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Letting Go and Letting Camp

 

Because even seasoned moms like me experience the tension and challenges of getting kids outdoors in a world filled with so many concerns and reasons to be afraid.

Most of you all know I have children - three of them. And each has been involved with some form of camping since they were barely out of my womb. But today marked the last time for a different kind of nature milestone: I sent my third and youngest child Billy to camp on his own for the first time for five whole days!

Starting in the 4^th grade at my son’s elementary school, they attend camp with their classmates along with youth from two other schools matched to enhance class and racial diversity. A goal of this particular program is to foster greater empathy and cultural capacity for kids, and help them be better problem solvers in the context of a beautiful nature setting.
Last year, Billy’s older sister went to the same camp, and years ago at the tender age of eight, my teenage son attended our city’s youth camp - both on their own and with positive results.  So I felt like an old hand at this, and was not at all bothered that I missed the parent information night for the trip, thinking, “I got this!”

The night before, Billy took responsibility for his packing list, and organized his bag as I sat from afar dispensing occasional advice. I giggled at the admonition on the camp list not to bring “pagers, Walkmans and radios” as Billy wondered aloud exactly what those items were!
I enjoy driving on field trips as it provides the rare glimpse into the social lives of my children and a pulse on what is most meaningful to them. With three 9-year-old boys in my truck this morning, I was tickled by how the conversation drifted from Calvin and Hobbs to the newest online game sensation to how gross udders are after the boys spotted a swollen milking cow on a farm we passed. Once we hit the oak lined hills of Napa, my son requested I play a favorite Carolina Chocolate Drops track so he could impress his classmates with how well he knew the lyrics, and in no time they were all singing the song together. It was a happy drive, and I was filled with the pride and satisfaction to practice the advice of sending kids to camp, a message I frequently share with others.

After an hour and a half, we arrived at the camp as a small caravan of parent drivers, and were greeted by enthusiastic camp staff. In a matter of minutes, the kids waved goodbye and headed together down the path toward the lodge. But before out of sight, Billy pulled away from the group, ran back, and circled his arms around my waist with his chipper, “Bye mom, I love you!”  Then he skipped off to join the others with his big boy pants belted on.

For a moment, we parents just stood there, looking and feeling awkward by how such a giant milestone felt oddly uneventful. Then I was surprised by the emotions that turned on as I walked to my car. I felt sad and worried; my nose began to tingle in the familiar way it can before tears flow.  I stopped myself, but not before realizing that while I may be an outdoor badass, conservationist, and a lifelong champion of nature engagement, I am first a protective mama who is not immune to the tension and challenges of getting kids outdoors in a world filled with so many concerns and reasons to be afraid.
I also recognized that this was truly the last time I would experience this landmark with one of my children, each growing up so terribly fast. Part of me wanted to savor the pure sweetness of that moment, just a bit longer than was allowed.
As I pulled away from the driveway, I yelled out my window to Ms. Susan, his teacher, “Good Luck!” to which she deftly replied with a smile, “you don’t need luck when you have skills!” which snapped me back into confidence, knowing all would be well, and feeling grateful for Billy’s memorable opportunity and gateway into a lifetime of nature engagement.
For information about how parents can prepare to send kids to camp, visit the American Camp Association’s Camp Parents site:  http://www.campparents.org/

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by OutdoorAfro

Outdoor Afro is Buggin': A New Series To Demystify Bugs!

Yep, you heard us right. We are going to talk about bugs! If you have been following us, you know we are smitten by birds, and knowing birds love bugs, how could we not get interested in what they are about?

As my friend Clay of Swarovski Optik says, "Learning about birds gives you reason to learn more about the world that the bird lives in - types of trees they nest in, insects that they eat, habitats that they frequent. This leads you to learn the butterflies, dragonflies, plants, windflowers, etc..., that tie all these threads together. When you reach that point, you are never bored when you are walking in the woods."
But we also want to demystify bugs, and recognize their place in the ecosystem that we share with them. Yes, bugs can be creepy, slimy, and scary - they can bite, pinch, crawl, and sometimes make you run for the hills - or for your shoe! Yet they can also predate nuisances, help produce the sweetest of honeys, and have a hand in helping delicious fruits, vegetables, and flowers thrive. Right now insects account for 80% of all known species in the animal kingdom. Right now there are more than 1 million described species, but some scientists estimate there may be more than 30 million insect species. The fact is, bugs live with us, and we need them. And the better we can become educated about them, the more we can know and appreciate the world that sustains us all.

So please join me in welcoming Eddie Dunbar, our new resident Bug Bro. As a native of Oakland California, he has devoted his life to engaging citizen scientists in the Bay Area, California and the world to find ways to contribute to the science of entomology in ways that are meaningful to them and to celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Eddie’s own failures to complete a science degree and to participate with academicians in the sciences are why he struggles to involve others to perceive the study of insects as an art – one that finds its best expression in our own life experiences with our neighbor, the Insect, and in the personal recounts by Afros and others that result in blog posts and dramatic photography seen all over the Web.
Eddie is Founder and President of the Insect Sciences Museum of California, based in Oakland, CA. Here, he has found his life calling.

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by OutdoorAfro

Junior Outdoor Afro Leaders Get Their Research On!

Les Franklin, a member of the Junior Outdoor Afro Youth Leadership Team (JOALT) and student at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, was the official recorder for a team conducting a survey of colonial nesting waterbirds, today. Hundreds of herons, egrets, and ibis tending to nests, eggs, and chicks...the island was buzzing with wildlife activity!
The JOALT is a pilot of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team for youth, in partnership with the Maryland Coastal Bays program designed to connect leadership, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and career pathways for high school students.

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by OutdoorAfro

Camping With Kids? There is a Method to the Madness!

Planning a family camping trip Memorial Day weekend?

Here is some wonderful wisdom from USDA Forest Service Education Program Specialist, Mason "Amtchat" Edwards - originally posted on the U.S. Forest Service site
As an environmental educator, I’ve taken tons of kids outside for fun and educational experiences in the woods. Now, I am looking forward taking my own son out for his first discoveries and to create memories we’ll share for years to come. Since some of my friends have asked me for pointers on taking their kids camping, I figured I would share this with you too. I hope it helps. Plus, National Kids to Parks Day, is May 18. What better way to help children explore nature.
First and foremost is to involve the kids in the planning stages. Gauge what they are most excited about seeing or doing – is it waterfalls or caves, searching deep in the forest for bugs or looking for larger animals like eagles or moose– the possibilities are endless. The things they are excited about can be used to reinforce behaviors like following instructions or being open to trying new things.
Plan a trip that is the right size for everyone. Sure, I can easily cover 10 miles in a day, but the little guy probably wouldn't enjoy or couldn't handle that pace. Go based on your youngest person’s abilities, or even consider options for carrying them at times. There is no one size fits all, so tailor your trip to fit your family.
Be aware of your own expectations. I want my son to enjoy nature and camping as much as I do, so instead of the speed of the hike I will be sure to note things like smiles-per-hour. Who cares how long it takes us to get to the waterfall? After all, it’s our vacation time to spend together. I’ll encourage him to stop, explore and even teach me about the new things he notices.
I work in one of the best units in the Forest Service, and my son has become a de-facto marketing tool for Conservation Education. He is well-versed in the fun stuff, such as Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl.  Those also lead him to becoming a miniature expert in Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. He has been studying the Leave No Trace Principles for Kids, a much simpler form of the longer version for adults. We create thoughtful and sometimes hilarious skits of what happens if people don’t follow the ethics. I can trust that he will treat other people, animals and natural resources with respect.
Make use of Discover the Forest, a Forest Service partnership with the Ad Council. We use the Where to go section to find nature places near our home and have been taking hikes and journaling what we find. We’re excited to compare those journals to the things we see on our actual camping trip. He might not realize it, but while he’s exploring, I’m grooming him for longer and longer hikes, and he’s taking it all in stride.
Practice as a game. After discussing our habitat needs – food, water and shelter – we packed a bag accordingly. Although we were at home, for 24 hours, we only used things that were in that practice bag. If the weather is nice, consider camping in the backyard for a more realistic effect.
Food. Practice sessions taught us that simple is best. We’ve figured out that sandwiches are easy to make and pack, so have been in several of our practice bags. Don’t fret about dinner: Sloppy Joes are easy, and I smile about anything that only uses one pot to make. Packing burrito wrappers has been a big hit. They transform into hand-help packages of yumminess… for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We decided that each person will carry their own clothes, with layers appropriate for the weather. The tent, grooming and first aid live in my pack, while the flashlights, snacks and toys live in his smaller backpack – the same pack he takes to school. Other things in our bags include: area and hand cleaning supplies.
We decided to leave things like guitars, board games and most electronics at home, but we will bring a deck of cards and use my cell phone for its camera and options of geocaching, night sky maps and the bird identification apps available. That little forethought transformed my smart phone into a mobile classroom.
After all this exercise and fun, it should be easy to get him to sleep. Still, take this piece of advice: if serving s’mores, do it early because 6p.m. gives them enough time to burn off the sugar-rush before the sun goes down… which begs the question, “where did I put those sleeping bags?”
Happy Camping!

