About Us

 Terry (Video Testimonial)
Terry (Video Testimonial)
★★★★★
S.C. Park Ranger and Chief Guide
MyOutdoorJoy plans and executes outdoor experiences to make it easy for new or inexperienced participants to learn a lot and have fun. I watched him show a group of new campers how to set up and use a backpacking stove and they were all amazed at how easy it was to heat up a meal. James has a tremendous amount of experience in outdoor recreation and in leadership, and he combines the two to create a great experience for young and old alike. James’ knowledge of outdoor recreation is extensive, and he combines that with the ability to teach those skills, and a passion for getting others involved in those experiences. (Video Testimonial)
Rita Roeback
Rita Roeback
★★★★★
I am a total beginner and I have done things I would never have thought I would do. I even went skydiving but I didn’t tell anyone in my family for several days. They have change me in so many ways and I am greatful for all the patients and tolerance they have had with me.
Jim Stanton
Jim Stanton
★★★★★
S.C. Park Ranger
I had the pleasure to work with MyOutdoorJoy for several events, and there enthusiasm and willingness to teach outdoor skills to others made each program unique. They have extensive experience and knowledge for all things outdoors, and he makes each participant feel comfortable and capable to try new things they never did before or didn’t think they could do. Their commitment to involve everyone to ensure they learn while having fun is what makes his programs such a success.
Benita (Video Testimonial)
Benita (Video Testimonial)
★★★★★
Benita, a CMS student that comes to events with her mom, is our biggest supporter (video Testimonial)
Patti Habberstock
Patti Habberstock
★★★★★
General Manager: REI
When it cornes to welcoming and property preparing newcorners to the outdoors, MyOutdoorJoy is at the top of the game! I have been associated with MyOutdoorJoy for several years, offering retail space and collaboration in his endeavor tovard advocacy and education in getting people safely into the outdocxs. MyOutdoorjoy presents with enthusiasm, humor and honesty; effectively tuming the fear of new adventures into confidence and excitement for his participants. I cant say enough in my appreciation of their ambition and talent in the way he is creating current and next generations to safely enjoy the outdoors. Thank you Jarnes for providing these service in Charlotte.
Justin Jones-Fosu
Justin Jones-Fosu
★★★★★
Author and Motivational Speaker
Few words: I have blossomed into an international trekker because of James and his staff and there meaningful insights. Over the last few years, I have attended sessions and trips organized by MyOutdoorJoy and I am better as an outdoors person because of it, but he has managed to do something I did not expect…make me love the outdoors even more. MyOutdoorJoy provides practical and real strategies and tips to not only survive outdoors but to thrive in the outdoors. Amazing person to lead any outdoors experience!
Debra Watt
Debra Watt
★★★★★
Exec. VP, Foundation For The Carolinas
I serve on a nonprofit board with the founder of MyOutdoorJoy and we learned about all types of adventures, including scuba diving explorations. Several of us were interested in a team building event and MyOutdoorJoy’s staff quickly organized a group SCUBA event. They made it easy to show up and enjoy the experience.
Richard Cook
Richard Cook
★★★★★
Outdoor Manager: NOLS
James is definitely well known in the Carolinas for organizing and conducting outdoor adventures. He is a well traveled, pro outdoorsman with vast interests and knowledge; he possesses a curious mind and a natural tendency to try things, so he has been to more places and experienced more outdoor adventures than I ever will in my lifetime. That is because he made an intentional decision when he was young to be active, connected with the outdoors and motivated to live his life in under his own terms.
Sherri Belfield
Sherri Belfield
★★★★★
Director of Communication: Johnson C. Smith University
MyOutdoorJoy  is an experienced outdoor recreation company whose priorities are learning and safety. Not only do they make learning about hiking, backpacking and other outdoor pursuits fun, but they are  also motivational teachers. James has an inspirational personal story, and he uses his personal experience to help people overcome their fears and stretch beyond their comfort zone to set aspirational but realistic outdoor recreation goals. James has helped me find my personal outdoor joy, and I look forward to improving my outdoor recreation knowledge and skills while deepening my love of nature as I continue my journey.
Alicia Moss (video Testimonial)
Alicia Moss (video Testimonial)
★★★★★
The Alicia Moss a STEM teacher in CMS likes to come to all the outdoors events, and even climbed Kilimanjaro after 2 years with us. (video Testimonial)
Sara Lee
Sara Lee
★★★★★
Operations Director: Anne Springs Close Greenway
Over the years I have become acquainted with James as we have been a host site for many of his outdoor programs. He always has a good turnout for events and participants seem engaged and happy. As a host site, we are always grateful that campsites are well looked after and James diligently follows Leave No Trace practices – removing all trash and making sure fires are appropriately extinguished. He always works with us to arrange for activities that are appropriate for the outdoor comfort level of his participants. He works hard to make sure his participants get a fresh, new and approachable experience each time.
MyOutdoorJoy MyOutdoorJoy Arin and Mike having a friendly walk at Latta Preserve for a intro to hiking class

