H. E. Butt Foundation Outdoor School

10/29/2026

Off to a great start this fall season with CAST LEAD! 🍂 From kayaking and low ropes to enjoying the night sky and looking at Saturn through Starparty’s telescopes, it was a blast!

Thank you, CAST LEAD, for a great week, and thank you, Starparty, for helping us experience the wonders of the night sky right here in the Canyon! 🔭✨

09/30/2026

We want to invite you to the 3rd annual "How Outdoor Learning Outperforms Indoor Learning Leadership Summit" that will be held at Seguin ISD's Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center on October 22, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

The goal of this initiative is to help create systems that better support students and teachers in whole child wellness and academic excellence. We believe your involvement is crucial to the success of this initiative. We warmly invite you to attend as a participant, vendor, sponsor, presenter, or community member.

For more information you can check out the event page: https://esc20olleadershipsummit2026.sched.com/

09/25/2026

Outdoor School recently participated in a venomous snake safety training with Adaptation Environmental Services. During the training, the team learned about the characteristics and identification of venomous and non-venomous snakes in Texas, snake behavior, first aid and handling skills, as well as relocation practices and regulations.

Snakes are fascinating animals, and the more you learn about them, the more interesting they become. Each species has its own unique behaviors, adaptations, and ways of surviving. Taking the time to learn about snakes not only helps us appreciate them, but also helps us know how to safely respond when we come across one outdoors.

If you want to learn more about snake safety, first aid, and proper snake identification, Adaptation Environmental Services offers a free guide you can download.

Find the link in our bio!

09/18/2026

Get outside and ride!

Biking is a fun way to get active, reduce stress, disconnect from the everyday, and experience the outdoors from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re cruising down a trail or exploring your own neighborhood, every ride is a chance to move your body, clear your mind, and see the world around you in a different way.

"Bikes are vehicles for transformation."- Luke Holland, Assistant Director of Adventure Recreation

09/14/2026

How to Identify Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

In the Canyon, poison ivy is scattered throughout the area, so it is important to know how to identify it to avoid potentially developing a rash from contact with exposed skin.

Harmless plants that are often confused with poison ivy include Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and boxelder (Acer negundo).

Poison ivy is best identified by its clusters of three leaflets. Notice how the three leaflets grow together from a single point. The two side leaflets typically have little to no stalk, while the center leaflet has a noticeably longer stalk. This is one of the most reliable characteristics to look for.

The shape of poison ivy leaves can vary greatly, even on the same plant. However, there are a few common features to look for:

* The side leaflets may have one or more “thumbs” or lobes along their outer edges, while the center leaflet may have lobes on both sides.
* Some leaves may have no lobes at all.
* Leaf edges may be toothed or completely smooth.
* In the fall, poison ivy leaves can range in color from yellow to bright red.

Poison ivy can also grow in several different forms. It may appear as a low-growing ground vine, a climbing vine, a free-standing shrub, or occasionally even a small tree. However, the climbing vine form is the most common.

Remember: the entire plant can cause a reaction, not just the leaves. Poison ivy commonly grows in partly sunny areas, including forest edges, along walls and buildings, and near waterways.

"Leaves of three, let it be" and "Longer middle stem, beware of them"


Illustration by Dan McGregor

09/07/2026

Some Canyon stories stay with you for a lifetime.

We’re so excited to see Chris and Trish Huddleston’s story featured in the latest issue of Echoes magazine! What started with a summer at Laity Lodge Youth Camp grew into a lifelong love for the Canyon—and today, they’re pouring that love into Outdoor School by helping students discover confidence, courage, and a whole lot of joy in the outdoors.

We’re so grateful for the time, energy, and heart Chris and Trish bring to every retreat. They’re a beautiful example of how the Canyon can become part of your story in ways you never expected.

Take a few minutes to read their story—you might just be reminded of why this place is so special.

https://echoesmagazine.org/stories/from-summer-love-to-outdoor-school/

Thank you, Chris and Trish, for continuing to show up, serve, and make a difference for students!

Thud.  A second arrow hit the center of the target. A young girl beamed with pride.  This young girl had found her thing at the Singing Hills

08/31/2026

The Canyon is about to come alive again! With a new season just around the corner, we’re getting ready to welcome students, laughter, busy days, and—of course—retreats back to the Canyon. We’ve missed having you here and can’t wait for all that’s ahead. Until then, we’ll be counting down the days!

08/24/2026

Meet Danielle Brown, the new Assistant Director of Outdoor School!

Danielle graduated from Abilene Christian University with a B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She served with the Texas Conservation Corps, worked as a park ranger for the City of Austin, and spent time at a residential wilderness camp for girls.

In her free time, Danielle can often be found down a trail with her dog, camping, or paddling. When found sitting still, she usually has a book, crochet project, or the latest spoon she’s carving in hand—with a cup of tea nearby.

Danielle shared, “I am excited for the opportunity to work with schools in the Canyon, blending my love of Jesus, being outside, and learning. I am so excited to be starting with the H. E. Butt Foundation and seeing what God has planned for me in Kerrville.”

We’re excited to welcome Danielle to the team! When you see her around, be sure to say hi!

08/17/2026

Meet Joshua Clayton, a new member of our team! Josh is the Adventure Recreation Associate joining us from 2026–2028.

Josh grew up here in Kerrville, so joining the Foundation as the Adventure Rec Associate feels a lot like coming home. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology. Previously, he worked at a wildlife sanctuary, caring for animals ranging from parrots and cockatiels to primates and native carnivores, including coyotes, bobcats, and bears.

When Josh isn’t out in the field, he’s usually behind a camera, photographing native birds and Texas landscapes. When he’s indoors, you’ll likely find him editing those photos or playing the piano.

We’re thrilled to have Josh on our team!

06/10/2026

Thank you, Andrea, for two wonderful years with Outdoor School!

It has been a pleasure having you as part of the Outdoor School team and witnessing the positive impact you have made on the lives of students and teachers through retreats. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and care have helped create meaningful and memorable experiences for so many students.

We will miss you and are deeply grateful for all you have brought to our team. As you begin this new chapter and pursue a career in counseling, we are excited for you and wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all that lies ahead.