At LGBTQ Outdoorfest, every participant can dive into four workshops during the event. From hands-on adventures to engaging discussions and skill-building sessions, there’s something for every interest and experience level. Each workshop is led by passionate instructors eager to teach, inspire, and help you grow in your outdoor journey. Workshops are subject to change, and additional sessions may be added as we get closer to the event. Early Bird Registrants receive the Workshop Signup Form 30 days before the event. All other participants gain access 24 hours later—be ready to grab your spots!
2026 Workshops
Archery 101
TAUGHT BY JUSTIN YODER (HE/HIM)
WORKSHOP STYLE: HANDS-ON
THE WORKSHOP: Archery is a thrilling blend of focus, skill, and a little bit of adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo challenge or some friendly competition with new friends, this workshop is your chance to step into the world of archery in a fun, supportive environment.
You’ll learn the essentials—stance, aim, and how to handle a recurve bow. Safety comes first, so you’ll also get expert guidance on using your equipment with confidence. Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to take aim and test your new skills on the range!
Archery isn’t just about hitting the bullseye—it’s about finding your focus, feeling your strength, and enjoying the moment. Join us for a workshop that’s equal parts challenge, fun, and unforgettable experience.
THE INSTRUCTOR: Justin Yoder is the Founder and Executive Director of LGBTQ Outdoors, where he combines his love for nature with his mission to connect the LGBTQIA+ community to the great outdoors. His passion for the natural world began at a young age and has only deepened over time.
One of Justin’s earliest outdoor interests was archery—something he started at age eight using homemade bows and arrows crafted by his grandfather. Over the past 30 years, he’s refined his skills, evolving from traditional recurve bows to advanced compound bows, and archery has remained one of his lifelong pursuits.
Justin’s commitment to community, connection, and adventure is at the heart of everything he does through LGBTQ Outdoors.
Flyfishing
TAUGHT BY JUSTIN BUBENIK (He/Him)
WORKSHOP STYLE: HANDS-ON
THE WORKSHOP: Ever watched a fly fisher effortlessly cast a line and wondered, "How can I do that?" Designed for those with no prior experience, this workshop dives into the fundamentals in a fun, supportive setting. We untangle the mysteries of the gear, from setting up the rod and reel to tying the essential knots. The core of the class is dedicated to hands-on casting instruction, building the muscle memory for a smooth, accurate presentation. Beyond the mechanics, we explore the why of fly fishing—learning to read a river, understanding basic insect life, and selecting the right fly. Campers leave with the confidence and foundational skills to start exploring local waters on their own!
THE INSTRUCTOR: Justin Bubenik is a passionate, lifelong fly angler who first cast a line on Oregon's famed steelhead rivers when he was eight. He is deeply committed to sharing the sport, while mentoring new anglers through programs like The Mayfly Project and Trout Unlimited. As the founder of FlyCurious, Justin is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in the outdoors, dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces on the water. His impact on the industry includes board service with Fly Fishers International and work with the American Fly Fishing Trade Association. Locally, his advocacy extends through OUT Central Oregon, and as a founding Board Member of the Outdoorist Oath he champions ethical and inclusive outdoor access for all.
BACKPACKING
TAUGHT BY BRAD BARTMAN (HE/HIM)
WORKSHOP STYLE: HANDS-ON
THE WORKSHOP: This interactive workshop empowers participants to reach higher in their outdoor skills by building confidence and practical knowledge for hiking and backpacking adventures. Together, we’ll explore essential techniques for collecting and filtering water from natural sources, understanding best practices for water safety, and selecting the right filtration methods for a variety of environments.
As we ascend along the trail, you’ll also learn how to plan, prepare, and cook a simple, nourishing meal using lightweight gear—all while practicing Leave No Trace principles. Movement, learning, and connection with nature blend seamlessly in this hands-on experience, offering real-world skills you can carry into future journeys.
Whether you’re stepping onto the trail for the first time or looking to elevate your backcountry know‑how, this workshop provides a supportive, inclusive space to learn, ask questions, and grow your confidence. Together, we’ll climb toward new capabilities and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.
THE INSTRUCTOR: Brad Bartman is an avid hiker and backpacker with a deep love for the outdoors and exploring new places. Based in Michigan, he is actively involved in LGBTQ+ outdoor communities, where he has found connection, adventure, and a shared appreciation for nature. Whether he is hiking local trails, backpacking for days at a time, or traveling to experience new landscapes, he is happiest outside, breathing fresh air and taking in the beauty of the natural world. He’s driven by curiosity and a desire to see as much of nature as possible, from forests and mountains to coastlines and hidden trails. The outdoors is where Brad gets to recharge, challenge himself, and feel most at home.
