Outdoor Afro travels the Underground Railroad in 2023
Outdoor Afro originates its second year of illustrated storytelling during Black History Month. For 2023, the organization collaborated with digital illustrator Dajah Callen to educate about one of the most well-organized networks by abolitionists to usher enslaved people out of the American South: the Underground Railroad. “Collaborating with Outdoor Afro for this Black History Month project was a natural fit since my work centers emotions and thoughts we sometimes find hard to put into words,” said Callen. “I also enjoy drawing nature.” Virtually visit trails and tours identified by the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program and periodically toured by local Outdoor Afro networks throughout each year.
EXPLORE THIS ILLUSTRATED STORY
Callen’s illustrations depict the freedom train’s allegorical “conductors” who strategically mapped out and commonly led a matrix of “stations” from 1810 to 1850. These stations guided runaways (approximately 100,000) into liberation and provided temporary care. Some stations were shipyards. Others were safe houses (churches, barns, businesses). Modes of transportation used included boats, wagons, and freedom by foot. Harriet Tubman served as one of the railroad’s distinguished conductors. She learned about the secret communications that happened on trade routes and applied the course knowledge. Her leadership as an outdoor navigator and wilderness survival expert earned her the Biblical title of “Black Moses.”
She, along with fellow conductors, operated canals, trails, bays, rivers, ferries, and forests as routes to help enslaved people escape. Tubman is known for guiding more than 13 trips to the South. It’s estimated she freed more than 70 enslaved people, including family and friends. In the spirit of the Underground Railroad’s national reach and mission, Outdoor Afro selects and trains a network of more than 100 volunteer leaders who lead their neighborhoods in nature. With networks in 60 cities and up to 32 states throughout the United States, volunteer leaders guide more than 60,000 people nationwide annually to explore land, water, and wildlife.
Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders help reintroduce local Black history stories like the Underground Railroad. Volunteer leaders serve as community “conductors” while guiding monthly outdoor activities. In addition to scheduling and hosting neighborhood historical tours, leaders use social media to connect and invite community participants to multigenerational experiences in nature. These backyard activations include biking, gardening, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, swimming, and other requested community adventures.
Outdoor Afro National Program Director Chaya Harris sees the digital storytelling series as magnifying Black history in nature, showing that Black people were – and still are – skilled communicators, navigators, merchants, entrepreneurs, farmers, craftspeople, and more: “Outdoor Afro’s networks often take community participants to modern-day tours and trails connected to the Underground Railroad,” said Chaya Harris. “By the end of these historical visits with our network leaders and participants, we’re reminded that a lot of thought, planning, and people went into this ongoing journey toward freedom.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide movement with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching more than 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
*Outdoor Afro's Black History Month 2023 illustrated scenes of the Underground Railroad. Artwork by Dajah Callen
Outdoor Afro’s Rue Mapp nominated as Bessie Awards finalist
Global lifestyle brand Wanderful has announced 2023 finalists of its fifth annual Bessie Awards, and this year’s nominees include Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. Mapp has been selected as a finalist under the JourneyWoman Award category, a lifetime achievement award for a person who has demonstrated long-term commitment to making the travel industry better. This award is presented in memory of JourneyWoman’s Evelyn Hannon. “It’s truly an incredible honor to be recognized by the community,” said Mapp, whose social enterprise in 2009 called Outdoor Afro is today a national not-for-profit organization. “I’m personally touched by the person this award recognizes – a Black American woman, Bessie Coleman, who not only sought to travel in an era of exquisite and codified boundaries that limited that possibility for women who looked like her, but also had the audacity and tenacity to become a pilot herself. So much of my work stands on the shoulders of Bessie Coleman whose heights I can only try to attain.”
FORMER WINNERS, ATTENDEES VOTE HERE
The Bessie Awards is dedicated to recognizing the achievements and efforts of those who have contributed to and impacted the travel industry. Winners are selected through a popular vote from past WITS attendees and former Bessie Award winners. Voting is now open. WITS will announce this year’s winners at the Bessie Awards ceremony taking place Saturday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. AST at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mapp is an awarded and inspirational leader, speaker, public lands champion, outdoor gear designer, and published author. The Oakland, California, native established for-profit venture Outdoor Afro, Inc. in 2021 and subsequently launched a 22-piece hike collection with outdoor retailer REI Co-op. Her first national book titled “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” released with American publisher Chronicle Books during November 2022. That same year in February, she participated in an 18-day Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage to Antarctica. Mapp became a founding member of the group's first-ever Black Traveler Advisory Board. The board is designed to drive change within the entire cruise industry.
