Outdoor Afro’s mountain adventure in Moab sporting these fly sock designs by Smartwool
Ten Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders from across the United States swooped into Moab, Utah, during September to add new skill-building experiences to their monthly network activities happening across local communities. “We got to know Moab and its offerings so well,” said Mardi Fuller, a four-year volunteer leader who guides Outdoor Afro’s local Boston network. “After the February 2021 skiing Capstone, I felt equipped and empowered to implement annual ski programs into my network. This desert Capstone has me dreaming about mountain biking and e-biking events.” As one of the national not-for-profit organization’s annual professional development opportunities, this year’s Moab Capstone in Southeastern Utah traveled to Arches National Park and other nearby nature attractions.
Outdoor adventure coach Shawn Brokemond of Sports Adventure led the capstone. She introduced volunteer leaders to some of the region’s most popular outdoor activities: canyoneering, mountain biking, packrafting, and stargazing. “It was super helpful to observe Shawn's leadership and teaching style – as well as all of the guides we worked with,” said Fuller. “I will incorporate these learnings into my general leadership practice. As one of my fellow volunteer leaders said repeatedly: ‘I'm here to learn and be led.’ It's a rare opportunity for us to receive rather than plan, coordinate, and lead. It truly gave me ideas, perspective, and reminders of what it feels like to be a participant.”
Outdoor Afro brand partner Smartwool joined the fun, providing volunteer leaders with the proper foot protection for every educational and recreational step. “The benefits of a good wool sock cannot be understated,” said Michael Casarrubia, marketing manager, community and partnerships, with Smartwool. “Our socks naturally wick moisture away from the body, helping regulate body temperature, resist smelly odors, are soft to the touch, and are essential equipment when heading into nature.”
Since 2020, Outdoor Afro and Smartwool have found common ground in community, sustainability, belonging, and the outdoors. Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Smartwool provides comfortable, capable gear that empowers outdoor enthusiasts and athletes to go far while feeling good along the way. Together, both make a classic pair in what a genuine partnership in nature looks and feels like. Continuing its shared mission to make the outdoors easily accessible, Smartwool lives for sustainability efforts. Designating the apparel brand as a natural collaborator and supporter of Outdoor Afro’s Volunteer Leader Program.
“The socks were extremely durable and provided comfort in the various Capstone events,” said Jimmy Allen, who leads the South’s Charlotte network. “It’s definitely my go-to sock for all future network activities.” In addition to annual Capstone experiences, Outdoor Afro’s selected and trained volunteer leaders guide their hometowns in year-round network activities. More than 100 volunteer leaders host innovative interpretations of fishing, biking, foraging, backpacking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, gardening, skiing, and more. Customized network events inspired and driven by community interests.
Annually, network participants in neighborhoods nationwide frequently ask: What is the best gear and equipment to invest in for their next Outdoor Afro adventure? Knowing what’s safe, sustainable, and comfortable is a request volunteer leaders often receive while guiding network experiences throughout U.S. communities. Exactly why Smartwool is Outdoor Afro’s top recommendation in foot protection and base layer support. Since 1999, the apparel brand has redesigned its base layers to provide all-day comfort and outdoor performance. “OMG! I have never worn a pair of Smartwool socks, but they were so awesome,” said Frances James of Outdoor Afro’s Bay Area and Northern California network, who received several compliments for her mushroom, campfire, and hatchet sock designs. “I wore them two days in a row. These socks fit me like a glove, providing a ton of support and padding while mountain biking, e-biking, and 4x4ing.”
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, apparel, and accessories 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, visit Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.
10,000 Steps to Denali, Temescal Hike, and National Outdoors Day!
It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Los Angeles Leader. This Saturday June 8th we had a Temescal Canyon Hike planned in the Santa Monica Mountains to support the first African American group to hike Denali. So our hike was in support of the 10,000 steps to Denali trek. Our hike also coincided with National Outdoors Day.
We started our day at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook where there were activities planned for the kids. They had camping gear set up to show how to set up a camp.
Along with camping gear lessons they also allowed children (and big kids like myself) to create buttons and bookmarks to show their support of 10,000 steps to Denali.
From BHSO, we met up with another group of teens from Watts and Compton inner city program who have had little exposure to the outdoors. We were paired with them through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory to encourage them to get outdoors more. Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory provided a bus and an amazing guide Anthony to take us on our hike and explore the canyon.
We got to Temescal and had a quick snack on the lawn, took a photo with both groups and paired off into two different groups to meet at the waterfall. There were so many of us we didn't want to overwhelm the trail.
On our way up we saw caterpillars, lizards, a garden snake and a red-tailed hawk. In true LA fashion we also saw a film crew filming a movie, haha. When we reached the top we sat for a bit and let the kids play around the waterfall which was dry. Anthony explained we're in a dry season. We had to watch out for poison oak. Quick tip: if its three let it be. If you see leaves in clusters of three leave them alone.
Many thanks to Kleen Kanteen and REI for keeping us hydrated. Thank you REI for keeping me warm and to Keen shoes for making my hike comfy. I also want to acknowledge Clif Bars for snack bars for the kiddos. We had an amazing time. Looking forward to many more collaborations with Santa Monica Conservatory, your rangers are amazing and knowledgeable. Thank you Anthony and Iann the volunteer.
Oh yes on our way down the canyon we came to a beautiful open field and my sister and the kids decided to jump and play.
