grab your patches. 🎣 The NCYOEC Outdoor Patches Program is a free way to turn your kid or teens’ next outdoor ad...
08/27/2026

Time to grab your patches. 🎣
 
The NCYOEC Outdoor Patches Program is a free way to turn your kid or teens’ next outdoor adventure into an achievement — all in just three easy steps:
 
📸 Take a photo of them completing the activity
📩 Head to GoOutside.NC.gov and submit the photo
📦 We’ll mail you the patches they’ve earned FREE OF CHARGE!
 
From the mountains to the sea, NC is filled with opportunities to try new outdoor activities. Go fishing in a new pond, hike a new trail, camp out beneath the star for the first time — no matter what you do, we’re here to support it.
 
So what are you waiting for? Get outside today!

Most field trips end when the bus leaves. This one ended with a night at 5,000 feet. Lead by their advisor Jennifer Love...
08/25/2026

Most field trips end when the bus leaves. This one ended with a night at 5,000 feet.
 
Lead by their advisor Jennifer Love, students from the Franklin High School Trailblazers Club hiked up Purchase K**b Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Their goal? Hike up 5,000 feet, meet with park rangers, learn about the surrounding ecosystem, and spend the night at the summit of an NC landmark.
 
We’re proud to see what Trailblazers Clubs there these have accomplished with our startup funding! Interested in founding your own club? Visit Gooutside.nc.gov today and apply for free!

08/25/2026

Today we highlight the top photo from the Wildlife in North Carolina magazine photo competition's "Mammals" category.

Robert Mullen, Winterville
Black bear

"I captured this photo on a hot, humid June morning when I saw a bear in the distance coming down the same path I was walking. The large bear was crisscrossing the path trying to pick up the scent of a sow. I tucked into the tall grass with only my upper body showing. The wind was in my face, and the sun was on my back. The conditions were perfect. I lay motionless and prayed the bear would get close enough for some good shots. At about 60 feet away, the bear stopped and stood motionless before turning into the woods. What a moment!"

Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor 180–600mm lens, f/6.3, 1/400 sec, ISO 1600

Free Resources for NC’s Aspiring Anglers!  1. Try Before You Buy: The Tackle Loaner Program | NCWRC has partnered with c...
08/24/2026

Free Resources for NC’s Aspiring Anglers!
 
1. Try Before You Buy: The Tackle Loaner Program | NCWRC has partnered with cities, counties, state parks, and other organizations so residents and visitors can borrow rods, reels, and other gear for free. Check online to see which parks near you participate in the program!
2. Learn to Fish:  A Statewide Fishing Education Series | A free, statewide series of beginner-friendly classes for new anglers, managed by the NCWRC. Courses cover topics like regulations, basic equipment, casting, identification, and knot-tying. Find the schedule at ncwildlife.gov!
3. Hands-on Experience: The Pechmann Fishing Education Center | NC’s only dedicated fishing education center, offering family-oriented aquatic programs for anglers of all ages and abilities. It’s the anchor site for hands-on classes and also runs programs elsewhere in the state and virtually.
4. NC Kinds Under 16 Don’t Require a License to Fish | Children are exempt from the license requirement, but they must still follow all state size, bag, and possession limits. Any adult age 16 or older who helps a child fish — even with simple tasks like baiting hooks — must carry a valid license.
 
Take advantage of these programs and start fishing today!

Think you’ve hiked NC? Think again. Which trail are you tackling next? Comment below!
08/21/2026

Think you’ve hiked NC? Think again.

Which trail are you tackling next? Comment below!

Trailblazer Tuesday | Metrolina Christian Academy’s Trailblazers Club Reaches for the Stars Back in 2025, Brandon Summey...
08/18/2026

Trailblazer Tuesday | Metrolina Christian Academy’s Trailblazers Club Reaches for the Stars
 
Back in 2025, Brandon Summey, a science teacher at Metrolina Christian Academy (Metrolina Student Life), applied for funding to establish the school’s first Trailblazers Club – with the intention of using that funding to expand MCA’s preexisting stargazing club into a fully-fledged outdoors organization dedicated to student-led astronomy, camping, and experiential learning.
 
One year on and the club has grown to over 60 members, with students taking charge of telescope calibration, training, and maintenance. Club members have grown comfortable identifying celestial objects, using star charts, identifying constellations, and led presentations and observation sessions for celestial phenomena.
 
MCA’s Trailblazers Club has, in due time, expanded into an outdoors club dedicated to giving its members the chance to not only stargaze, but camp, take charge of their own education, and experience all that NC has to offer. We’re incredibly proud of the work they’ve accomplished, and can’t wait to see what they get up to next!
 
If you’re interested in starting a Trailblazers Club in your school, visit GoOutside.nc.gov today to apply!

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1751 Varsity Drive
Raleigh, NC

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Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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