Over the years, Mapp has been recognized with many awards and distinctions. She became a 2021 AFAR Travel Vanguard Award recipient, National Geographic 2019 Fellow, Heinz Awards Honoree, and National Wildlife Federation Communication Award recipient (received alongside President Bill Clinton). The White House also invited Mapp to participate in the America’s Great Outdoors Conference, which led to her participation in the launch of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative. Mapp’s career and community impact through Outdoor Afro aims to lift up the natural world and those who connect with it. Her advocacy for conservation continues to earn international media attention, including The New York Times, Good Morning America, NPR, NBC’s TODAY, Forbes, Oprah Winfrey, and “MeatEater” with Steven Rinella.
“I’ve accomplished a lot of life goals,” Mapp said. “For me, it’s always been about a race to the ordinary. I want to get out on my travels and adventures, and see more people who look like me and are represented as strong, beautiful, and free from all over the world. And it's no longer a big deal. The Bessie Awards, created by Wanderful and hosted at the annual Women in Travel Summit (WITS) Travel Creator Summit, honor women and gender diverse people of impact in the travel space – particularly influencers, creative entrepreneurs, marketers, brands, and industry members who have added a compelling voice to the travel industry. “We are absolutely thrilled to recognize such an extraordinary group of creators and brands this year for our fifth annual Bessies,” said Beth Santos, Founder and CEO of Wanderful. “We hope that by showcasing their work we can inspire more builders in the space to contribute their voices to make our travel industry even more thoughtful, inclusive, and meaningful.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide movement with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching more than 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT WANDERFUL: Wanderful is a global lifestyle brand that specializes in helping all women travel the world. Reaching more than 100 million women worldwide each year, Wanderful connects travelers through a thriving membership community, meetups in 50 global cities, group trips, global events like WITS Travel Creator Summit, and the first major outdoor travel festival for women, Wanderfest. Learn more here.
ABOUT WITS TRAVEL CREATOR SUMMIT: WITS is the premier event for travel’s top marketing talent. Creative entrepreneurs, influencers, DMOs, and industry come together to discuss future innovations, build dynamic collaborations, and change travel worldwide, all while supporting and empowering a dynamic community of women and gender diverse people. Learn more here.
Chaya Harris' winter walking suggestions for Oprah Quarterly
Oprah Quarterly featured Outdoor Afro National Program Director Chaya Harris (CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REPORT) in its January 2023 winter coverage, asking the Boston-based outdoorswoman about the health implications of simply walking in cold weather. The right source to quiz, the former public school educator and now nature traveler's tally of winter excursions include New England ice climbing, ice skating, skiing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. In 2022, she and Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp took an 18-day Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage together to Antarctica. So, Harris is pretty savvy on penguin diction, too. Coupled with her Oprah Quarterly commentary, Harris shares these good-to-know points and health benefits to this hibernal activity:
QUESTION: CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS ONE GAINS FROM WALKING OUTDOORS?
HARRIS: Walking or hiking is such a popular Outdoor Afro nature activity for our networks across the nation. Specifically because of the many health benefits, including muscle development, building a steadier heart rate, and more time outdoors to address any weight concerns we might have. It’s an opportunity to connect our minds and body in a simple fashion. Taking longer strides and engaging the core are easy actions to increase range of motion, flexibility, and coordination while walking in nature as well.
QUESTION: HOW DOES WALKING IN NATURE, OR JUST THE OUTDOORS, IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH?
HARRIS: It really gives space for us to clear our minds — to re-access daily tasks or challenges from a newer (sometimes creative) perspective. There is this notion of seasonal affective disorder that can make us depressed or anxious as the year changes. Walking can become an answer to discovering peace in these times, becoming an effective source for decompressing mentally from major life shifts. I personally find it interesting how setting goals while walking — like a 15-minute neighborhood stroll — can turn into this serotonin accomplishment boost.
QUESTION: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO WALK IN NATURE FOR OVERALL WELL BEING?
