Check a few things off your bucket-list this summer and join The Nebraska Adventure Group. Skydiving, snowshoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and archery/shooting are some of the many activities NAG does. This group formed in 2009 and is all about exploring the meaning of adventure. Any age group can get involved – it’s a great way to explore Omaha in a different light and challenge your will power. If you’ve never kayaked or skied before, that’s even better. NAG wants you to expand your horizons and try new things. Don’t worry though – they have plenty of experienced members to guide you along the way. Annual membership fee is $12. To join or learn about their upcoming adventures, visit nebraskaadventuregroup.com.
While you’re at it, take a hike with Backwoods Omaha. This hiking crew will take you to places in Omaha that your vehicle won’t. Backwoods is currently leading one hike per month called The Backwoods Outsider’s Hike. There are no memberships – just show up with your hiking gear and hit the trails. The hikes are easy to moderate so anyone can do it. You can choose to follow the lead or if you’re feeling real adventurous, wonder off on your own. The only fee you’ll need to pay is a park fee of $4. For more information on Backwoods Omaha and more upcoming hikes, visit backwoods.com or visit their event page on Facebook.
Time to put your running shoes on – The Scavenger Dash is one of many races/adventures you can participate in this summer and it’s another great way to explore the city. Teams of two throw on their street clothes or their wildest costume (best costume wins a prize), and they scavenge through Omaha on a mission to solve 12 clues. Teams also strive to reach checkpoints around the city and solve numerous riddles and puzzles. However they decide to get to the finish line – bus, car or foot – it’s an adventure and a workout all at the same time. The adventure takes place at Clancy’s Pub, 7128 Pacific St., Saturday, June 16. The dash starts at 12 p.m. Registration fee is $97 in advance per teams of two. For more information, visit scavengerdash.com or to view more races taking place this summer, visit runningintheusa.com and search for runs in the Omaha area.
Four years ago, The U.S Olympic Swim Trials took place in Omaha and now they’re back beginning June 25-July 2 at the Quest Center. That’s right, the Olympic swimming teams are coming to Omaha to compete and qualify for the 2012 U.S Olympic Team. About 1,250 swimmers are expected to compete at the trials and there are only 52 spots available for the U.S Olympic Team in London. Prelims start at 10 a.m. and finals at 6:45 p.m. For ticket and event information, visit usaswimming.org.
Don’t miss the Omaha Rollergirls’ last game of the season as they come in full-contact with the No Coast Derby Girls at the Mid America Center Saturday, June 9. The game is themed as their Teacher Appreciation Night and ORG are thanking the local teaching community by kicking off the summer with $8 tickets for the teachers (with valid and current school I.D.). It’s a double-header with both the AAA and All-Star teams featured for this final game starting at 7 p.m. For more ticket and event information, visit omaharollergirls.com.