Who We Are

MyOutdoorJoy is a certified outdoor education and adventure company, specializing in adults and families. 

Our purpose is to help people find joy and meaning, whether that’s through adventure or learning new skills.

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Our Mission

 

MyOutdoorJoy empowers people to explore the world and themselves through experiences that inspire wonder, growth, and connection with nature.

Partner & Member Organizations

Prepared for Every Scenario

MyOutdoorJoy is committed to providing our participants and members with unparalleled opportunities to learn new skills and apply them with confidence.  Our seasoned specialists and instructors ensure you leave our classes proficient in outdoor skills and terminology.  Most importantly, you will feel empowered and enjoy every moment with like-minded individuals.

Our instructors are distinguished, real-world outdoorsmen and women.  Their impressive backgrounds include Appalachian Trail hikers, advanced-level Scuba divers, and international explorers, all of whom are exceptional educators.  MyOutdoorJoy stands out in the following ways:

  • Our instructors are experts with extensive real-world experience
  • Our instructors are CPR and/or AED-certified
  • We tailor all our outdoor programs to match the skill level of our participants
  • MyOutdoorJoy is fully insured
  • We are Leave No Trace Educators
  • We provide equipment for our members at no cost
  • We offer exclusive member-only events
  • We specialize in training beginner and intermediate-level students
 
Three  (6) Tenets of MyOutdoorJoy:
  1. Provide organized local outdoor recreational activities in the southern piedmont
  2. Environmental Stewardship
  3. Provide people with fun, enriching experiences
  4. Local commitment: Our company prioritizes suppliers, vendors, and partners with small businesses local to the Charlotte-Metro region to help grow the local economy.
  5. Teach Environmental Conservation with every event
  6. Help provide a gateway to getting more adults into outdoor recreation 
 
Certifications
  1. SCU: Outfitter and Guide License #W02817758
  2. Wilderness First Aid
  3. American Red Cross CPR and AED Certified
  4. Nationally Certified Leave No Trace Educators and Workshop Facilitators
  5. Mecklenburg County Certification #VS013450
  6. City of Charlotte Vendor Certification #320934
  7. South Carolina State Certification#7000333125
  8. North Carolina Small Business Enterprise NCSBE-4018305
  9. DUN and Bradstreet ( DUNS )11-892-0309
  10. MBE / HUB Certified
  11. Unique Entity Number GKPAYDQ4EWV3
  12. Certified SCUBA instructors 

Frequently Asked Questions

Literally everyone.  We have a couple of 80-year-olds along with some millennials.  We are focused on novice to intermediate adults.  That being said, we often have adults bring their kids to classes and events as well.  Our goal is get more people outside having fun.  This is the perfect place for you if you are just getting started.

Our members are real people of all body types.  We cross the spectrum from thin to having more weight than they would want to admit.  When you join, you will realize we are everyday people doing extraordinary things.

All of our events are open to the public.  

No worries, that is common for beginners.  Most of our trips take place in public parks that people frequent during the day.  You won’t be out in the isolated wilderness, and your car is usually within 75 yards of the campsite.  Our staff will also be in attendance for all the events, and you will be with other participants. You won’t be alone, and our events are very family-friendly. Including movie nights

You certainly can, and we encourage it.  You can bring as many friends as you like. 

Absolutely, parents and guardians may register a child under 18 to attend a class or event; however, the adult must also be a paid participant if the minor is under 13. Adults must also stay on-site throughout the entire program. Minors may not attend any overnight trips unaccompanied.

Media Clips