Campout Collab – Outdoor Afro x Latino Outdoors

Building Community, Wellness, and Belonging Through Camping

Some of the best stories begin around a campfire.

This year, Outdoor Afro and Latino Outdoors embarked on a beautiful journey together, bringing Black and Latino communities into nature through a series of multi-day camping experiences centered around wellness, leadership, and belonging. From Houston to the San Francisco Bay Area and the Chicago region, participants gathered under one shared vision: that the outdoors is a place where our communities can reconnect, learn, and thrive, together.

What unfolded across these campouts was a living reminder that our stories, cultures, and traditions have always been connected to the land and to one another.

Every stop along the way added another chapter to that story.

CHAPTER 1: HOUSTON

Making Space for Wellness

At Palmetto State Park outside Houston, the importance of gathering together felt especially profound.

Participants made molcajete salsa and shared discada tacos. They learned about the African roots that shape so much of Latin American music and danced together in celebration of those shared histories. They learned to build campfires, floated in the river, and looked up at the stars together.

Around the evening fire, stories emerged about family traditions, ancestors, and the connections built over the course of the weekend. Others spoke about the importance of unity, kinship, the healing power of nature, and how meaningful it is to be in a space where we can simply be ourselves. Iliana Alvite, of Latino Outdoors remarked:

Again and again, people spoke about the healing that happens when we are able to simply be ourselves, and this weekend offered a powerful reminder: joy is not separate from the work—it is part of the work.

CHAPTER 2: SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

Finding Magic, Rain or Shine

The Bay Area campout taught another lesson entirely…

The rain came, but so did everyone else.

Nobody allowed the weather to interrupt what had been months of planning and anticipation. Instead, participants adapted together, finding new ways to enjoy nature. Astronomy presentations moved indoors. Movie nights appeared. Arts and crafts tables emerged. Families gathered in community spaces, played Lotería and Taboo, shared meals, and made memories that had nothing to do with perfect weather.

When the skies opened, hikers headed for the trails and explored the tide pools together.

Perhaps the most beautiful moments came through the connections between generations. Children played with elders, young adults found community with families, parents watched new friendships form in every direction.

Latino Outdoors’ SF Bay Area Regional Coordinator, Aurora Cortes, reflected:

“Our community campout in partnership with Outdoor Afro was a huge success! It rained on us, but even the rain wasn’t enough to keep people from camping! Our closing circle got very emotional with people expressing their immense gratitude for a safe space… It was all just really good vibes.”

The gathering became a reminder that belonging isn’t built by ideal circumstances. It is built by people choosing to care for one another, no matter what the forecast says.

CHAPTER 3: CHICAGO

The Stories We Carry Home

By the time our communities gathered at Indiana Dunes State Park outside Chicago, something special had already taken root, now joined by even more new Midwest participants who arrived ready to connect.

Newcomers were welcomed like old friends. Meals were shared. Gear was exchanged. Community members came together to offer their knowledge of the dunes while around the bonfire, stories, laughter, and quiet moments of rest filled the evening air.

Then came Sheila, an injured blue bird found by participants that became an unexpected companion for the weekend! Community members cared for her until wildlife professionals arrived, embodying the stewardship and compassion that live at the heart of both organizations.

Outdoor Afro leader Sheena Duffey reflected on the experience beautifully:

“There’s something special about being surrounded by nature and even better when it’s shared with community. These are the kind of memories that stay with you—rooted in connection, culture, and the joy of the outdoors.”

And that’s exactly what these campouts created: memories rooted deeply enough to travel home with us.

One Journey, Many Campfires

Across every campsite, one truth remained constant: our communities belong in the outdoors, not just as visitors, but as outdoor leaders, storytellers, and caretakers. We are joyful participants in the natural world. This collaboration between Outdoor Afro and Latino Outdoors demonstrated what becomes possible when Black and Latino communities gather with intention.

The campfires may have gone out for now, but the relationships, confidence, and memories created on this journey continue to glow. And this story is still being written with additional campouts planned for later this summer, we look forward to welcoming even more people into experiences that nurture wellness, deepen connection, and build lasting community in the outdoors.

So whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or finally inspired to embark on your very first outdoor adventure, there’s a place for you with us on future trips!