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George, Crystal, and Dahlia from Lehigh Valley with Love spent the day at Lake Nockamixon State Park with the team from L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs to try out just a few of the activities they offer throughout the summer.
From archery to kayaking to full moon paddles, these programs are built to help anyone, regardless of experience, get outside and try something new.
They spent time with Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, who shared how these programs are designed for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. They also met with instructors Ruth, Craig, Dylana, and Sarah, who bring passion, experience, and approachability to everything from kayaking to archery, helping make the outdoors accessible and fun for everyone.
L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs are based at Lake Nockamixon and the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, offering kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, fly casting, guided hikes, and more. With options for beginners, group outings, and even night paddles under the full moon, there’s something for everyone looking to get outside.
Learn more → https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania
Visit their store → The Promenade Shops, Center Valley, PA: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000001713?page=store-center-valley
Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/ByiRCy4oizo
Thank you to our Partners!
L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs
WDIY
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
A Day Outside with L.L. Bean — And Why More People Need to Do This
You don’t usually associate archery safety talks with jokes about Sasquatches or see your kid aim an arrow at a tennis ball in the rain and absolutely light up. But that’s exactly what happened when we spent a day with the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs at Lake Nockamixon.
This wasn’t just a video shoot or podcast episode. It was the kind of day that sticks with you. Not because it was perfect (it rained), but because it was real. And more people need this kind of real right now.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery
🌐 Explore the Programs
https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania
“We want to give you the best first experience you could have.”
That’s what Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, told us early on. And it’s not something you’d expect to take seriously — until you spend time with the instructors she works with.
People like Ruth, who’s been doing this for 15 years and still lights up when she talks about getting people on the water.
Or Craig, who took a kayak class in college and came back to it in retirement, just because it made him feel something.
Or Dylana and Sarah, who took our family (and a camera crew) through the archery basics without a hint of condescension, even when we had absolutely no idea what we were doing.
This is what makes this program work: not the gear or the branding — but the people. These instructors aren’t reciting from a script. They believe in this stuff. And they’re patient enough to help you believe in it too.
The Outdoors Is Not a Vibe. It’s a Reset Button.
We talk a lot about “disconnecting” these days. But for most people, that still means standing around staring at your phone with a different background. This wasn’t that.
Out at Lake Nockamixon, even with raindrops on the camera lens and a soggy hoodie, things felt clearer. Dahlia learned how to shoot a bow. Crystal got advice on safety lines and string tension from someone who could probably teach blindfolded. We paddled. We laughed. We dried off. We reset.
You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” to do this. That’s the point. These programs are built for beginners. You don’t need to own anything. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You just need to show up.
“Even if you’ve never been to a lake before,” Lindsey told us, “we want you to feel like this is a place for you.”
It is.
Why This Stuff Matters
We asked about accessibility. They talked about the ADA-accessible boat launch and helping kids from the Boys & Girls Club feel safe getting in the water for the first time.
We asked about skill levels. They said they welcome people who’ve never touched a paddle and also offer sea kayaking, rescue courses, and night paddles under the full moon.
We asked about groups. They’ve worked with Girl Scouts, bachelor parties, corporate team-building retreats, and even entire families who want to do something different for their reunion.
So yeah, this is recreation. But it’s also something bigger.
This is how you build confidence in kids. This is how you reconnect with your spouse. This is how you remember what it feels like to be out of your head for a while.
And if all you take home is a few mosquito bites and a blurry photo of your first bullseye, honestly? That’s still a win.
📍 Plan Your Visit
https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania
🏪 The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
🎧 Listen to the Episode → www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery