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by OutdoorAfro

From Lands End to Golden Gate: Discovering African American History on San Francisco's Coast!

by Zoë Polk

“I am a walker. Walked most of the major seaport cities of this country…. my favorite has always been and will be the city of St. Francis, San Francisco… To walk around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park at seven o’clock on a cool, windy morning, with that fog rolling in from the ocean to smell the eucalyptus and the pine, not even your best wine is more intoxicant. Take Kennedy Drive to the Great Highway, stroll along Ocean Beach from the Cliff House to the zoo and back- that is a blessing for any man who loves land, wind and sea. There are so many wonderful places to walk here in this great city, should I stand here all day I could not name half of them.”   Ernest J. Gaines, African American writer, excerpted from Black California

LEAVING FROM BAKER BEACH, we were making our way up a long stretch of stairs which would lead us to our first close up view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Slightly breathless as I climbed, I turned around to check on the 25 Outdoor Afro’s who’d joined me on this invigorating adventure. Many were close behind me, keeping a steady pace as they climbed.

Then I scanned further back on the trail and saw one Outdoor Afro, racing to catch up.
“No need to rush!,” I called. “We’ll wait for you!”
“Don’t worry,“ she yelled back, “I’m not running for you, I’m running for me!”
The group responded with a loud cheer and encouraging applause as our trail runner joined us at the peak. This was a telling moment of the fellowship, physicality and mood of Outdoor Afro’s coastal hike, from Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sutro Baths has always been one of my favorite places to take friends and family visiting from out of town. I love the way the ocean crashes against the rocks and ruins of the baths. I love seeing the wildlife including  seals, pelicans and seagulls. I also love exploring the cave like tunnel beside the ruins and listening the loud roar of the ocean as the waves crash against the rocks.  The Outdoor Afros who joined me on May 10 renewed my love for this space as I witnessed their delight and appreciation at the same unique things that I love about this historic site .
That Saturday, I revisited the Sutro Baths with new friends and also had my own new experiences. When we began the hike at the new Lands End Visitor Center, I led a discussion about African American history that is sometimes left out of information placards and park brochures. I encouraged all hikers to read the placards and think about the time periods that they describe. What was happening in African American history during this time? How does contemplating  historical African Americans in nature enhance our learning experience in public parks?

With that lead in, we talked about John Harris,  an African American San Franciscan who tried to enter the Sutro Baths on July 4, 1897. Mr. Harris was denied use of the baths because  he was black and thus, he filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court. Harris subsequently won $100 in damages in what was one of the first test cases for African American civil rights in California.
With that history in our hearts and tasty Clif Bars in our bellies,  we set off  on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's (GGNRA) Coastal Trail at Lands End.
Despite the San Francisco fog, we enjoyed beautiful ocean views and a cool climate. Outdoor Afros commented on the refreshing smell of the pacific ocean and eucalyptus trees, so aptly described by author Ernest J. Gaines. Some of us were treated to the site of dolphins  cresting in the ocean.  In addition, Outdoor Afro Leader and resident birder, Clay Anderson, invited everyone to look above for seagulls and jays and listen closely for their songs.
Along the way, we learned about the Bay’s treacherous history for seamen in the early twentieth century. The GGNRA placards told the story of the numerous shipwrecks that happened barely a mile from where we were hiking.   While he was not mentioned in the park placard, visualizing giant old ships in the bay brought the memory of Captain William T. Shorey to my mind. Many Outdoor Afros were surprised to learn that Captain Shorey was a skilled African American captain and navigator who lead whaling expeditions from San Francisco during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Known as the “Black Ahab,” Captain Shorey was one of many nautical Outdoor Afros of that time, as the whaling business was the  largest employer of African American seamen on the west coast until it ended in WWI.

From there, we made our way to Baker Beach for lunch, all the while noticing that the GGNRA placards covered a time period from 1900-1925. This facilitated a discussion of a very significant event of African American history: the Great Migration.  Hikers conversed about the Great Migration and its influence on African American life and culture in the bay area. Many of us talked about our own grandparents’ and parents journeys from the Jim Crow South to the West.  We continued this conversation during lunch as we rested up for the final ascent from the ocean to the cliffs of the Batteries to Bluffs Trail.