HARRIS: In these semi-COVID times, it’s valuable. Working remotely has truly become commonplace for a lot of people, families, and communities. Walking as a form of exercise, self-care, or socializing is vital to adjusting during the pandemic. It’s a rewarding outlet worth taking advantage of for our sanity. It certainly grounds me and allows me to release any tension or stress I’m feeling. Walking equally reminds me of the small wonders in life — the birds chirping or flowers blooming — and making the most of each moment in nature. Dedicating time to walk in my neighborhood also gives me gratitude that I’m able to stay home and appreciate the outdoors in my area.
QUESTION: ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS ONE GETS FROM WALKING IN WINTER DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER OR SCENERY?
HARRIS: For one thing: There’s no mosquitos or other creatures that may typically cause fear or anxiety. I find the winter months as much calmer with quieter locations in nature. Winter walking is easier on the joints if you’re in a snowy region. I love that soft crunch under my feet. With the right layers, you can get a fairly low-impact workout.
QUESTION: CAN YOU SHARE TIPS FOR MAKING WALKING A DAILY ROUTINE?
HARRIS: Literally, write down “walking today” on a Post-it Note. Schedule time in your smartphone. Seriously, make walking part of your personal or work schedule. Don’t be afraid to scout a neighbor or colleague to become your walking buddy. It gives the experience a social element. If no one is available, use the opportunity to listen to your favorite podcast or a new album while in route. Don’t forget: Focus on the enjoyment part of walking. Turn it into a daily routine or an award system to self.
QUESTION: ANY PRACTICAL TIPS OR WALKING-IN-WINTER STRATEGIES TO KEEP IN MIND, SAFETY ISSUES, WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE CLIMATE?
HARRIS: Shop fun, comfortable, and durable footwear. Ones so snug you welcome exploring more in nature or your neighborhood. Layering up in the wintertime is high priority in cold weather. Have your base layer (not cotton if you want to keep sweat away), then your insulating layer (fleece options) and outdoor layer (puffy coat or down jacket). If it’s raining, consider a hard shell jacket. I like full zip-ups as a form of extra protection. Plus, they’re easier to pack up.
QUESTION: ANYTHING ONE CAN DO TO ENHANCE THEIR EXPERIENCE WALKING OUTDOORS/IN NATURE?
HARRIS: Pair walking with other nature activities you enjoy. For instance, bird watching, journaling, or photographing wildlife. Also, try walking throughout the four seasons to keep your scenery in nature interesting and with a fresh perspective on life.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
Outdoor Retailer elects Outdoor Afro to Homecoming Court
Outdoor Retailer – North America's largest trade show in the outdoor industry – honored Outdoor Afro during its rather “snowy” Snow Show 2023 held Jan. 10 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Now back in its longtime home, the three-day show recognized the national not-for-profit organization as a royalty member at the Homecoming Court Party outside of Salt Palace Convention Center. “It’s such an honor to receive this recognition and invitation to participate in this special event,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in her 11th participatory year of the trade show, “but I actually owe this show more for helping me learn and grow my business. Outdoor Retailer has also ushered in my newest wave of lifelong friends who share my passion for connecting more people to the outdoors.” However, gusts of wind, rain, and eventually snow ended the party early. The court gathered for a quick photo op before Mother Nature bumped up the coldness.
Local Olympian Gus Kenworthy planned to acknowledge the court’s organizations and individuals making a difference in the outdoor community and industry. Outdoor Afro received the brief recognition alongside five other organizations: Conservation Alliance, Protect Our Winters, Conservation Alliance, Camber Outdoors, and The Outdoorist Oathe. Outdoor Retailer also honored local athlete and advocate Caroline Gleich; local CEO Kaitlin Eskelson; and local organization Save Our Great Salt Lake. “The Homecoming Court symbolizes our welcoming home to Salt Lake City,” said Outdoor Retailer Event Organizer Krista Parry. “We selected local organizations, industry organizations like Outdoor Afro, and national associations for our return to Utah. Rue is a true beacon of joy within this industry.” Mapp followed up the organizational accolade Jan. 11 with Outdoor Retailer’s Community Corners Campfire Chat – a “New at OR” section to the show that connects participants to industry influencers.