VAN LIFE
TAUGHT BY REBECCA CHAPIN (SHE/HER)
WORKSHOP STYLE: HANDS-ON
THE WORKSHOP: This introductory workshop lifts the veil on the essentials of beginning van life, guiding you step‑by‑step as you ascend toward the freedom and adventure that call so many to the open road. Together, we’ll explore how to choose the right vehicle, understand core systems—including water, heat/AC, electrical setups, and weight considerations—and design a living space that supports your unique lifestyle.
You’ll gain a grounded understanding of the real pros and cons of boon-docking versus staying in campgrounds and RV parks, along with practical insights into finding remote work that can sustain a mobile life. The workshop includes a full walkthrough of the van and its systems, a hands-on interactive activity, and take‑home resources to help you take your next step upward.
Designed for anyone newly curious about van life, this workshop offers a supportive environment to explore what it takes to begin—and to rise into a new kind of freedom on the road.
THE INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Chappin has spent the last six years living and traveling full-time as a digital nomad, exploring North America one mile at a time. With an ongoing goal to spend at least three weeks in every U.S. state, visit all the national parks, and venture well beyond the country’s borders, she has already covered much of the East and West Coasts, Alaska, and parts of Canada. She lives entirely out of her van with her long-time partner and has mastered true minimalism—carrying everything she owns and nothing more. A thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail and a seasoned traveler, she brings practical insight, hard-won experience, and a genuine passion for life on the road.
READY, SET, SHOOT: Foundations of WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
TAUGHT BY KAYLEY OLSEN (SHE/HER)
WORKSHOP STYLE: HANDS-ON
THE WORKSHOP: Step into a supportive, beginner‑friendly photography workshop designed to help you rise to the next level in your creative journey. Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of photography from essential camera settings to lighting and composition through an uplifting, easy‑to-understand discussion.
Together we will venture into the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains for hands‑on practice, giving you space to rise in confidence behind the lens and apply your new skills in real time. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or rekindling a creative spark, this session invites you to elevate your perspective, embrace curiosity, and capture the world as you climb toward new artistic heights.
THE INSTRUCTOR: Kayley Olsen is no stranger to LGBTQ Outdoorfest, having returned to several events as a beloved and inspiring instructor. A free‑spirited Sagittarius, she’s always on the move with her wife, Cindy, and their adventure‑loving dog, Sage. With a background in music, education, and curriculum design, Kayley brings a creative and thoughtful approach to everything she teaches. She thrives in high‑altitude places and is happiest when backpacking, rock climbing, or carving fresh lines on snowy slopes. Above all, Kayley is driven by a deep passion for photographing LGBTQ+ joy and authenticity in the wild, capturing moments that celebrate community and freedom.
CAMPFIRE COOKING
TAUGHT BY CINDY NAM (SHE/HER)
WORKSHOP STYLE: HANDS-ON
THE WORKSHOP: Ascend beyond the basics of camp cuisine in this hands‑on outdoor cooking workshop designed to elevate your culinary creativity in the wilderness. Join us as we push past the limitations of typical camp meals and explore bold, diverse, and adventure‑ready recipes inspired by global flavors. Through guided demonstrations and campfire cooking techniques, you’ll learn how to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable meals even in the most rugged environments.
This workshop invites you to rise to new heights in your outdoor cooking skills, challenge what you think is possible at camp, and discover the joy and confidence that come from expanding your culinary comfort zone. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual camper, you’ll leave inspired, empowered, and ready to elevate every meal on your next outdoor adventure.
THE INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Nam is a passionate outdoor enthusiast whose love of nature has taken her across countless trails, shorelines, and campgrounds. An avid traveler and lifelong adventurer, she finds joy in paddle boarding on quiet mountain lakes, backpacking through remote wilderness areas, and settling into cozy campsites with her beautiful wife and their beloved pup.
Cindy thrives on the creative challenge of preparing delicious meals over open flames and camp stoves. She has a special interest in exploring global cuisines, often adapting vibrant ethnic recipes for the unique and unpredictable environment of outdoor cooking. Whether she’s perfecting a new Dutch‑oven dish or experimenting with bold flavors over a campfire, Cindy believes that good food has the power to bring people together and that the outdoors makes every meal taste a little more magical.
Her workshops reflect her belief that outdoor cooking should be fun, accessible, and adventurous. With a warm teaching style and a knack for making even complex techniques approachable, Cindy inspires others to step outside their culinary comfort zones and embrace the joys of cooking in wild places.
MORE EXCITING WORKSHOPS:
Camping | Car & Back Country
Healing Through Nature
Maps & Compass Exploration
Wilderness First Aide
Yoga