In our final discussion of the African American history around us that day, we talked about the Buffalo Soldiers’ history in the Presidio. Stationed there in 1902, these African American soldiers were some of the first park rangers of the Presidio, Yosemite,  Kings Canyon National Parks and many of the parks that we love.  Thinking about them under this light was a good reminder of the vital role African Americans have played and continue to play in conservation of our beautiful and wild  natural spaces.
After a joyous ascent to the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point, we paused for a final group shot. While the fog did not lift in time for our requisite group photo in front of the Golden Gate Bridge,  I think everyone of us felt uplifted in our spirits.
Overall,  it was an amazing day and I’m so grateful for the wonderful Outdoor Afros who took part in this adventure!

Interested in trying this hike yourself? Check our hiking route and let us know how you enjoy it:
• Start at Sutro Baths/Lands End Visitor enter Parking Lot
• Walk down the stairs to Sutro Baths
• Go up Sutro Baths Upper Trail
• Take a LEFT on Lands End Trail/Coastal Trail
• Exit onto Lincoln Hwy/El Camino Del Mar and turn LEFT
• Turn LEFT on Sea Cliff Ave and then LEFT on 25th Avenue
• LUNCH AT BAKER BEACH
• Take the path past the Battery up to Lincoln Blvd
• Take a LEFT on Batteries to Bluffs Trail
• Walk under Golden Gate Bridge
• End at Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

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by OutdoorAfro

Outdoor Afros Take on Biggest Week!

Birding is for everyone - Really!

I left Ohio today, exhilarated after taking in a weekend of non-stop nature with friends old and new to kick off the annual Biggest Week in American Birding in Northwest Ohio, sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. The festival boardwalk bordering Lake Erie, is a place where the most unusual migratory bird species land to rest before continuing their journey northward across the Great Lake. This year's festival theme is "Birding for Everyone", to help more people engage with an activity that supports both personal enjoyment and conservation.
Bird species observed at the event provide an opportunity for the experienced birder and novice to see something new and exciting, like this rare Worm Eating Warbler here - taken by Swarovski Optik's Clay Taylor, who used a STX 85 spotting scope, and adapter for his camera to capture awesome bird images from several feet away.
Why bird?
People enter birding for many reasons. For some, birds are an easy expression of nature's complex beauty, or a metaphor for how one might soar without boundaries. My new friend Paul Riss-- of Punk Rock Big Year calls birds a "gateway drug" to nature, reflecting on his own early birding experiences that generated a lifetime passion for the outdoors. For others, such as LeShon Gray, birding is simply a way to de-stress and enjoy a spiritual connection with creation. Simply put, bird observation can lead to a greater awareness of everything else in nature that connects directly with the quality of life for all.

A signature bird for of the festival - a Blackburnian, by Clay Taylor

Over the weekend, I especially enjoyed the chance to connect with many cool folks while birding. I was quite delighted to discover many already aware or plugged in to Outdoor Afro. And like my previous birding experiences, I made new friends, while connecting with folks I had not seen in years. I got a kick out of meeting Douglas "Birdman" Gray for the first time in person, who has actually contributed many early Outdoor Afro blogs, and professor J. Drew Lanham, a key leader, writer, and mentor in the work of diversity and conservation.

My Swaro-Cabin buddy Sharon Stiteler - the Birdchick, delivered on well-timed humor and a healthy dose of bird knowledge. She and I, along with actress and birder Lili Taylor were an easy, and chatty birding trio that spent some time capturing on film the cheeky fun of looking for specific bird species - more to come about that!
Another highlight was helping judge a bird tattoo contest, where contestants were judged on accuracy, creativity, coverage - and pain! Here is our winner pictured below.

"Birding for Everyone"
What struck me most about this event, was its deliberate focus on conservation messaging and diversity to engage more people and perspectives that help broaden the understanding of how all human actions have an impact in the natural world. Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director of BSBO and organizer of the event, spent some time with me one evening, sharing how much relevant engagement through birding meant to her personally. Her efforts and authenticity showed up in every aspect of the program that includes new narratives, images, and conversation about the variety of people who love birds, not often visible and associated with the activity.

Outdoor Afro is grateful for the support of new partner Sworovski Optik, the Birdchick, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, and Kimberly and Kenn Kaufman, for providing the generous support and visibility of Outdoor Afro at this signature event for North American birding. I am so happy to have participated in an effort to connect all people to nature -- and the possibility of a Big Life for everyone!
Follow #biggestweek on our Twitter for a round-up of activities, links to new friends, and more photos all week long!
 