Nearly 40 fireside attendees fastened to a stump stool or stood nearby to learn about Mapp’s first book “Nature Swagger.” In collaboration with American publisher Chronicle Books, the project shares authentic stories and original visuals of Black joy in the outdoors. Campfire Chat participants listened as Mapp read about her childhood connection to nature and how those early experiences shaped the Outdoor Afro brand. Attendees traveled Mapp’s journey from developing a national movement through Outdoor Afro to creating universal gear and equipment for any hiking interpretation in nature.
Along with the first-time chat session, the show continued its tradition of introducing a new era of community, leadership, products, services, and fun. Re-establishing in Salt Lake City after a few years in Denver, Colorado, the show’s return to Utah meant a brand-new Outdoor Retailer format: shifted show dates, amplified demos, a leadership conference, and consumer festival welcoming public participation. And the fifth annual Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards – an always-favorite part of the event. Prior to this particular award, Outdoor Afro won the show’s then 2013 Outdoor Industry Association Outdoor Inspiration Awards.
“As a 2013 Inspiration Award recipient, it continues to inspire my work,” Mapp said, “and has helped Outdoor Afro live up to this vision as part of the industry and our nation.” At the trade show, industry experts confirmed business has changed in what’s a $862 billion-dollar outdoor industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Therefore, Outdoor Retailer aims to help platform brands and support the retail ecosystem overall at the right moments throughout each year. “Outdoor Retailer has always been a resource for the outdoor industry,” said Outdoor Retailer Vice President and Show Director Marisa Nicholson in Snow Show 2023 edition of show publication The Daily, “a space for innovation, inspiration, ideas, and advocacy.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT OUTDOOR RETAILER: Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.
Outdoor Afro welcomes two new board members
Two outdoor leaders, Nik Dehejia and Maria Louise Hekker, joined Outdoor Afro’s Board of Directors to help support the not-for-profit organization’s nature and community work across America. “I have known and respected the pioneering and innovative work of both Nik and Maria for more than two decades combined,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “They each bring deep and accomplished expertise in both nonprofit and business leadership.”
Dehejia and Hekker started their two-year terms with Outdoor Afro during the board’s annual retreat and training that took place November 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Board members can serve up to four consecutive two-year terms. As Dehejia and Hekker entered the board, founding Board Chair Beth Pratt concluded eight years with Outdoor Afro as a board member.
In addition to her roles as board chair and California regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation, Pratt advocated for the protection of P-22 and the building of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing bridging U.S. Route 101. “Beth has been there for me and Outdoor Afro from before the founding of the organization as we know it today,” said Mapp. “She and I are so fortunate to share a personal and professional sisterhood that has pushed us to achieve innovation, social entrepreneurship, and overall disruption and elevation of expected conservation nonprofit outcomes.”
Mapp added about Pratt as a colleague and friend: “She alone has changed how our organization – and the world – thinks about the role and care of wildlife in our society. Her imprint on me as a friend, and especially on the work of Outdoor Afro, will be felt and honored for generations to come.” Board Secretary Dawn O’Neal will replace Pratt as Outdoor Afro’s 2023 board chair. O’Neal also serves as a vice president of the National Audubon Society, working with peers across the country to shape and deliver national objectives, initiatives, and processes.
Dehejia is a 16-year veteran of Oakland Zoo. He serves as the zoo’s chief executive officer, helping to advance the zoo’s future in both wildlife conservation and as a visitor destination. He’s also a board member of the Regional Parks Foundation, Visit Oakland, and the Wildlife Restoration Foundation. Before Oakland Zoo, Dehejia worked in international public policy at the World Resources Institute and World Bank, in corporate responsibility at Business for Social Responsibility, and in a more traditionally commercial role at Levi Strauss & Co.
Hekker holds more than 35 years of business, management, operations, and legal service with public, private, and nonprofit entities. She has spent a lifetime outdoors and appreciates Outdoor Afro’s focus on joy and healing in local communities. Hekker's experience also includes more than three decades on several nonprofit boards; countless volunteer hours; two years as a chief operating officer for a consulting startup; a decade as general counsel for a public company; and five years in the San Francisco and Milan offices of an international law firm. Currently, she serves on the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, Inc., Hunter College High School Alumnae/i Association, Inc., and Executive Group for the Friends of the Glen Park Greenway boards.
