Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center

5:30 p.m. • 3675 Oak Hill Road, Peninsula, OH 44264

Rain or Shine • Casual Fall Attire • Valet Parking

Exploration celebrates nature, wonder, and the experiences that stay with us long after the day is over.

Stroll through campus and rediscover the magic of camper experiences.

Gather for a heritage-inspired dinner by Chef Vinnie Cimino of Cleveland’s Cordelia and ROSY. Share camp stories and embrace a little nostalgia.

Help ensure every student can experience their national park by bidding on outdoor experiences in the auction, trying your luck with raffle and 50/50 tickets, and making a gift to the CVEEC’s mission. 

Cap off the evening with dessert around the campfire and a guided night hike led by camp staff.

Learning Beyond Walls

Proceeds from Exploration support the mission of the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (CVEEC) – to connect young people with nature through immersive outdoor education.

CVEEC programs inspire curiosity, foster a sense of belonging in nature, and help students envision themselves as future scientists, educators, researchers, and conservationists.

Your presence and generosity at this annual fundraiser make it possible.

Cuisine Inspired by Curiosity 

We are proud to partner with Chef Vinnie Cimino, 3X James Beard Nominee and chef-owner of Cleveland’s Cordelia and ROSY restaurants, on an unforgettable culinary experience that reflects the delight of discovery in nature.

Chef Cimino brings his signature “Midwest nice” hospitality and a passion for locally sourced ingredients that honor the seasonal flavors of Cuyahoga Valley. 

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!

Wonder Sponsors

Steve and Marguerite Abdenour

Phil and Mindy Bartholomae

John and Mary Kay Chlebina

Deborah and Maureen Farris

Steve Comunale and Jan Prem

Martha Rini

Susan Tipton

Paul and Nancy Wellener

In-Kind Sponsors

Event Source

North Coast Litho

Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.

If you’re interested in sponsoring next year’s Exploration event, please contact Dan Blakemore, Vice President of Philanthropy, at [email protected] to discuss sponsor benefits and customize a package suited for you.

About the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center (CVEEC)

For over 30 years, the CVEEC has provided children with quality education and all of the fun that an outdoor learning center experience offers. From scientific exploration of the Cuyahoga River to singing around a campfire, a generation of children have enjoyed what they often describe years later as their “best week of school.” Over 30,000 children have benefitted from the overnight program and over 200,000 from day programs. Your support makes this possible for many children whose families could not otherwise afford these experiences.