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by OutdoorAfro

Afros Hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail in North Carolina

On a recent, misty afternoon, Outdoor Afros gathered at the Falls Lake Dam Visitor Assistance Center between North Raleigh and Wake Forest, North Carolina, to walk along a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail. This trail runs from the Great Smokey National Park in the western part of the state to the Outer Banks on the Atlantic Ocean.
The OA Banner hung on the car made it very easy for folks to see that they had arrived at the correct location.

The weather was on the cloudy side, but once we were under the canopy of the trees, it was impossible to tell whether or not it was actually raining. The evidence of spring was everywhere. We heard Cardinals and Robins and a variety of woodland birds and saw a Great Blue Heron flying over the lake.

About half way into the hike we stopped for a rest, a snack and a moment to just sit and enjoy the nature around us.

We also saw a number of cairns and noticed some interesting tree growth along a creek bed.
      
We ended our hike back at the Visitors center and the ranger came out to take our photo.   Members referred to the hike as “refreshing,” “renewing,” and “relaxing.”

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by OutdoorAfro

They Came, They Trained: A Game Changing Outdoor Afro Weekend

What happens when you bring together outdoor retail giants, a major conservation non-profit in the US, researchers from top universities, a prominent DC advocate, a National Park ranger, a group of 13 African Americans with fire in their hearts for nature, crowd funding, volunteers  -- and me, a social entrepreneur from Oakland, California...

The Outdoor Afro Leadership Team training weekend!

Even though it has been well over a week, I am still feeling the high of gratitude and moments where I ask myself did that really happen? Did such a diverse group of people and orgs come together to help redefine what relevant national outdoor training and engagement is all about? Yup, it happened, and we changed the game!

 

 Here's the skinny:
The Outdoor Afro Leadership team training took place in beautiful Precious Forest, located above Clear Lake in Northern California. The training was designed to build greater capacity for leaders, and instill values that make Outdoor Afro events and leadership distinctive and relevant.

What made the weekend so on-point, was all the amazing, diverse leaders who were selected from a generous pool of applicants hailing from all over the U.S. For me, the training felt like a gathering of kindred friends old and new, who all passionately embraced a calling to help more people connect to nature. In spite of cross-country flights and long car rides, each member of the OALT arrived in great spirits that remained high and positive throughout the weekend.

As a group, the leaders took an active part in courses such as risk management by REI, trip planning by the Sierra Club, birding sponsored by Swarovski Optik’s Sharon Stiteler and Kaufman Field Guides; the interpretive wisdom of a National Park ranger, and we heard the compelling case for the ecologically sound practice of avoiding single use products by Klean Kanteen.  Overall, I still can’t get over how the partners so generously showed up, showed out, and were even spotted pitching in busting suds. (You know who you are!)

At night, we gathered around the fire and engaged in discussions about the academic framework and historical narratives about diverse engagement by Dr. Carolyn Finney of Berkeley, and Dr. Nina Roberts of San Francisco State. We heard from the fabulous Danielle Moody Mills from Washington DC, who helped leaders find their voice in advocacy to effectively share our mission.
Another huge hit was our own version of Christmas in April with the KEEN mobile that came through with generous shoe booty for everyone! Woot!

In spite of such dense content and excitement that filled each day and evening, after the evening fire died down, even more spirited discussions kicked off in the lodge that surfaced the diverse critical thinking and social engagement that make the OALT such a special group of human beings.
Finally on Sunday, we pulled out of Precious Forest by caravan through a stunning wine country afternoon. We carried with us the pride of purpose, community, and the chance to share nature to change lives – and the world.

My deepest thanks remain for all the hard work and coordination. For our partners, donors, and volunteers, and all the amazing ways they each contributed to our shared success!
Still pinching myself…
 Photo Credits: Teresa Baker, Nkrumah Frasier, Myrian Solis Coronel

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by OutdoorAfro

Introducing the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team for 2013!

Introducing the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team for 2013!

A human rights attorney in San Francisco, a mom in Memphis, and an accountant from Chicago have something important in common...

They are a part of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team to reconnect African Americans in their community back to nature! A total of 13 individuals were hand-picked out of a generous pool of applicants from around the United States to join the team. This 2013 class represents a variety of backgrounds, outdoor expertise, and key urban centers from around the country. Continuing the success of the previous pilot year, each leader is tasked to help expand the national Outdoor Afro network by leading trips, sharing experiences via social media, and forging partnerships with relevant outdoor organizations and groups.
Think: nature ambassadors.

 

 

 

The 2013 Leaders:

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by OutdoorAfro