Outdoor Afro started as a social enterprise for Mapp in 2009. She incorporated Outdoor Afro in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) and has led the organization since as its founder and CEO. The organization has grown from a one-woman blog and three founding board members to 12 full-time staff and a 13-member Board of Directors. Its operating budget has grown from a modest $110,000 in revenue in 2015 to now more than $2.5 million – largely from foundations, individuals, and corporate partners supported by its board’s subject matter experts and guidance. “At this moment of rapid growth for Outdoor Afro,” Mapp said, “it is so clear to me that Maria, Nik, and Dawn each have the ability to contribute greatly to our mission and support our critical work.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
Outdoor Afro's signature shirts restock with Oaklandish
Wear it on the streets of America. Watch the comments, curiosities, and questions that follow. “We recognized early our community loves our logo, and wants to represent it loud and proud,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “Having a merch store is a fun and accessible way for our community to continue to support our charitable work. Working with Oaklandish in the past, we’re even more excited to now embark on this new chapter of collaboration.”
Outdoor Afro worked with the longtime community partner to open a new digital store for supporters to shirt shop the collection. The national not-for-profit organization is easily identified within the outdoor industry because of its logo – an afro silhouette with a tree sprouting from the cultural throwback hairstyle. Recently rebranding its .com site to now outdoorafro.org, Outdoor Afro reintroduces its sought-after shirts: short sleeve, long sleeve, and hoodie varieties. Just in time for the holidays.
Mapp considers Oaklandish as the premiere Oakland purveyor of iconic design that beautifully represents Outdoor Afro’s hometown and headquarters location. “Rue herself is a force of nature,” said Angela Tsay, Oaklandish CEO, “and has done so much to raise Oakland’s profile on the national scene while staying true to her passion and the mission goals of Outdoor Afro. We’re so proud of everything she has accomplished and are proud to work with her in growing the brand.” In its now 13th year, Outdoor Afro and the iconic nature emblem continue to speak to Black joy, healing, and the network’s mission: celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature.
The afro logo has literally traveled from local neighborhoods and nationwide conferences. To The White House and celebrity events. To a cruise across international waters with Mapp in Antarctica during February 2022. Outdoor Afro also trains a select group of volunteer leaders who guide more than 1,000 local activities across the United States annually. After each activity, volunteers and community participants gather with the network’s signature logo banner to capture that memory in nature. Now that Outdoor Afro reaches more than 60,000 people nationwide, its logo stays on touring circuit rotation.
Purchasing the organization’s newest short-sleeve tee, long-sleeve tee, or hoodie through Oaklandish guarantees a comfy reminder of why Mapp established the now nature movement for Black people and Black communities. “Our mission at Oaklandish is to spread ‘local love’ by way of our civic pride tees and accessories,” said Theresa Hartwell, marketing and account manager. “Oaklandish is honored to partner with Outdoor Afro, and share the impactful work they do to uplift and reconnect Black people to the outdoors.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow @outdoorafro on social for more nature stories.
5 Stanley cookware hacks for holiday camping
Stanley products have literally traveled on oodles of American outdoor adventures for more than 100 years now. The brand has powered daily coffee breaks. Assisted meal prep days in nature. Provided the right amount of storage gear for food and beverages (on and off the road). With each passing year, Stanley continues to innovate, bringing timeless and modern solutions for outdoor exploration to backyard chill sessions.
Outdoor Afro champions brands like Stanley for helping to build more sustainable communities through modern, reusable products. Ways Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders, network participants, the organization’s staff, and even you can maximize time outside this holiday season by incorporating these multipurpose Stanley products:
TRY COOK SETS IN NEW SETTINGS: Typically food preparation is an indoor activity. With Stanley’s Adventure Full Kitchen Base Camp Cook Set, it’s easier to move cooking experiences outside. This best-selling set features a three-ply frying pan, stainless-steel pot, cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, plates, and bowls. This collection includes the essentials to transport kitchen conveniences pretty much anywhere – the front yard, backyard, campsites, or RVs. The set’s compact design allows hassle-free packing and unloading to comfortably and confidently cook away from the traditional kitchen.
