Press release from Texas Hill Country River Region
11-17-25
Uvalde County, TX — Homeschool students and families from across Texas explored the great outdoors through Living Classrooms: Wild Texas, a weeklong, hands-on learning adventure in the Texas Hill Country River Region. Created and organized by Visit Uvalde County and local lodging partners, this unique program combined nature, local expertise, and immersive experiences into one unforgettable educational adventure.
Set amid the rivers and hills of Uvalde County, Living Classrooms: Wild Texas transformed the outdoors into an interactive classroom. Activities and lessons were led by local partners, including Garner State Park, Hill Country Adventures, Concan Nursery, Deer Valley Apiary, and Art Workshops hosted by Infrathin Artist Residency, and programming by the Nueces River Authority — allowing students to learn directly from experts and locals of the Texas Hill Country.
“Our goal is to make learning come alive beyond the classroom,” said Kristi Gerdes, Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region and Visit Uvalde County. “Through hands-on exploration and real-world experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.” Homeschoolers from across Texas were invited to stay in the Hill Country, make new friends, and learn through these unique experiences.
Throughout the week, families participated in guided hikes, river studies, native plant lessons, and wildlife education, blending academic enrichment with outdoor discovery. Exclusive opportunities included the Big Tree Experience, where students visited private ranches to see award-winning oaks, cypress, and hackberry trees. Evening programs added even more fun with Garner line dancing classes, storytelling by Lee Haile, and movies under the stars. A special thanks to Camp Riverview, Frio Country Resort, and Riverbend on the Frio for hosting evening activities.
This was the first year for Living Classrooms: Wild Texas, and organizers were thrilled by the enthusiasm and participation from homeschool families across the state. Visit Uvalde County plans to continue this event in the spring, bringing together learning, tourism, and family fun while expanding educational opportunities in the region. “Our goal is to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and create a one-of-a-kind learning experience that families might not encounter during a typical getaway,” said Gerdes. “This was hands-on learning at its best—I watched kids run, jump, climb trees, and ask endless questions about everything from plants and bugs to bird nests and bees, discovering the Texas Hill Country in ways they’ll never forget.”
Registration for future Living Classrooms events will open in advance of each session. Families can stay updated on upcoming dates, schedules, and activities by visiting VisitUvaldeCounty.com or following @VisitUvaldeCounty on Facebook and Instagram @visituvaldecountytx.com
