Our L.O.C.A.L. Story
L.O.C.A.L. Adventures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2021 with a simple, yet powerful mission: to provide youth with immersive, nature-based experiences that nurture resilience, creativity, and emotional well-being. Rooted in Richmond, L.O.C.A.L. is a growing community of educators, outdoor enthusiasts, and students who believe in the transformative power of movement, mindfulness, and time spent outside.
The vision for L.O.C.A.L. Adventures was sparked by Preston Slaughter, a Richmond local with over a decade of teaching experience. L.O.C.A.L. is a living expression of Preston’s lifelong passions—blending education, creative wellness, and a deep love for the outdoors. After spending two years teaching English in Thailand and traveling across Asia, she returned to the U.S. in 2016 and found herself struggling with her mental health. Through yoga, meditation, and time immersed in nature, she rediscovered balance, learning to soothe her nervous system and reconnect with joy. These practices didn’t just heal her; they became the foundation for her work.
After providing programming in over 30 schools, Preston saw firsthand what many educators have realized: today’s youth are overwhelmed. Rising anxiety and depression rates, especially after COVID-19, revealed a critical gap in traditional education—one that left students without the tools they needed to regulate emotions and manage stress. In 2021, Preston set out to bridge that gap, designing accessible programs that teach stress management skills to teens.
Today, L.O.C.A.L. Adventures is a collective effort. Our team of passionate educators, community partners, and volunteers bring meaningful programming to schools, summer camps, and outdoor spaces. Together, we empower the next generation with the skills to navigate life’s challenges, express themselves authentically, and ultimately find lasting joy.
L.O.C.A.L. Adventures is more than one person’s vision. It’s a growing community of passionate educators empowering youth with toolkits that create a lasting impact—one breath at a time.
Where we have been and where we are going!
Where we have been and where we are going!
July 2019 – Preston teaches her first yoga program to 4th-grade girls at Anna Julia Cooper summer school while still living in Denver. Their curiosity and excitement during a field trip to JRPS on the final day of the program left a lasting impression on her.
November 2020 – Preston moves to Richmond during the pandemic.
November 2021 – L.O.C.A.L. Adventures is born in a burst of inspiration in Preston’s tiny Manchester studio. Over two weeks, she channels a pitch deck that becomes the foundation of L.O.C.A.L.
March 2022 – Preston secures her first major pitch to Peter Paul Development Center, leading to L.O.C.A.L. programs in six RPS elementary schools.
July 2022 – L.O.C.A.L. and Waterfront RVA launch James River Explorers, a 4-week mindfulness and paddling program for Peter Paul students.
August 2022 – L.O.C.A.L. joins NextUp RVA, expands into two RPS middle schools, hires its first additional yoga teacher, and secures its first grant ($1,500 per program).
April 2023 – L.O.C.A.L. lands a $12,000 grant to expand James River Explorers for summer 2023. That summer, Preston gets a crash course in grant management.
August 2023 – L.O.C.A.L. hires more teachers and expands citywide.
January 2024 – L.O.C.A.L. files for 501(c)(3) status and brings on two board members.
April 2024 – L.O.C.A.L. secures a large grant for summer 2024, the 2024-25 school year, and summer 2025. Its programs are flourishing.
December 2024 – L.O.C.A.L. celebrates its biggest year yet: $42,000+ in grants and 256 students served!
February 2025 – L.O.C.A.L. applies for its first grant as a 501(c)(3), hires multiple new teachers, brings on new board members and introduces new programs.
Meet Preston, Founder and Lead Educator
Preston Slaughter is an educator, adventurer, and the founder of L.O.C.A.L. Adventures. Preston has a decade of teaching experience across 40+ schools, working as a SPED teacher, English teacher, yoga instructor, art teacher, and mentor, among other roles. With special certifications in kids yoga and trauma-informed yoga, Preston combines mindfulness, movement, and outdoor education to empower youth. She is also a Wilderness First Responder and trained in Swift Water Rescue. Her passion for nature, healing, and experiential learning fuels L.O.C.A.L. Adventures' mission to create meaningful, transformative programs for all.
A fun fact about Preston: she grew up in Hong Kong from kindergarten until 8th grade!
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9+ years of teaching experience in over 40 different schools as a SPED teacher, English teacher, yoga teacher, art teacher, coach and mentor among many other roles.
NOLS Wilderness First Responder
Swift Water Rescue
200-hour Vinyasa Yoga
Kids Yoga
Trauma Informed Yoga
SUP Paddleboard Yoga
Deep Stretch and Meditation
Yin Yoga
Meridian Yoga Therapy
TEFL Certification
Meet Cidney, Lead Artist Educator
Cidney “Birdie” Oleniacz is a Richmond artist and arts educator with a decade of experience working with learners of all ages. Her mission is to allow space for students to explore their own relationship with nature and themselves through art, movement and creative exploration. An advocate amplifying one’s voice through art, Cidney has had led serval community mural projects throughout Richmond Park System.
A fun fact about Cidney: her Grandmother, Pat Lovelace, co-founded and ran Arts in the Park for 45 years.