INVEST IN MULTI-USE BACKYARD COOKWARE: Outdoor Afro volunteer leader, Tarik Moore, is a backpacker, car camper, and backyard camping expert. He loves the “ease” of how his family works together to create original fun at home. “Backyard camping is really convenient,” said Moore, “allowing our kids to use their imagination and help with preparing snacks like s’mores.” In between games and conversation, Moore often relies on Stanley’s Adventure Cook Set For Four to accommodate appetites. Ideal for heating soups and brewing coffee, this 11-piece set includes a 2.5L pot, serving utensil, bowls, and sporks for four.
VENTURE OUT IN CULINARY CREATIONS: Another Outdoor Afro volunteer leader who appreciates a camping quest with family and friends is Robin Roberts. “I revisited camping four years ago,” she said. “I took my kids to The Mighty 5 and have been camping ever since.” An outdoor chef in her own right, Roberts puts Stanley products to the test for network camping trips. Cookware she can always make great use of: the Adventure Even-Heat Pot Set. This durable collection comes with a 1.9-quart saucepan, collapsible cutting board, silicone trivet, and serving spoon to prep, serve, and delight. Roberts’ signature camping dish: her chili and cornbread. Two syllables: De-lish! With the help of this lightweight, camp-friendly set, her favorite camping meal has become a beloved tradition, especially with her kids. “We make it on the stove and finish on the campfire,” said Roberts. “They love it every time, and I must make it every time we camp.”
SAVOR NEWER COFFEE-LOVER SIPS: Freshly brewed. Hot. Morning coffee. Yes, please! The Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set by Stanley is a quick-and-easy fix to getting up and at ’em in nature. This coffee system helps you relive those kitchen table sunrise seconds with each sip. Paper filters not required, the stainless-steel setup contains a reusable filter paired with Stanley’s Classic Legendary Camp Mug. This fun-size mug keeps coffee heated by way of its double-wall vacuum insulation. The mug’s press-fit Tritan™ lid also helps prevent spills or splashes in the car or by the campfire.
CRAFT SIGNATURE COFFEES FOR TRAVELING CREWS: Complement early-morning breakfast among loved ones with the Stay Hot French Press. This compact coffee solution makes brewing specific types of coffee during group camping adventures easier to achieve in the outdoors. A mesh filter holds the grinds in place, resulting in a stronger, flavorful cup of coffee. Plus, its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps everything hot. The ergonomic handle ensures pouring is a mess-free process. The press guarantees coffee stays hot for four hours and iced for 24 hours.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
ABOUT STANLEY: The Stanley brand has a rich 100-plus year history of forever changing the way hot drinks are consumed. Stanley fused vacuum insulation and the strength of steel in one portable bottle in 1913, inventing the all-steel vacuum bottle we know and love today. In the century since, this vacuum bottle has evolved from concept to icon, and has become an essential part of workdays, road trips, and outdoor adventures. In addition to drinkware, Stanley also creates food storage, camp cookware, coolers and jugs.
5 ways to support Outdoor Afro starting GivingTuesday
November signals a time to restock personal nature spaces and refocus future ambitions as the winter months and the new year approaches. The month also gravitates to giving. Following Thanksgiving is GivingTuesday held Nov. 29, 2022. The global generosity movement will kick off end-of-year giving for national not-for-profit organization Outdoor Afro to close out the year.
“Because of our supporters, we get to be first responders to engage and lift up local connections in nature around the country,” said Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “These contributions also allow us to help more people take better care of our community and planet joyously while creating unforgettable, equitable fun and access to Black joy and healing in nature.” Year-round programs and projects supporters and the general public may not know their contributions actually help uplift within the network and throughout the United States:
OUTDOOR AFRO LEADERSHIP TRAINING: This annual training guides the newest class of volunteer leaders through best practices for navigating and leading in nature. Nicknamed “OALT,” the weekend experience held in April equips a select group of volunteers from across the country with the essential outdoor skills needed to return to their hometowns and guide their local communities outside sustainably and safely. To date, Outdoor Afro includes more than 100 volunteer leaders who represent the network’s four regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES: Once OALT completes, volunteer leaders develop, host, and lead local activities in their local to regional communities. Activities can cover anything from neighborhood historical walks and cultural park bird watching to biking, hiking, gardening, skiing, fishing, swimming, geocaching, nature journaling, and kayaking. Volunteers often gauge and offer activities that any age group would enjoy pursuing in nature. Volunteers hold more than 1,200 in-person and online events each year.
