Let’s Get Outside with our 2021 Leadership Team
We're Ready to get outside with you!
Announcing our 2021 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
We recently gathered virtually for our annual Outdoor Afro Leadership Training, and along with learning, connecting and reflecting on our love for nature, it was a celebration. We celebrated how our 103 Leaders who are teachers, doctors, grocery store managers, parents and outdoor employees among other roles, showed up this past year. Through the challenges we’ve all faced, they continued to show up connecting people to nature and each other.
This year, our inspiring volunteer leaders come from diverse backgrounds in 56 cities and the District of Columbia. These volunteers embody the promise and passion to continue what Outdoor Afro trail blazed more than TEN YEARS ago!
As we continue to transform the narrative about Black leadership in the outdoors, we are honored to welcome the volunteer leaders who will continue the success of the previous classes of Outdoor Afro Leadership. Each volunteer leader will create and guide monthly trips, leverage media and create collaborations to strengthen connections with the outdoors.
Learn more about our training here.
We invest in our leaders through our annual in person training. However, during our online experience this year, we dug deep into two sessions of risk management, broke into small groups by activity to “choose your own adventure,” were grounded in our story as we planned our own mission statements as outdoor leaders, and had so much fun with an OALT teambuilder. We are grateful for an amazing team who have worked diligently to create a meaningful experience to deepen relationships with each other and build on existing expertise. You can look back on our training journey with #OALT21.
Throughout the year, Leaders will affirm Outdoor Afro values through ongoing training that reflects not just outdoor skills, but building community and relationships as well. We celebrated that nature never closes, and look forward to getting outside with you this year.
Etiquette Tips For Camping with Friends and Family
Couples Camping © Steve Prezant/Corbis
You can’t change your friends and family, but you can change the way you camp with them. Some moderate planning can make a big difference in your camping experience together. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your camping trips with loved ones:
Shared Space
In some areas, the outdoors still has boundaries, and it’s important to honor both the environment and neighboring campers. If you are planning to visit a drive-up or RV campground, make sure you have reserved a site that can accommodate your entire group plus equipment, to avoid encroaching on neighboring sites. It’s also nice to offer neighbors a hand with tents or with getting a campfire lit. Good stewards leave no trace of trash, but leaving a bit of firewood for the next group in your spot is always a welcomed gesture.
Food
Plan your meals together at home and share the shopping tasks so there are no surprises. Meat eaters might eat vegetarian fare, but don’t expect your vegetarian friends and family members to eat the steak and bacon you brought, even if it is free range and hormone free! Decide on meal plans that accommodate everyone.
Kids
If you have kids, and are planning to camp with folks without children, discuss logistics, such as the possibility of hands-on help with recreation or watching over little ones. If everyone is bringing little ones, get a watch routine together, so all the adults can plan for breaks in the action.
Music
If your camping mates are all persons of color, don’t assume folks want to hear Li’l Wayne on blast all weekend. Bring acoustic instruments, like a hand drum or guitar that can be enjoyable and easy to play, even if you are not an expert. Singing or telling stories, while gathered around a campfire is classic, and timeless.
Booze/Drinks
Some drink, others don’t; some like Bud Light, others like Grey Goose. Discuss and get clear regarding alcohol consumption preferences, and know your campground policy on alcohol in advance (see Nancy’s comment below!).
Above all…just chill
Camping trips are a time to let go, and go with the flow. You might stay up ’til the wee hours to stargaze; your kids might eat a ton of s’mores, and all of you might laugh louder than you ever would at home after a long day at work. Enjoy it all! The best part of my own camping plan is to leave the city constraints behind and have fun!
What are some of your tips and experiences when camping with friends and family?