PADDLE CAMP: Held in August each year, this seven-day summer camp introduces volunteer leaders (10 canoers and 10 kayakers) to effective paddling techniques, safety on the water, and wilderness first aid training to apply through their individual networks. In collaboration with boating and fishing equipment brand Northwest River Supplies, the camp helps strengthen volunteers’ canoeing and kayaking knowledge, and navigation of various waterways. Paddle Camp also prepares volunteers for certification through the American Canoe Association. Outdoor Afro now includes 26 volunteer leaders who are certified canoe or kayak instructors.
MAKING WAVES: The program formed in response to the alarming number of Black children who drown today tied to the historic prohibition of Black access to public swimming pools and beaches. Since 2019, Outdoor Afro’s goal has been to teach every Black child and their caregiver in its sphere of influence learn how to swim. Currently, the network provides Swimmerships™ (swim lesson scholarships). At 357 Swimmerships™ completed, the program continues to grow support from brands like global footwear KEEN to bring awareness and stronger connections to water.
JUNETEENTH: Because media created this flawed narrative of Juneteenth being a “celebration” to the end of U.S. slavery, Outdoor Afro educates the public about the reality of the situation. June 19, 1865, is the date when 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation (signed Jan. 1, 1863) went into effect. The network corrects this oftentimes “celebratory” story by rephrasing the day as a “commemoration.” To honor those who were denied 2.5 years of freedom, Outdoor Afro encourages partners, communities, and networks to spend 2.5 hours in nature, reflecting on what freedom means to them.
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ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
How Outdoor Afro got much-needed 'Sun Outdoors' 2022
State-of-the-art nature experiences are what Sun Outdoors brings to the picnic table for staycations, vacations, and even “bae”cations. A leader in the outdoor hospitality world, Sun Outdoor offers more than 175 campgrounds and resorts across the United States and Canada. During Outdoor Afro’s annual Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT) held in Granby, Colorado, in April 2022, network staff and volunteer leaders received a rare opportunity to spend three days at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. Waking up each morning to movie-like sunrises, TikTok-worthy trails, snow capped mountain views, and National Geographic wildlife.
Like OALT 2022, this new partnership with Sun Outdoors shared with Outdoor Afro the luxury RV and glamping possibilities. What transformative moments can look like for local networks to recreate outdoor recreation across the network’s four regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The leadership training alone showed the network how Sun Outdoors locations can redesign into spaces for panel discussions, hands-on workshops, nature exploration activities, and places of rest and healing. What distinguished Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains from previous network training sites: its ample accommodations to manage extreme weather.
The site’s cozy vacation rentals and tent options allowed Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders to practice their wilderness survival skills while ensuring safety under snow storm conditions. This particular location featured prairie schooners and Airstream trailers equipped with modern conveniences for beginner to veteran outdoor enthusiasts. Additional outdoor housing choices the network can explore on future training trips. And do know Rocky Mountains is just one of many interpretations of what Sun Outdoors has to offer in outdoor travel fun. Other destinations for campers, glampers, and those somewhere in between:
Sun Outdoors Coos Bay in Coos Bay, Oregon, comes with never-want-to-leave-here outlooks of the Pacific Ocean. Literally camp by the ocean or cozy up in a Seaside Shanty vacation rental. And for travelers wanting more vacation rental space, Oceanside includes premium cottages to still capture the sights and sounds of the waypoint. Sightseers will appreciate resort amenities such as nearby state parks, wineries, and museums.
Sun Outdoors Myrtle Beach in Conway, South Carolina, is a Southern region camper's delight. This property sits near Atlantic Coast vacay community Myrtle Beach, which means instant access to the area’s water park, miniature golf course, low country dining, a video game plaza, and cabana-vibe poolside leisure time. Southern charm meets campsite vistas, this location speaks to cottage life fused with Deep South customs and old-fashioned fun.
Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay lives in Chula Vista, California – dubbed “The Lemon Capital” for its sundry of citrus trees. It’s also laden with nature parks and beaches. Therefore, San Diego Bay is all about creating bayfront memories in nature. This fairly new resort in Southern California furnishes RV sites and some of the coziest, open-air cottage rentals. Fresh Mexican and SoCal cuisine are just steps away. To deep dive into local marine life, the Living Coast Discovery Center and waterfront park are in the vicinity as well.
El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara County, California, holds the birthplace title to "glamping." That said, El Capitan is the nature station to indulge outdoor living in the state's central coast. Post up in cedar cabins, safari tents, or adventure yurts surrounded by historic oak and sycamore trees. Soak in the sun on top of rippling mountains that overlook the Pacific Ocean. More activities to check off: dining, wine tasting, hiking, llama farm touring, swimming, and listening to live concert music.
Sun Outdoors Frontier Town revisits the Old West from Berlin, Maryland. Snuggled on the scenic shores of inland waterway Sinepuxent Bay, the resort is lined with rustic tents and covered wagons. The Mid-Atlantic scene replicates an 1880s country Western town. Once settled into the RV site, explore farm-inspired shops, cowhand saloons, and iconic American fare.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
ABOUT SUN OUTDOORS: Sun Outdoors is a leader in outdoor hospitality and committed to its mission of offering guests exceptional and transformative outdoor experiences. With over 175 locations across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, Sun Outdoors offers guests several ways to stay: from RV sites to vacation rentals, from tent camping to glamping, whether they stay for a weekend, season or longer. Visit sunoutdoors.com to learn more. Sun Outdoors is a division of Sun Communities Inc., a publicly traded company which, as of September 30, 2021, owns, operates and has an interest in 584 developed manufactured home, RV and marina properties comprising over 155,900 developed sites and nearly 44,900 wet slips and dry storage spaces in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Sun Communities is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: SUI. suncommunities.com.
Why Smartwool + Outdoor Afro are a model partnership pair
Network partner Smartwool designs and produces Merino wool socks and accessories to help fuel a life lived outside. But its mission doesn’t stop there. From inclusivity and diversity to sustainability and advocacy, Smartwool uses its brand values to navigate the outdoor industry, curating products and a community to create a more accessible outdoors for everyone.
Recently, Outdoor Afro collaborated with Smartwool on a second hiking sock for the network's 2022 Juneteenth commemoration — designed by volunteer leader and artist Leandra Taylor to represent Black joy, healing, and unity in nature. The Outdoor Afro Hike Light Cushion Print Crew Socks became a colorful option for outdoor enthusiasts to fashion and wear while exploring their backyard versions of land, water, and wildlife. “I wanted to be intentional about what this sock represents,” said Taylor. “It’s universal. Different versions of Blackness to identify with because we’re not a monolith – even in our outdoor experiences.”
Taylor also created Outdoor Afro’s 2020 “Slice of Nature” socks to illustrate the network’s love for the outdoors despite entering COVID times. That Smartwool performance hike sock emphasized joy and community in the outdoors while standing together to protect local areas and wild places – even while quarantining. “The new print crew sock involved more than the patterns I typically create,” Taylor said. “The faces flow and wrap around the foot, showing every angle of our Black beauty.”
To get more people outside, Smartwool has focused on creating new fit blocks so communities can experience the comfort and natural performance of Merino wool. Fall 2022, it's proud to release the new unisex collection for everyday wear and women’s plus sizes in fan-favorite classic thermal base layer. Just the start to the brand's journey, offering more sizes and fit options. Natural fiber Merinio wool dominates Smartwool’s catalogue because of the inherent temperature control, sweat management, and odor resistance.
When additional materials are needed for durability and quicker dry times, Smartwool uses recycled materials whenever possible. And that’s not the only way our partner is putting the planet first. Smartwool launched the Second Cut™ Project on Earth Day 2021 — the outdoor industry’s first sock recycling platform. To date, Smartwool has collected 525,000-plus socks and diverted more than 42,000 pounds of usable materials from landfills to use in future products.
The Second Cut™ Project is a major step toward Smartwool's goal of 100 percent of its products designed for circularity. With its “go far. feel good.™” motto, the sock expert doesn’t care who you are. As long as you’re getting out that door. And Outdoor Afro knows personally the brand is dedicated to supporting communities every step of the way. For years now, Smartwool has helped Outdoor Afro amplify and celebrate Black voices in nature.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT SMARTWOOL: Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, please visit Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.
